Contact:              Lindsay Hansen                 Andrea Aker       

                           Catholic Charities             Aker Ink             

                           (480) 205-6195                (602) 339-7339

                           lhansen@cc-az.org            andrea.aker@akerink.com

PRESCOTT – (Jan.9, 2008)… Catholic Charities’ youth development program, TAPP (Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program), is changing its name to North Star Youth Partnership, effective Jan. 21.

“The new name better reflects our services,” said Diane DeLong, program coordinator. “North Star describes the region we serve and lets people know we serve as a guiding light for youths.”

Since its inception in 1997, the Catholic Charities program has grown to include a variety of health and abstinence education programs and presentations for public, private and charter schools in Yavapai and Coconino Counties. 

Nearly 34,000 youths have participated in the youth development programs and activities such as youth leadership, TAPP Players Drama Troupe, Baby…Ready or Not, posters and writing contests and special events like Teen Maze, Peer Assistance Leadership, Teens Taking Action, GoGirlGo, Girls & Sports Day and post-prom/graduation positive alternative events and parent workshops. 

Each of the last 19 years a Gala event has been held to support various Catholic Charities programs in the Yavapai Regional Service area.  This year's event to be held March 1, 2008 will benefit North Star Youth Partnership.  To purchase tickets for "Crusing New Destinations" a Captains Dinner and Casino Games event, please contact Marty Williams at (928) 778-2531 ext.3435 or via email at mwilliams@cc-as.org.

For more information about North Star Youth Partnership, please visit www.northstaryouth.org or contact Diane Delong, program coordinator at (928) 778.2531 ext. 3414. 

About Catholic Charities

Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities Community Services is one of Arizona’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations which offers a diverse range of social services that strengthen families, protect and nurture children, and support people in crisis.  Catholic Charities serves people of all ages and faiths.  Last year, the charitable organization provided over 50 programs at 100 locations to more than 200,000 people in central and northern Arizona.  Catholic Charities is a member organization of Catholic Charities USA which is the largest private network of social service organizations in the United States working to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities.  The organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Children and Family Services.  To learn more about Catholic Charities visit www.catholiccharitiesaz.org.

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