To mark its 50th anniversary of service to the people of Long Island, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre has announced its first ever island-wide youth volunteer event, the Helping Hands Serve-A Thon. It will take place at a number of Catholic Charitiesí 60 sites throughout the island this Saturday, April 21 and will engage hundreds of young people in hands-on volunteer service. Molloy College is the financial sponsor of the event and will host a celebration and meal for the volunteers at the end of their service, approximately 2 p.m.

The youth will take on a number of projects that support the work of Catholic Charitiesí human service programs. Following the theme, the Teaching Family Home in Plainview will be hosting students from Our Lady of Mercy Youth Group who will be doing a spring cleanup inside and outdoors. They hope to even plant some new flowers to brighten up the house.

The Teaching Family Home Program (TFH) is a community-based, structured residential treatment program for children and adolescents age five to 17. The program provides individualized treatment and care to children who suffer from serious emotional disturbances. Currently there are five homes in operation in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Typically, there are four children and/or adolescents living with a specially trained married couple (teaching parents) and their own family. The children attend schools that are appropriate to their needs, some attend local schools and are able to be mainstreamed, and others attend more specialized schools and programs.

Teaching Family Homes pair four emotionally disturbed youth and two teaching parents, a married couple who provide support and teach skills for successful living in the community. Each child's family is extensively involved in treatment, with the goals of stabilizing the family and returning the child to his or her home.

The agencyís goal is to make the event rewarding for all involved. The volunteer projects will improve the quality of life for those served by Catholic Charities as well as enhance their overall well-being by creating community bonds. Participating young people will be introduced to the importance of social justice issues and gain an insiderís look at career opportunities in social service fields.

Laura A. Cassell, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, ìLiving in one of our countryís most affluent regions means pockets of poverty often go unnoticed. The Helping Hands Serve-A-Thon allows young people the opportunity to experience firsthand the needs of their neighbors and to share in a constructive response. Itís an incredibly gratifying feeling to know youíve made a real difference.î

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre helps thousands of disadvantaged people of every faith and background rebuild their lives. Founded in 1957, the agency provides a full range of services out of 60 sites with more than 600 staff members. In 2006, Catholic Charities served 57,890 Long Islanders, and many thousands more in partnership with more than 100 local parishes.