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Russ: once a runaway teen now an adult inspired by CH's strong, courageous kids

Q. Why did you decide support Covenant House?

A. "When I was 16, I ran away from a nice home, and away from a family who loved me. I spent three months on the street, and I'll never forget what it was like begging for food, and not knowing where to go for help.

God smiled on me. I reconciled with my family and have gone on to make a nice living where I can afford to share some of my good fortune.
Q. What do you find unique about Covenant House's mission?

A. I visited Covenant House and was so impressed that I signed up to volunteer as well. It is so important for kids to have a safe place to go. And I can tell you the kids appreciate it. A lot of them have never had anyone in their life who cared whether they lived or died. They can't believe strangers give money to make Covenant House possible, and they are touched when people volunteer their time as well.

It sounds simple, but through all the programs and great work Covenant House does, I think the most important thing they do is let kids know there are people who care.

Q. What was the greatest reward you've experienced from giving to Covenant House.

A. If you really get to see what these kids go through, it gives you a whole different perspective on life. Too many people go through life asking, 'what's in it for me.' Helping the kids at Covenant House is, for me, a small way to make an impact and do something positive.

The odds are against these kids, and yet when they get help they can make it. I only spent a small amount of time on the street. Some of these kids come to Covenant House after being on the streets for years. And still they have the strength and courage to come in for help and work hard to turn their lives around. It's very rewarding -- an honor, really -- to be a small part of their lives.
Nineline
How You Can Help


People often ask us, "What can I do to help?" Here are a few suggestions:

  • Stay informed on how we are working at Covenant House to help kids. Ask to receive Sister Patricia Cruise's monthly newsletter.

  • There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at Covenant House. Volunteers are needed to staff the Nineline, our 24-hour hotline for kids and parents in crisis. We need volunteer mentors to work one-on-one with our kids. And it is only with the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers that we're able to keep the doors of our crisis shelters open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  • Consider joining The Covenant House Faith Community, a group of full-time volunteers who put their faith into action by dedicating a year of their lives to the mission of Covenant House. Community members live together in prayer and in service to the homeless and runaway children at Covenant House.