Providence House

January 2007

Dear Ed Block Courage Award Foundation,

On behalf of the babies and children of Providence House, I thank you for your unwavering commitment as a champion for children in crisis. As Ohio's first and only licensed Crisis Nursery, Providence House is proud to be a part of the Courage House Support Network; protecting and advocating for Greater Cleveland's most defenseless citizens - its children.

As an agency serving children in one of the nation's most economically challenged cities, Providence House provided free, residential crisis care to nearly 200 children newborn through age five in 2006. More than 5,000 "Days of Care" were given to children experiencing violence, homelessness, and neglect first hand through our loving staff and volunteers.

Since 1999, it has been our honor to be a member of the Courage House Support Network along with our Cleveland Browns. Our Courage House Award plaque is proudly displayed at our entrance as evidence to everyone who enters that we are not alone in our work, but members of a greater team dedicated to protecting children.

Again this year our Ed Block Courage Award event, "Deck the House" was a resounding success. Nearly 600 guests came together for this holiday celebration on December 5, 2006 in the City View Lounge at Cleveland Browns Stadium, in support of our children. We raised more than $50,000 from our live and silent auctions to support Providence House Programs and around-the-clock care for infants and toddlers in crisis.

Our evening program included the Ed Block Recognition Ceremony with Cleveland Browns Head Athletic Trainer Marty Lauzon and 2006 Ed Block Courage Award recipient, Phil Dawson. Again, on behalf of everyone at Providence House, I thank you for your continued support. Through our partnership with the Ed Block Courage House Support Network we continue to reach further 'into the growing number of children living in desperate fear, hunger and violence and to show them that love doesn't hurt...hugs do happen...and that they can be healthy, happy children.

Sincerely,

Natalie A. Leek-Nelson President