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The Frank Cowan Foundation makes $100,000 contribution to project s.t.e.p. for school-based education and prevention program
November 26, 2009, Ottawa — This morning, project s.t.e.p. announced a $100,000 contribution from The Frank Cowan Foundation in support of the school-based drug awareness education and prevention program in Ottawa high schools.
“By providing substance abuse education and prevention programs across Ottawa’s four school boards, project s.t.e.p. has the potential to address an issue that is critical for the future of our youth and their families,” says Maureen Cowan, President of The Frank Cowan Foundation. “Our donation is being directed specifically to help in this proactive approach to assisting teens make informed decisions about alcohol and drugs before it affects their lives."
The school-based education and prevention program provides a highly trained professional substance abuse counselor, who will spend an average of two days per week in each participating high school.
The Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) is coordinating the implementation of this enhanced addiction education and prevention program. The Substance Abuse and Youth in School (SAYS) Coalition, the four school boards, youth-focused addiction treatment agencies, professionals in the enforcement, health and social services sectors, teachers and student support professionals are working together to implement the program in all high schools.
“We are thrilled that The Frank Cowan Foundation has come on board with this significant contribution to the education and prevention program,” said Peggy Austen, Senior Director, Impact Strategies at United Way. “Enhancing and expanding this program in all Ottawa-area high schools will go a long way to prevent youth substance abuse in our community.”
With today’s gift from The Frank Cowan Foundation, the total fundraising to date for project s.t.e.p. has reached $4.7 million, or just under 80% of the $6 million fundraising goal.
About project s.t.e.p.
project s.t.e.p. is our community’s response to addressing the need for residential substance abuse treatment, education and prevention for young people between the ages of 13 and 17. With the support of community partners, local champions and leaders, this campaign will raise the funds needed to support the development of a comprehensive substance abuse education and prevention program in our high schools and provide specialized treatment and counselling in a 24-hour residential setting. s.t.e.p. stands for support • treatment • education • prevention •
About The Frank Cowan Foundation
The Frank Cowan Foundation is a charitable foundation that was activated in 1995 in honour of Frank Cowan, the company founder. The Foundation exists because of the success of the Cowan Group of Companies including Cowan Insurance Group, Frank Cowan Company, the Guarantee Company of North America and Millennium CreditRisk Management. Together they provide insurance and risk management products and services for individuals, businesses, organizations and public entities as well as assisting employers with their group benefits, retirement and health and disability management plans.
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Baker, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-228-5793 or Cell: 613-297-2845
E-mail: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca
For information about The Frank Cowan Foundation, please contact:
Lynne Short, VP Marketing and Communications, Cowan Insurance Group,
Phone: 519–650-6363 ext 31608
E-mail: lynne.short@cowangroup.ca.
