Parent Trust for Washington Children Receives $30,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

SEATTLE -- Parent Trust for Washington Children announced today that it has received a $30,000 grant over three years from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to aid the Parent Trust's Teen Program, an outreach and support initiative for King County youth. The grant is part of the Foundation's commitment to address the needs of children and families within the Pacific Northwest.

The Teen Program is a network of peer-to-peer support groups that provides opportunities for teens to increase their sense of acceptance and belonging, build positive relationships with adult role models, and practice communication and problem-solving skills with peers.

"Parent Trust is the only organization in King County with support groups for teenagers focused on the protective factors we know promote healthy social interactions and prevent child abuse and neglect," said Jack F. Edgerton, executive director. "Our work has proven that participating in these groups truly changes lives. We are proud that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is supporting these important groups and the youth that attend them."

Through professionally facilitated peer-to-peer support groups for parents, teens and children, Parent Trust for Washington Children works to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. The nonprofit agency, established in 1978, also operates the only statewide Family Help Line (1-800-932-HELP), providing live and recorded parenting information and referrals for all of Washington state.

Parent Trust for Washington Children is a nonprofit agency that provides family support services for thousands of families throughout Washington state. It has received significant statewide support from the private and public sectors, including: Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, United Way of King County, The Horizons Foundation, Plum Creek Timber, Microsoft Corporation, The Boeing Company, The Kenneth & Marleen Alhadeff Foundation and several other corporations, foundations and individuals.