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COS FACT SHEET Name: Children of Shelters (COS) Description: A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of volunteers who are dedicated to providing children living in homeless shelters in San Francisco with the educational and cultural experiences to help them realize their potential and to broaden their frame of reference. Mission: Children of Shelters' mission is to provide for the educational and emotional needs of the estimated 4,000 children living in or being served by transitional shelters in San Francisco. As advocates of the children we serve, we are committed to addressing both their basic and more in-depth needs. By funding tutoring, activities that enhance self-esteem, and college tuition assistance, our grants support their academic achievement and character development. Ultimately, we believe education and self-esteem are keys to breaking the cycle of poverty for children. Leadership:    Kay P. Pitman, Co-President    Summer Tompkins Walker, Co-President Founded: In 1995, by Lois Pavlow, a longtime San Franciscan who founded Child Abuse Prevention Society and the One Warm Coat program for the homeless, and who has been involved in multiple charitable organizations in San Francisco. Shelters Served: COS currently works with five San Francisco family homeless shelters, including: Compass Family Center Hamilton Family Center Raphael House Richmond Hills Family Center Saint Joseph's Village Services: COS raises funds to implement and underwrite programs for children in shelters, including: Summer camp Back-to-school clothing and educational materials One-on-one tutoring Cultural experiences, such as musicals, plays, sporting events and museums Empowerment opportunities with mentors and/or by providing necessary materials and education to further develop recognized talents and skills of individual children Special holiday programs, picnics and other family events Drawbridges, an art program designed for therapy for youth Playground equipment Public Service Announcement video produced, directed and edited with the involvement of children living in San Francisco family shelters Initiates programs to fulfill COS mission: Fundraising from our annual events: Jingle and Mingle, Santafest, the COS Golf Tournament as well as restaurant/store openings, fashion shows and soliciting corporate funds. Donations: COS has granted up to $77,000 per year to shelters since its inception. Operating Costs: Nearly 100 percent of all proceeds raised benefit the children directly on both an individual and group basis. COS depends on volunteers and incurs virtually no overhead expenses. Business Support:       Club Townsend       DDB San Francisco       42 Degrees       Garibaldi's       Grammercy Grill       Harry Denton's Rouge       Harry Denton's Starlight Room       Kiehl's       Macy*s       Mervyns       Neiman-Marcus       Northern California Concierge Association       Paragon       Saks Fifth Avenue       Splendora.com       Vertigo Tax ID Status: Children of Shelters is a registered 510(c)(3) charity, #94-3192608 Contact: Children of Shelters 2269 Chestnut Street, Box 439 San Francisco, CA 94123 B: 415-563-6082 F: 415-567-9090 info@childrenofshelters.org