LA CAUSA LAUNCHES $600,000 CRISIS NURSERY & RESPITE CENTER CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Tuesday, January 5, 2011 – La Causa, Inc. has launched a capital campaign for its Crisis Nursery and Respite Center, announcing an overall target of $600,000. The Campaign will raise funds to build a new facility and create an endowment fund for operational needs.

Truly unique to Milwaukee, the Crisis Nursery and Respite Center (CNRC) is a 24- hour, 365 days a year, free emergency shelter for children. It is designed to prevent child abuse and neglect, by providing a safe haven for innocent children, keeping them out of harm’s way during times of emergency/crisis.  For 20 years, the CNRC has acted as a last line of defense for children in vulnerable, often dangerous, situations.  “Crises happen and not everyone has the support of family and friends to provide a helping hand.  When parents have no other place to turn to, we are here to ensure children have a safe place to eat, learn, play, and sleep” said La Causa’s president and CEO, George Torres. 

La Causa began soliciting support for the campaign in September of 2010. Since that time, nearly a third of the funds, $176,000 have been raised in donations from community members, corporations, employees, and families. “This new facility will be built at the present location on the near south side of Milwaukee which provides us with an advantage for keeping costs low while focusing on the end result, an investment for children to live happy, healthier lives remaining free of abuse and neglect “ said Roy Cook, co-chair of the campaign.

Facility expansions include:

High efficiency facility to reduce operating cost

Increased capacity for up to 15 children

Accommodations for physically disabled children

Expanded and much needed space for overall care

Parking and security system

Endowment Fund

The Crisis Nursery and Respite Center serves all children as young as a newborn to 12 years old free of charge. Last year, La Causa’s Crisis Nursery and Respite Center provided $367,000 in care to more than 300 families and over 700 children. Projections for the operation of this program in 2011 are $376,000.

Leading the campaign is:

Co-Chair Roy Cook, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners

Co-Chair James Kalland, RBC Wealth Management

Co- Chair Marge Beil, Consultant

Nedda Avila, La Causa Board Member

George A. Torres, La Causa

Gigi Gamboa, La Causa

For more information about La Causa’s Crisis Nursery and Respite Center Campaign please call 414.902.1512 or email gigig@lacausa.org.

La Causa, Inc. is one of the largest bilingual, multicultural agencies in Milwaukee, serving more than 11,000 individuals every year. Core services focus on education, child abuse prevention, and social services that provide valuable assistance to vulnerable families. Programs include a Charter School, an Early Education and Care Center, a Family Resource Center, a Crisis Nursery and Respite Center, foster care recruitment, mental health services, parenting classes, support groups and a full array of other innovative programs for people in need.

###