Chairperson W. Harold Tuck President and CEO Rudolph A. Johnson, III

PRESS RELEASE Date: July 30, 2009 Contact: Kimberly Jones 858.244.8127 (office) 619.520.0529 (cell) NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE ASSOCIATION, REI AND VILLAGE OF PROMISE TEAM UP TO SEND CHILDREN TO CAMP SAN DIEGO – For most children, summer means being outside, communing with nature and, for the lucky ones, enjoying the great outdoors on camping trips with their family. For some San Diego children, though, the joys and memories of childhood camping trips would be impossible without the Village of Promise Collective Mentoring Project. Village of Promise is a non-profit organization that was developed to break the cycle of incarceration by mentoring children whose parents are, or have recently been, incarcerated. This summer Village of Promise has partnered with NHA to promote youth awareness and proactive development by bringing 18 middle school aged children from San Diego to Camp Cedar Glen in Julian for a three-day summer camp retreat. The retreat takes place August 4-7 and is sponsored by the Neighborhood House Association (NHA) and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). “NHA believes that the key to building better, stronger communities is to build better, stronger people and the best way to do that is through our children,” said NHA President and CEO Rudolph A. Johnson, III. “This is why we feel it is important to support endeavors that teach leadership skills and proactive decision making to our region’s youth.” The youth camp will focus on teaching team-building, conflict resolution and communication skills, as well as how to make positive life choices and the importance of environmental conservation. In addition, campers will participate in traditional camp activities, such as a ropes course, swimming, hiking and outdoor games. “It’s important for children to have a connection with nature,” said REI Community Relations Administrator Myrian Solis Coronel. “Through this camping experience we hope children see the value of having and using natural open spaces. They can be our future stewardship leaders!” Village of Promise aims to make an impact in the lives of all youth and looks forward to developing innovative community mentorship initiatives. PHOTOS AFTER THE EVENT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST About Neighborhood House Association (“Committed to Excellence”) NHA helps thousands of individuals and families improve their quality of life through a network of nine programs throughout San Diego County. Further information is available at www.neighborhoodhouse.org

5660 Copley Drive, San Diego, California 92111 Telephone: 858.715.2642 Facsimile: 858.715.2670 info@neighborhoodhouse.org  |   www.neighborhoodhouse.org