CALVERT CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN

The Calvert Crusade for Children (CCC) is a catalyst, advocacy, and networking organization. It focuses its energies on increasing volunteer and financial resources dedicated to programs for children and youth, and on building community awareness of youth issues. It supports efforts of many outstanding child and family organizations.

CCC is the local organization designated by the County Commissioners to spearhead General Colin L. Powell's America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth in Calvert County. America's Promise calls for families and communities to come together to give all children the support they need to succeed - the presence of responsible, caring loving adults; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start to a healthy future; marketable skills in today's highly competitive, information-based economy; and opportunities to give back to their communities.

When CCC sees unmet needs it acts. Contributions help CCC to:

1. Get news of children and families before the public. http://www.calvertkids.org/ has support from the County Commissioners and Calvert County Family Network. Features include a calendar, news articles, a directory, and discussion forums. http://www.calvertkids.org/ is organized so that users can access sections targeted to little kids, kids, teens, and families.

2. Provide training in Asset Development to organizations and individuals. Asset development is a research based, positive approach to youth developed by the Search Institute. This initiative is supported by the Calvert County Family Network.
Visit http://www.search-institute.org/ for information about Asset Development and click "contact us" below to discuss a training for you or your group.

3. Work behind the scenes to help local organizations generate additional resources for children's programs (nearly $3 million over 3 years).

4. In 2001, placed 25 AmeriCorps Members in Calvert County to serve children and families. CCC and Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee (SMTCCAC) partnered to obtain federal and state funding. The program continues through SMTCCAC.

5. Provided "Big Buddies" mentors to 4th and 5th grade children. This faith community initiative helped children in need of extra support through fun activities, caring adults, and opportunities to develop successful life skills. Steering Committee members can now provide training to other groups interested in mentoring local youth.

CCC is a United Way Agency. Its Board of Directors is comprised of Marie L. Andrews, President; Guffrie Smith, First Vice President; Hugo Blasdel, Second Vice President; Marianne Roberts, Secretary; Matthew Jones, Treasurer; Lorraine Joyner, Rosemary Keffler, Frank Krohnert, Donna Millar, Curt Moore, Linda Lee Morgan, Rita Reeves and Cheryl Yates, Board Members.

Calvert Crusade for Children
PO Box 138
St Leonard MD 20685
410-286-8300

calvertcrusade@chesapeake.net

Office at the United Way House, 530 Main Street.