CAPTAIN News
November is Homelessness Prevention Month and as such, I would like to bring your attention to a program that has been quietly and successfully operating in our community for the past thirteen years. CAPTAIN’s Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter, located in Malta, is the only New York State accredited facility of its kind in Saratoga County.
If you don’t think teenage homelessness is an issue in Saratoga County, I encourage you to think again. Each year, CAPTAIN provides food, shelter, clothing, needed medical attention and case management to nearly 200 kids, aged 12 - 18. The shelter itself is a clean, warm, inviting and safe environment for youngsters who find themselves in crisis and in need of guidance from professional, caring and trusted adults.
The circumstances that lead them to CAPTAIN range from runaways who have escaped a violent or abusive living situation, to youngsters who are “couch surfing” with friends and relatives because of family conflict or because their parents simply can’t afford to care for them in this grim economy. CAPTAIN’s goal is to keep these kids in school and when appropriate, reunite them with their family or help them find long-term, stable housing.
In the next few weeks, you will receive an appeal from CAPTAIN asking you to open your hearts and wallets to help keep this vital program operational. A recent dramatic cut in Federal funding threatens to hamper CAPTAIN’s ability to continue to serve this vulnerable population.
As a former high school administrator at Shenendehowa, I am only too well aware of the disastrous impact this could have on our community.
When your CAPTAIN appeal arrives, please take a few moments to read it and respond as generously as possible. All donations will be used to help displaced teens throughout Saratoga County and beyond.
You can also donate through the CAPTAIN website and LIKE US on Facebook. If you have any questions or would like to tour the youth shelter, contact CAPTAIN’s Executive Director, Sue Malinowski at 371-1185.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Claire Brown, President
CAPTAIN Board of Directors
