With all that is going on in this world, some things have
remained a constant – like Community Assessment & Treatment Services, Inc.
providing high quality, cost effective, holistic, abstinent based intervention
and prevention services to a diverse clientele. With almost 20 years of service
to Cuyahoga County and to the Slavic Village
neighborhood, Community Assessment & Treatment Services, Inc. (CATS) will
celebrate with a bang! Of the hammer that is.
Since 1996, CATS has been a multi-site organization with a
40-bed women’s residential treatment program housed at the Holy Name convent on
Broadway. In 2003, CATS relocated its men’s residential facility from the St. Michael
Hospital campus to a renovated building
just across the street from Holy Name. Since 2005, CATS has been working to
create a campus-like facility that would house both residential programs and
its outpatient program as well.
The new facility will increase capacity of women’s beds to
48 while creating an atmosphere most conducive to treatment. “The women have
endured some really hot days at Holy Name. They have endured broken boilers,
leaking plumbing, and less than comfortable conditions. Funders have agreed
that it is time to Build a Better
Place for Women,” explained Roxanne Wallace, founder
and Executive Director.
The capital campaign kicked off in 2006 with a goal of $2
million. CATS first capital campaign slowly forged ahead during these harsh
economic times as CATS Board of Directors and staff remained diligent, patient,
and hopeful that the necessary funding would come through. Many foundations and
individuals stepped up and in spring of 2009, CATS received the gift that
allowed discussion to begin with the bank… a $400,000 anonymous check!
With fundraising efforts in full effect to bring in the last
remaining dollars, CATS will break ground on Friday, September 4, 2009 in order to be in an
accredited building by May 2010 as well as to ensure satisfactory compliance
with foundation gift requirements. CATS Board and staff are so pleased that the
community has invested in what works! Treatment…people do recover.
CATS services focus on adult men and women involved in the
criminal justice system and include assessment, individual counseling, group
counseling, case management, workforce readiness, and ancillary services
through collaborations with community partners. In addition, CATS Plus provides
FREE room and board with treatment, case management, and employment training
services for formerly incarcerated and/or otherwise appropriate referrals. For
more information on CATS services or the “Building a Better Place for Women” Capital Campaign,
please contact Natalie Friedl, Development Director at 216-441-0200 ext. 111.
To Donate to CATS right now, just click on our icon
I am honored to serve as Chairperson for Community Assessment and Treatment Services, Inc.'s Capital Campaign. I have visited C.A.T.S., observed their work and listened to the stories of the men and women...with that, I am committed to helping this organization build a new facility.
Our community has learned that to change the economy and to make our community a safer place, we must address addiction. As C.A.T.S. welcomes individuals through its doors from incarceration, encourages them to take the necessary steps to recovery and provides them with resources and tools to maintain their sobriety and self-sufficiency, our world becomes a better place.
The women who will reside in this new facility need an environment in which they can recover. Assisting them in this transition may allow them to return to their families, feel the pride of employment and empower them to live full, productive lives. Your support of this campaign not only serves altruistic motives but supports good business practice - a significant human and economic impact! I hope you will help to Build a Better Place for the Women of C.A.T.S.
Why does Community Assessment & Treatment Services, Inc. (CATS) need a new building?
CATS' female residential clients reside in the former Holy Name Convent. Major repairs are needed, in addition to high utility expenses. Due to these costs and rent, it is not cost-effective to remain at this location. In addition, the property is part of planning for senior housing and the building may be demolished.
Who is conducting this campaign?
This is CATS first capital campaign. The campaign is being made possible through the efforts of CATS Board of Directors, agency staff and community volunteers and with the assistance and coaching of a paid consultant. CATS is working to build the capacity of the agency in fundraising through training for staff and recruitment of Volunteers. The Friends Committee is a group of community leaders who have signed on to help with the campaign because they believe in the mission of CATS
Who is being asked to contribute to this campaign?
The campaign is organized around key constituent groups, identified by their support or affiliation with CATS mission. Primary givers include CATS Board of Directors, staff, and friends. Secondary requests will be asked of foundations, public agencies, businesses and corporations, and special interest groups. Because CATS serves individuals who may be a neighbor, an employee, a friend or family member, we encourage everyone to support this cause.
How is CATS funded and how will the program be sustained?
C.A.T.S. operates from over 27 different funding streams. Primary funding comes from government agencies including the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, The Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Cuyahoga County, and the Cuyahoga County Department of Justice Affairs.
This project will easily be sustained by the fees and contracts which the agency currently operates from. This investment will be recovered over and over again because of this feature.
How can I participate?
Pledge your generous financial support. CATS is a 501 c 3 organization and gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. You can make a multi-year pledge and determine how it is paid. If you are 701/2, check with your financial advisor as there may be additional benefits to giving. You may also want to explore the naming opportunities that can be a lasting tribute to you, your family, or someone of your choosing.
When will this building be complete?
Ground breaking is set for September 2009 and the building is projected to be completed in May 2010
