Broadcaster’s Grant Again Offsets Funding Gap for Teen Center

   SAN DIEGO – Warner Brothers’ television network (known as "The WB") specializes in programming for teens and young adults. But the local network affiliate, KSWB 5/69, is doing much more than entertaining young people – They’re helping to give one special group of teens a place to call ‘home’.

   As a result of a fundraising drive held last fall, the KSWB Cares for Kids Fund (a fund of the McCormick-Tribune Foundation) will present the Toussaint Teen Center with a check for $400,000 Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.. Father Joe Carroll will accept the check at the Village playground (17th Street & Commercial Avenue), where Teen Center residents will be involved in regularly scheduled mentoring activities with younger children at St. Vincent’s family shelter.

   Wednesday’s presentation marks the second year in a row that the KSWB Cares for Kids Fund has contributed significantly to the Center. In 1998, a similar grant completely offset a federal funding decline that would have impeded the center’s plans to move into a newly remodeled facility. This year’s grant will offset yet another government funding cut dealt to the Center’s 2000 operating budget.

   "We feel very strongly about the work of the Toussaint Teen Center," said Sofia Salgado, KSWB’s community affairs manager. "When we heard the government had again cut funds, we were determined to help out however we could. With the support of KSWB viewers, St. Vincent’s donors and the community at large, we were able to once again address and remedy the funding shortfall."

   The Toussaint Teen Center, opened in 1992, is a two-year case-managed program that offers a safe and supportive environment to young people (ages 14-17) who are homeless or escaping unhealthy domestic situations. The center provides services to 35 teens, including onsite high school, recreational activities, dorm-style rooms and counseling programs, as well as budgeting, job and life skills training.

   "We are extremely fortunate to have KSWB as an ally," states Father Joe. "We’ve been faced with funding cutbacks that, without their help, could have forced closure or reduction of services, at a time when our young people need more help than ever."
To find out more about KSWB, the Cares for Kids Fund and their efforts in San Diego, please call 619-496-0257 or visit their web site at www.kswbtv.com.

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