The SBC foundation, the philanthropic arm of SBC Communications, Inc., awarded a $7,000 Excelerator technology grant to Catholic Social Services on Dec. 17.

The grant will allow Catholic Social Service to support a web-based management system called Technology Advancement Project. The system will use interactive technology to improve the efficiency of reporting and operating the child welfare agency.

Catholic Social Service provides child welfare, adoption, foster care and other social services for children in southwest Kansas. SBC Excelerator is a major philanthropic initiative that connects the nation’s residents to import community resources. The program empowers nonprofits to use technology to expand the reach of services and heighten the impact those services have on people in the community.

"Catholic Social Service provides critical social services to children and families in southwest Kansas," said Darin Miller, SBC Kansas external affairs director. "The SBC Excelerator grant will provide technology to improve and expand those services."

"We are always looking for ways to do a better job serving the children and families of southwest Kansas," said Debbie Snapp, program director for Catholic Social Service. "With new technology we can improve case management, speed up regulatory reporting and increase the scope and reach of child welfare services for families in need."

"Catholic Social Service is a valuable resource providing solutions for children and families in southwest Kansas," said Senator Tim Huelskamp, Fowler. "I applaud this partnership with SBC to make sure our families get the supportive services they need."

"SBC has a strong reputation in Kansas as a corporate citizen willing to help worthy causes," said Representative Pat George, Dodge City. "I appreciate their willingness to support important organizations like Catholic Social Service."

The 2004 SBC Excelerator grants provide nonprofit organizations with the necessary tools to better equip the communities they serve, through:

*Interactive, Web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting and e-fundraising;

*Technology training programs for non-profit staff members;

*High speed access to the Internet and e-mail, and

*Networking connectivity enabling easy sharing of database applications and information systems.