KIDS MOVE OFF THE STREETS AND INTO CAREERS

Tonight in our city, a staggering number of New York City teenagers - more than 10,000 - will go home not to an apartment, but to the streets. Many were turned out by their parents because they're gay or lesbian. Others came from families devastated by drugs or crime. Almost all were abused.

Shelters keep them out of the rain, but do little to keep them off the streets.

What would it say about our city if we didn't do everything possible to help our homeless kids? That's why the Catalog agreed to help fund the Reciprocity Foundation.

Homeless Kids Find a Real Shelter within Themselves

The Reciprocity Foundation is an educational and youth development program that helps young people access their talents - gifts that are often buried deep beneath the scars of abuse. Kids identify their interests and strengths based on reflective exercises, art therapy and counseling. They learn vocational, interpersonal and life skills, and develop detailed education and career plans. And they're connected with creative professionals, leading corporations and academic institutions, where they find mentors and even jobs.

Most importantly, the young participants learn to trust and form friendships again. When you give to the Catalog, your gift will help the Reciprocity Foundation get more kids off the streets for good. That's an opportunity not to be missed.

"Reciprocity helped me tostart a career in the music industry and now I mentor other students."

DORIAN, 22 (RECIPROCITY GRADUATE)