International Candlelight Vigil Focuses on the Needs of Kids

Covenant House
Tuesday, 27 November 2001

Rather than home, warmth and security, hundreds of thousands of homeless youth face overwhelming challenges and the perils of street life during these winter months. On Wednesday, December 5, over 100,000 people will gather during Covenant House's 11th Annual Candlelight Vigil in sites and homes across America, Canada and Latin America to urge people to re-evaluate how they can make a difference in the life of a child and become more of what we need – an Everyday Hero.

This overview provides insight into each of the 20 Vigils taking place across North and Central America.

Covenant House Times Square, New York – 5:30 pm Eastern Standard Time

In the heart of Times Square, a small stage will be set surrounded by formerly homeless kids, the Mother Cabrini High School choir, thousands of well-wishers and huge Times Square electronic signs displaying Vigil information.

In solemn recognition of 9/11, Sgt. Bernard Poggioli and a few officers from the Port Authority police (who direct over 600 at-risk kids to seek help from Covenant House every year and lost the highest percentage of officers during the World Trade bombing) will join Lt. Governor Donohue (who will read a special letter from President Bush) and guests from around the country during the Vigil. Sister Mary Rose McGeady, President, Covenant House, will urge youth to strive to become everyday American heroes.

Nearly 500 kids carrying handmade banners will proceed from 41st Street and 10th Avenue to the Vigil site at 44th & Broadway to commence the Vigil as the entire Times Square event will be broadcast live on the Internet with the help of MTV.

Covenant House Washington, D.C.

Washington's Lighting the Way for Children will incorporate a patriotic theme with the Navy Rock and Roll Band's performance during the pre-Vigil program in Shepherd's Park at 5pm. The Navy Colorguard will then lead a procession of over 2,000 people to Ballou High School. Community members residing along the procession route will be asked to step outside of their homes and businesses with lit candles – helping to light the way. A huge card (5' x 10') for participants to sign will be available. Later it will be sent to military personnel overseas. There will be a brief program filled with music and tributes to the youth and teachers who died in the Pentagon crash, as well as to at-risk kids.

Covenant House Anchorage, Alaska

In zero degree weather, 500 community members will march by candlelight in the pitch-black darkness in solidarity around Town Square to symbolize the power of community resources working together to help homeless teens and others in need. Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer, 10-year-old Rose Hardman (winner of the national competition for singing), radio personalities Marcus & April and every Anchorage United Way agency will join Covenant House Alaska and others during the Vigil. At-risk youth will distribute hand warmers, gloves and hats knitted by a local senior group to help keep everyone warm! The Vigil also provides opportunity for clothing donations for youth who need them. Already over 12,000 articles of clothing have been collected.

Covenant House Houston, Texas

"The same hope, support and vision that the nation has shown each other since September 11th is the same hope, support and vision that we get at Covenant House. As residents of CH, we learn that we can survive and move past the disasters in our own pasts…" Teresa M., age 20.

Houston is suffering from the ravages of Tropical Storm Allison, the tragic events of 9/11 and the uncertain economy. Houston Mayor Lee Brown, keynote speaker, Thomas Knudson, V.P Human Resources, Conoco, and KTRK (ABC) news anchor Melanie Lawson will urge people to become involved locally and remember the many local heroes. Handmade banners by at-risk and formerly homeless youth with the "Challenging People to Be Everyday Heroes" theme will be displayed. The date has been proclaimed "Candlelight Vigil Day" in Houston. The Vigil will be held near downtown in the old, graceful Montrose area and is expected to draw more guests than ever before. Three Covenant House residents will share their stories and gospel singers will lead the crowd in song.

Covenant House Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Do your thing. Don't be concerned about what others think. This place gave me a place to live and save my money…I 'm here because I chose to be. Don't let anybody's bad days get you down." Tyree, age 19

From the newly opened Crisis Residence Center, participants will process silently with lighted candles down Germantown Avenue, through a small public square and into a small church for a brief "Sharing the Light" service. Afterwards, everyone will be invited to return to the Crisis Center for light refreshments and a chance to have a tour and talk to staff and youth. This will be the first time for many of the neighbors to visit the new building.

Covenant House Atlantic City & Newark, New Jersey

Children and teens carrying banners and homemade signs will be joined by members of local parishes, nonprofits and supporters during the joint Atlantic City & Newark Vigil. Singing inspirational songs, the procession will travel down the Boardwalk to the Atlantic City Historical Center at Garden Pier.

While urging youth to "Become Everyday Heroes," the Vigil will also pose the challenge "what are they doing to help kids become everyday heroes?" There will be a callout for volunteers – especially mentors. A special "Helping Kids to Become Everyday Heroes" placard with volunteer opportunities and ample room for audience members to write their names and how they would like to help at-risk youth will extend the momentum created by the Vigil.

Covenant House Detroit, Michigan

Original poetry and testimonials will be read by at-risk youth as 300 Vigil participants gather outdoors near the chapel on Covenant House's main campus. On hand will be a sign up pledge board with volunteer and mentor opportunities. Local schools will design and hold up their banners illustrating the Vigil's theme of "Everyday American Heroes." The banners will be displayed inside of the chapel. The Vigil, conducted in English and Spanish, will conclude with the ringing of Covenant House's huge bronze Bell of Liberty and refrains from Amazing Grace. Refreshments will be served immediately after the program.

Covenant House Vancouver, Canada

"I stayed at Covenant House and went back home on Dec.22, 1999. The hardest thing was leaving; knowing that while I was with my family for the holidays the rest of the kids on the street would be alone. Covenant House changed my life forever and I am eternally grateful. If any of the kids there need a little extra support, tell them to feel free to contact me." A former CH Vancouver Youth

Carrying hand-painted banners and candles, over 300 people will proceed from Covenant House to the old entrance of the Vancouver Art Gallery where a choir and bag piper will welcome them. Emcees from BC CTV television and XFM Radio will begin the ceremony, during which former and current CH kids will read a tribute they wrote to the people of New York City and Washington, D.C. Two awards for outstanding Community Partnership will be presented.

Covenant House Atlanta, Georgia

"Since the day I decided I wanted help, I received it from Covenant House…I now have a job that I like and enjoy very much. I have been employed longer than I ever have…I have also been employer of the month…CH helped me to become a better person and to never give up." Michael, age18

In its first Vigil, marchers will proceed from the Community Service Center to the Belvedere Plaza of Centennial Olympic Park where they will raise lit candles in unison. Juvenile Court Judge Nina Hickson, Councilwoman Debbi Starnes and Commissioner Karen Elaine Webster will help emphasize the importance of partnerships and working together to combat youth homelessness. There will be three youth testimonials and brief remarks. The program will end with a performance of Amazing Grace by the New Life Inspirational Choir (composed of students from the Atlanta University Center). A Pre-Candlelight Vigil Rally will be held at the Community Service Center at 3:00 p.m.

Saint Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana

"Pumas take off their shirt--to stop the hurt--for the kids of Covenant House" rallying charge by the Saint Joseph's College Pumas soccer teams

Mayor Herb Arihood will proclaim December 5, 2001, Covenant House Day in Rensselaer, Indiana, as a special day of remembrance of homeless and at-risk kids.

Prior to and during Saint Joseph's College's 7th Vigil, campus groups have teamed up with the city of Rensselaer, spearheaded by the men and women's puma soccer teams and their coach to collect T-shirts and sweatshirts for the kids of Covenant House (in Florida, New York and Alaska).

SJC's new president, Dr. Ernest Mills III, will conduct the Vigil in the college chapel for the student body, schools, churches, community members, Boy Scout Troop 152 and social service agencies. It will begin at 4:30 pm (CST) to synchronize with the Times Square Vigil. Guest speakers, including a Covenant House Ft. Lauderdale Street Outreach volunteer and the Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity and Christian Haven staff, will speak about how their organizations Challenge Kids to Become Everyday Heroes. Students have designed and produced candles that will be distributed to the audience. Following a student poet's recital, the SJC Choir and the Saint Augustine Elementary School Singers will lead the audience in singing Amazing Grace.

Covenant House St. Louis, Missouri

"When I came in the first day I had nothing but some poetry and a dream…I now have the tools I need to accomplish my goals." Travis, age 19

With a backdrop of a stepped waterfall, giant Christmas tree, the Old Courthouse and the Arch, youth will proceed down the steps of the May Amphitheater in Kiener Plaza carrying lit candles. As they reach the 200 to 300 gathered guests, the youth will begin lighting the audience's candles. A youth choir will sing in the background. The community is invited not only to attend the Vigil, but also to donate soaps, brushes, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items for the youth who need them. Mayor Francis Slay, U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan (pending), U.S. Representative William Lacey Clay, Jr. (pending) and Reverend Monsignor Richard Stika will join in the "Piece by Piece--One Kid at a Time" Vigil. Afterwards, there will be tours of the new Rights of Passage building.

Covenant House Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In the heart of the restored downtown district, against a backdrop of luxury yachts cruising New River, participants will gather at Esplanade Park at 6:30 p.m. for "Lighting the Way for Lost Kids." Highlights of the Vigil will include youth testimonials, gospel music interpreted by Silent Praise Deaf & Sign Language Ministry of the New Birth Baptist Church and an a cappella solo of Amazing Grace by Reverend Gibson, Associate Pastor of New Hope World Outreach. The event will conclude with the Covenant House Prayer for Homeless Kids.

Covenant House Orlando, Florida

As a magnet area for runaway and homeless youth, like Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando will sponsor a Vigil to focus attention on the plight of at-risk youth. Over 250 people will gather at the Lake Eola Amphitheater, near the restored downtown district, at 6:30 p.m.

Covenant House New Orleans, Louisiana

Urging people and its youth to integrate "everyday heroism" into their lives, participants will gather in the Covenant House courtyard and march with candles and handmade banners to the St. Jude Shrine at the historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Community organizations, area churches and choirs will join volunteers and youth to listen to emotional testimonials by homeless youth who have overcome adversity. Attendees will read the Covenant House Children's Bill of Rights and participate in the tree-lighting ceremony.

Covenant House Hollywood, California

Music, poetry and dance by at-risk youth are central to the "Lighting The Way For Homeless and At-Risk Youth" Vigil. From its outdoor chapel, transformed by a Covenant House youth decorating team, over 200 people will join the one-mile candlelit march to Sunset Boulevard and back led by the East Los Angeles Marching Band. After singing Amazing Grace and observing a moment of silence, hot chocolate and homemade cookies will be served.

Covenant House Oakland, California

The Vigil, held outdoors at 6:30 pm (PST) in front of the Covenant House Community Service Center, will focus on issues confronting youth in Oakland, including lack of housing, employment and educational services. Sisters from the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, a representative from Mayor Jerry Brown's office, a KMEL radio personality, Pastor Richard Tano, the Temple de la Cruz choir, community-based organizations, schools, non-profits and youth service providers will join formerly homeless youth during the Vigil.

Casa Alianza (Covenant House) Latin America

Guatemala: While gathering around a bonfire and holding lit candles in Guatemala City, youth from the Covenant House residential programs will reflect on their experiences as street kids. There will be a public mass in the Cathedral in Antigua Guatemala with a procession with candles held by the kids in the atrium of the church.

Managua, Nicaragua: A candlelight vigil with formerly homeless kids, staff and neighbors will be held in the Covenant House Crisis Center. They will then march to the local church to celebrate the last day of the Purisima Virgin Mary feast day.

Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico City children (residents and kids still living in the street) and staff will participate in a Vigil at the "Monument to the Revolution."

Honduras: Combining the Vigil with a public statement of concern for the close to 1,000 children and youth murdered in Honduras since January 1998, 100 child residents of Casa Alianza and 40 staff members, plus several other groups from Tegucigalpa will participate in the event. It will be held in the Plaza de Dolores followed by a mass in the adjacent church.

INTERNET The NYC Times Square event will be broadcast live on the Internet. Visit the Covenant House website (www.covenanthouse.org) before December 5 and download the free program that will allow web users to view the Vigil live.

BACKGROUND: Covenant House (CH) is the largest privately funded childcare agency in the United States. Last year, it provided residential and non-residential services to nearly 61,000 youth, and the CH Nineline (1-800-999-9999) received over 58,000 crisis calls from youngsters all over the country who needed immediate help and had nowhere else to turn.

For more information, or to contact Covenant House, see their website at: www.covenanthouse.org