CATCH, Inc. is a partnership of local congregations, businesses, regional government agencies and the United Way. The goal of the partnership: providing services for homeless families through rental assistance, case management and more for up to six months.

The program has been operating in Ada and Canyon counties. It's now expanding into Meridian through a partnership with the Meridian School District.

CATCH founder Greg Morris said the agency has wanted to expand services into Meridian for some time. The school partnership is making that possible.

Linda Clark, superintendent of the Meridian School District, said the program will help at least six families break the cycle of homelessness this semester.

CATCH, Inc. also provides furniture and household items for all families referred by local shelters and school districts. To date, CATCH's success rate of permanently re-housing families is above 85 percent in both Canyon and Ada counties.

Read more online, link through this column at idahostatesman.com.

SAVOR THE WORLD

For nearly two decades in Boise's North End, the nonprofit Dunia Marketplace has sold the wares of artisans to 39 developing countries and local men and women who have come to Idaho as refugees. Dunia is hosting a fundraiser for fair trade from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, 1649 West Shoreline Dr., Suite 100, Boise.

The evening will feature global sweets and savories, world music, artisan stories, local wine, and beer and a silent auction. All guests will receive a special Glassworks glass to take home.

Tickets: $39 ($1 for each country represented by Dunia) Call Dunia, 1609 N. 13th St., Boise, 333-0535 for more.

TEENS VIE FOR IDAHO STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR TITLE

Outstanding teens from Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Idaho will compete for the honor of the title and $4,500 in scholarships.

Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. It recognizes outstanding contributions to family, school, community and the club while overcoming significant personal challenges.

This year's competitors: Fernando Chaidez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Nampa; Merisa Garcia, Boys & Girls Club of Magic Valley; Elizabeth Fernandez, Lapwai Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis Clark Valley; Olyvia Border, Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County; and Hope Newman, Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County.

The competition, which takes place Feb. 28, includes speeches and personal interviews. Call 639-3160 for more.

STUDENT GOES GLOBAL

When Capital High School senior Haley Gardner was deciding what to do for her senior project, she wanted something she could be passionate about, something that would take her outside her comfort zone and make a change in the world.

After researching orphanages, she chose one outside Nairobi, Kenya. She wanted to do more than make a donation and told her parents she intended to travel to Africa. They agreed, as long as Haley raised the travel money herself.

She started spreading the word, working extra jobs, asking for donations in lieu of Christmas presents, pooling her own savings.

Long effort short, she is flying to Africa Feb. 28, delivering cash donations and much needed school supplies to the orphanage, including 1,500 crayons donated by IHOP. Since Haley is only 17, her mom, Lisa Gardner will travel with her.

"Haley has always been a good kid," Gardner said. "Her story needs to be heard by other kids who will be inspired to find their own passion."

REGISTER TO 'BEAT COACH PETE'

The 2013 Beat Coach Pete Scholarship Run and Walk is at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 13, at the Boise State Recreation Center.

Racers will get to attempt to outrun the famous coach - and raise money for student scholarships. Finishers and supporters are invited to a "finish-line bash," where they can meet Coach Pete. To date, this annual race has raised more than $138,000. Register online through this column at idahostatesman.com. 426-1131.

'HELPING WORKS' BLOG RETURNS

The blog will accompany this column at idahostatesman.com and will be a source for more nonprofit news.

Find the blog on the Statesman's home page at idahostatesman.com.

Anna Webb: 377-6431