Support Rhinelander Center

Download the Rhinelander Annual Appeal Form
Download the Annual Appeal Letter

November 2009

Dear Friend,

We are seeking your support for the Children’s Aid Society’s Rhinelander Children’s
Center, a unique community institution that has assisted Yorkville families for more than
100 years.

On weekdays, Rhinelander offers Early Childhood, Nursery School and After School
programming for children 6 months to 12 years of age. Rhinelander strives to offer top
quality services at reasonable prices, to a diverse group of community residents. We offer
generous financial aid and, when needed, we connect families with social services, health
care access and public benefits. It is becoming increasingly difficult for us to accommodate
the growing number of families in our community who require financial assistance. Two
years ago, Rhinelander offered approximately $80,000 in financial aid to families in our
programs. For the past two years, the financial aid budget has topped $110,000!

Rhinelander also offers the city’s only weekend recreational program for Deaf young people
in New York City on Saturdays. The “Saturday Program” helps children and teens, ages 5-
20, develop self-confidence, build friendships and gain exposure to new recreational and
cultural opportunities. The Saturday Program includes art, science and cooking classes,
sports, community service and field trips to children’s museums and other cultural
institutions. The Saturday Program has always been FREE because many of the families
cannot afford even a modest fee. The majority of program participants do not live near
others who are Deaf and, without the Saturday Program, would be lonely and isolated
every weekend. The Program broadens the horizons of Deaf young people and gives them a
chance to enjoy opportunities that are routine for middle class, hearing children.

Rhinelander is supported through fees, government contracts and donations from
foundations, corporations and individuals. It is a challenge to maintain excellent quality
services each year—a challenge that we need your assistance to meet. All contributions are
tax deductible and will be dedicated to financial aid and to the Saturday Program. Please
consider pledging your support so that Rhinelander can continue its wonderful work in
Yorkville. Thank you in advance for your support.*

Sincerely,

Laura Colin Klein
Director, Rhinelander Children’s Center

Patricia Ahnolt Habr
Rhinelander Advisory Board Member

* We welcome employer matching gift opportunities and grandparent support. All donations are tax-deductible.