Ruth Dykeman Children's Center Receives $125,000 Gift from Bill and Melinda Gates

SEATTLE -- Ruth Dykeman Children's Center today announced a $125,000 gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funds will go towards "Investing in a Home with a Heart," a capital campaign to build a new residential treatment home for abused children.

"We are thrilled and honored that Bill and Melinda Gates have decided to support our capital campaign," said Thomas E. Rembiesa, ACSW, executive director of Ruth Dykeman Children's Center. "This grant represents a tremendous step toward making our plans for the home a reality."

The new residential facility will enhance the environment of care at Ruth Dykeman Children's Center and increase the number of children served. The new home will provide a safe, comfortable and therapeutically appropriate setting for children who have experienced severe abuse and neglect. These children, ages six to 12, need specialized care and 24-hour supervision as they recover from the effects of abuse and learn skills they need to re-enter family and community life.

To date, the campaign has raised over $1.6 million, which is more than 90 percent of the goal of $1.75 million. The agency plans to begin construction by the end of the year.

Established in 1921, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center is a not-for-profit human service agency that provides residential treatment and community-based services to children and families. Across all programs, 5,000 individuals throughout King County receive high-quality, innovative services each year. Programs include child and family counseling, in-home crisis intervention, alcohol and other drug prevention, parenting education and cultural activities.

For more information about the Investing in Hearth with a Heart capital campaign, contact Jennifer Rickards at (206) 242-1698, ext. 143. You can visit Ruth Dykeman Children's Center on the web.