Marin County's First Ever HandUp Campaign Launched by the Novato Youth Center

Novato Youth Center (“NYC”) announces the launch of its Childcare for Working Families in Need Campaign at https://handup.org/campaigns/childcareforlowincomefamilies on Monday, May 23, 2016. Our goal is to raise $30,000 by June 30, 2016 to help cover the shortfall that state contracts have left. Google.org will match dollar for dollar the first $10,000 raised.

“With this first ever HandUp campaign in the North Bay, we have a fun, new way of sharing our passion for providing quality childcare services. These services allow low-income families to remain in the workforce and continue their journey out of poverty,” says Executive Director Cheryl Paddack. Donors can see examples of what their contributions cover – from a child’s meals for a week to one month of fulltime Early Care & Education and learn about real families we support.

Childcare services benefit the community, not just a family. For every $1 spent on quality early care, the community saves $16 in law enforcement, special education, and welfare dependence costs. Parents with stable childcare arrangements are also more productive in their jobs. But state contracts only cover part of the costs – leaving more than a $70,000 shortfall this year at the Novato Youth Center.

NYC promotes success for all youth, but nearly two-thirds of our childcare participants are from low-income families. NYC offers all inclusive child care; from healthy breakfasts in the morning, to daytime care and early education, to bringing children to and from school, or providing after school tutoring and enrichment programs until parents finish work. This is especially important in Marin where costs are extremely high. Learn more at https://www.novatoyouthcenter.org.

HandUp gives nonprofits an easy way to engage donors and fundraise online to support the needs of their clients. Free to use for organizations focused on poverty alleviation, donors can give with full transparency and see the direct impact of their dollars in the community. Learn more at HandUp.org or learn how to become a nonprofit partner at handup.org/campaigns.

“We built HandUp as a new way to make a difference for homeless people and neighbors in need, and that’s the impact we’re seeing with our community partners like the Novato Youth Center,” said HandUp Co-founder and CEO Rose Broome. “Not only are community partners uncovering new donor audiences, they are able to expand the resources they can provide to their clients. We are so thrilled to help launch HandUp in the Marin community, and be a part of their efforts to fight urban poverty.”