FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2005

Media Contact:
Rhonda Carpenter
Corporate Communications Specialist
727-461-2990
rhondac@eckerd.org

Laura Bush Foundation Expands EYA Youth Library

CLEARWATER, Fla. —The Laura Bush Foundation has awarded funding of $5,000 to Eckerd Youth Alternatives' (EYA) Camp E-Tu-Makee in Clewiston. EYA is a leading private, not-for-profit organization serving at-risk and troubled youth in eight states. 

The grant will be used to expand the on-site library currently used by nearly 100 boys at the Outdoor Therapeutic Treatment Program. E-Tu-Makee, one of 18 such residential programs, combines a fully accredited alternative school with group and individual counseling, adventure programs and relationship- and communication-building skills.

"Reading encourages greater understanding of oneself and the world at large," said Keith Philipson, EYA's director of education. "Reading remains a basic academic goal for all students throughout Eckerd Youth Alternatives and is an essential component to each of our student's personal and intellectual growth. This grant award will provide for exciting enhancements to Camp E-Tu-Makee's library program and further support their passion for reading."

The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries awarded 160 grants totaling $770,000 last month. The mission of The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries is to support the education of children by providing funds to update, extend and diversify the book and print collections of America's school libraries.

Earlier this year, E-Tu-Makee was named one of two Florida schools in Reading is Fundamental's Read with Me: The 2005 RIF® Community Reading Challenge. The program was honored among two national champions and 82 state reading challenge winners as reading champs. Moreover, the 2005-06 school year marks the 25th anniversary of EYA's Reading is Fundamental program.

"Your program has inspired so many children to discover the joy of reading," said Carol H. Rasco, RIF® president and CEO. "Our continued success in motivating children to read depends upon coordinators like you and your colleagues."

About Camp E-Tu-Makee
Camp E-Tu-Makee was established in 1983 and is located in Hendry County. As a year-round, outdoor therapeutic program, E-Tu-Makee helps at-risk boys ages 10-17 by providing behavioral treatment with a fully accredited educational component. It is one of five Outdoor Therapeutic camps in Florida and one of 40 programs Eckerd Youth Alternatives operates. In the Muskokee Native American language, E-Tu-Makee means "Side by Side."

About Eckerd Youth Alternatives
Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA) is one of the nation's leading providers of services for at-risk and troubled youth. As a private not-for-profit organization, EYA serves more than 9,000 youth each year. Since 1968, more than 69,000 young people have been helped through a range of 40 residential and community-based programs: outdoor therapeutic treatment, juvenile justice, ReEntry programs, and youth foster care, and early intervention and prevention services. Headquartered in Clearwater, Fla., Eckerd Youth Alternatives has 1,400 caring employees and provides youth programs in eight states: Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. To learn more, call 727-461-2990 or visit our Web site at www.eckerd.org.