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Catholic PRWire

New York City (January 26, 2010) – Twenty-year-old Matthew came to Covenant House after losing everything he owned in a fire.

“After the fire I was desperate,” he says. “The Red Cross was helping everyone who lost their apartments, and they directed me to Covenant House. That was when things started to turn around in my life.”

Matthew was accepted into Covenant House New York’s “Rights of Passage” (ROP) transitional living program. He found a full-time job unloading trucks and part-time work selling concessions at local sporting events. At the same time he obtained his GED, and was recently accepted to Monroe College, where he is taking classes towards a degree in culinary arts.

Matthew is just one of the 40 young people who will be graduating this Thursday from Rights of Passage.

“ROP and Covenant House gave me the stability and structure I needed to make some important changes in my life,” says Matthew. “Without their help and their love, I have no idea where I might have ended up – most likely the streets.”

“For 24 years, Covenant House has been giving homeless kids a second chance in our ROP program,” said Jerry Kilbane, Covenant House New York Executive Director. “Since 1986 we have helped over 3,000 kids build new lives. This graduation is a celebration of the spirit and resolve of our kids.”

Rights of Passage provides a broad range of support services to homeless young adults aged 18-21. During their stay at ROP, which averages 12-18 months, residents participate in educational and vocational programs, learn independent living skills, receive counseling services, and develop a plan for permanent housing.

“The program provides career training and educational opportunities for older homeless youth while giving them a stable, secure, and supportive living environment,” says Kevin Ryan, President of Covenant House. “Thursday night’s graduation will be the culmination of a lot of work and a lot of love from staff, volunteers and Covenant House supporters.”

Covenant House provides 24/7 crisis care and on-going support for young people in need of a safe haven. Assistance can be found by simply calling the Covenant House NINELINE (1-800-999-9999) or visiting www.nineline.org. More information about Covenant House and resources for homeless youth can be found at www.covenanthouse.org.