Columbia, Maryland - May 16, 2007 - The family of Duane and Janis St. Clair of Columbia, Maryland has established a fund with The Columbia Foundation, Howard County’s community foundation, to benefit foster children in Howard County. The St. Clair Family Foundation Fund will provide financial support to foster children who need funds for items such as athletic equipment or musical instruments so they can participate in school activities; it also will help young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.

Currently, there are over 100 youth in the Howard County foster care system, yet fewer than 45 families are licensed for foster care. The St. Clairs hope to grow the fund through an annual event and contributions from those in the community interested in helping this little-known population in Howard County. Distributions from the fund will begin in 2008.

The St. Clairs are 30-year residents of Columbia and were foster parents for over ten years. Duane St. Clair is the Maryland contact for the National Foster Parent Association and serves as regional Vice President of the Mid Atlantic region. Anyone interested in learning more about foster care can reach him at 410-381-4788 or at duanestclair@excite.com.

Founded in 1969, The Columbia Foundation has awarded nearly $9 million in grants to Howard County nonprofit organizations delivering human service, arts and cultural, educational and civic programs. Money for the grant programs comes primarily from income generated by the Foundation’s endowment supported by over 200 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals. For more information on The Columbia Foundation, visit www.columbiafoundation.org or call 410-730-7840.