News & Events>Emergency Group Home Receives Loan Assistance


Elmsford, NY, November 3, 2006 -- Renovations are well underway at a combined group home and school for abused and neglected youth from Westchester County, New York following the closing of a $600,000 loan to Cardinal McCloskey Services from the Leviticus Fund.

Cardinal McCloskey’s facility is known as Hayden House and has been in operation since 1980 in Ossining, New York. Hayden House is the only safe haven for abused children operating in Westchester and provides immediate shelter and intervention for children in crisis situations.

The $600,000 loan from the Leviticus Fund will be used to expand the existing building, creating a distinct and separate area for the on-site school. Once the renovations are complete, the school will occupy only the lower level of the building and consist of three classrooms, a fully equipped science lab, restrooms and counseling space. The renovations will also include the relocation of a 4-bed suite to the second floor, with a lounge and play area for group activities. The project also entails some exterior work to the building, specifically replacement of entrance steps and walkway.

Ronald Acker, Chief Financial Officer for Cardinal McCloskey Services, explained that the renovations will create more appropriate residential and educational spaces within Hayden House by keeping living space on the top floor and school space on the lower level. The changes also carry some extra bonuses for the youngsters with their studies!

"The children will have real classrooms, and a science lab that they never had before," said Mr. Acker.

The situation of child abuse in the United States has reached a crisis proportion, with more than 1 million children documented as victims of abuse and or neglect each year. Westchester County alone has more than 4,500 cases reported each year with nearly one-fourth of those cases confirmed. In situations where the children are removed from their homes by court order, Hayden House serves as an emergency "safe house" shelter. Hayden House can house 20 youngsters and serves 65 children annually. During the past 20 years, more than 2,250 of Westchester's abused children have begun their road to recovery at Hayden House.

"The Leviticus Fund is pleased to be able to provide financing for quality projects like Hayden House," said David Raynor, Leviticus Fund’s Executive Director. “Cardinal McCloskey Services is a well-managed and highly regarded provider of services to children and families, and we are happy to be able to support them with this loan."

To learn more about Cardinal McCloskey Services, visit www.cardinalmccloskeyservices.org