NEW YORK, NY–(HISPANIC PR WIRE – U.S. NEWSWIRE)–May 1, 2003–Comptroller of New York City, William C. Thompson, Jr. celebrated El Dia de Los Niños, (the Day of the Children) with the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc., (CHCF) at its Annual Corporate Breakfast held yesterday, April 30, 2003 at 8:30 a.m. at JPMorgan Chase, 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza. Comptroller Thompson was the keynote speaker, addressing the need for “Public and Private Partnerships” in improving Latino children’s educational future and the important role of the corporate sector in supporting the city’s educational initiatives.

“Public/Private partnerships have been functioning in our country for over 200 years,” said Thompson. “These partnerships are on the increase because they work. They meet public needs, often improve the quality of services and are cost effective. Even when times are good, governments can have trouble meeting the demands of their constituencies. By developing partnerships with the private-sector companies, during periods of recession, government can maintain services despite budget limitations.”

An example of how public/private partnerships can bridge the gap to provide positive educational experiences was demonstrated by CHCF. A father and daughter who participated in CHCF’s Family Literacy Program at PS 59 read from a book they wrote together. CHCF’s after-school programs have been in existence for four years in two schools in low-income neighborhoods in the Bronx, serving over 400 children annually. The after-school programs are a result of CHCF’s creative collaborative efforts with the government and with private funding from The After-School Corporation.

CHCF also showcased two corporate sponsors for their generous support of the work of the Committee and who epitomize the value of Public/Private Partnerships. Most Valued Partner Awards were presented to Rossana Rosado, publisher of El Diario-La Prensa and William Rooney, director of Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.

The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc., established in 1982, is a non-profit organization formed to improve the quality of life for Latino children and families by building upon their existing strengths and fostering self-sufficiency and to address the changing needs of the growing Latino population.

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CONTACT:

The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc.

Anne Logan

212-206-1090

http://www.chcfinc.org