St. Elizabeth Healthcare received the Faith, Hope and Inspiration Award from the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE) for its long-time support of economically disadvantaged students in Northern Kentucky.
Since 2012, St. Elizabeth has donated more than $66,000 and recently pledged $250,000 total over the next five years to provide tuition assistance for students (K-8) in six urban Catholic elementary schools in Campbell and Kenton counties.
“Our vision of becoming one of the healthiest communities in America involves more than quality medical care,” said Garren Colvin, president CEO of St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
“It starts with providing a healthy, safe and nurturing environment for our youth.”
More than 50 percent of ACUE students live in poverty, and most families can’t afford the cost of their children’s education. The parishes and schools in these neighborhoods provide a quality, values-based education to children regardless of their faith, ethnicity, ability or economic status. In fact, 45 percent of ACUE students are not Catholic.
“We are so grateful for partners like St. Elizabeth who are bringing a Catholic education to the children who need it most,” said Tim Rawe, general chair of the 2016-2017 ACUE Annual Appeal. “St. E’s donation will help offset the more than $2 million in aid required to support these students.”
ACUE schools include Holy Cross Elementary, Latonia; Holy Family Elementary, Covington; Holy Trinity Elementary and Junior High, Bellevue and Newport; Prince of Peace Elementary, Covington; St. Anthony Elementary, Taylor Mill; and St. Augustine Elementary, Covington.
The small class sizes provide personal attention to each student to improve academic performance and character development. More than 90 percent of eighth-grade graduates attend Catholic high schools. The community benefits, too. Of these eighth-grade graduates, 98 percent enroll in a traditional, four-year college or trade school after high school.
ACUE receives a majority of funding from its 13 urban parishes, the Diocese of Covington and generous individuals and donors. Most Reverend Roger Foys, Bishop of Covington, and the ACUE Development Advisory Board will recognize St. Elizabeth and other donors during a ceremony on Sept. 26 at the Metropolitan Club, 50 E. Rivercenter Blvd, Covington.
