By Coralie Rogez

The Morgan Manor Foundation is trying to make the world a better place for low-income single parents and their children. The foundation, a National Heritage Foundation created by Catherine Athans, joined the Los Altos community in 2001 and adopted as its principle, “a paradigm for education.”

The purpose of the foundation is to serve those in need by giving them information, education and support - spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

Athans received her inspiration for the project after reading A.S. Neill’s book, “Summerhill School: A New View of Childhood,” which discusses freedom and democracy in education. The book helped Athans realize she wanted her life’s mission to be helping children.

Located across the street from Draeger’s in downtown Los Altos, the foundation focuses on helping single parents through its “Real Gift” program.

The program provides material aid for families - from braces for children whose parents cannot afford them to car tires for low-income families - with the idea of lessening the stress and tension in the household and creating peace and happiness.

The foundation supports those technically above the poverty line, but realistically unable to support themselves. It provides them with specific assistance in times of need.

In addition, the Morgan Manor Foundation provides help for families who live below the poverty line and have children younger than 18. It pays parents to attend school with their children, avoiding the problem of leaving their children home alone. This unique program allows strong bonds to form between the parent and child, while simultaneously educating both. The foundation is also willing to provide these families with a place to live.

If the parent attends school with the child and the child is doing well, full college tuition will be made available to both of them.

“The goal is to stop the idea of poverty or of a ‘ghetto.’ The experience of the program helps individuals to expect a better quality of life so that people are able to participate in society. If everyone is doing well, then it will create a better community,” Athans said.

Athans has worked for over 30 years in the fields of psychology, behavioral medicine and metaphysics. She currently has a practice as a metaphysical healer in Los Altos. She will host a series of seminars at Unity Church, in Palo Alto. Athans will teach individuals how to access their inner power and achieve things they thought were impossible. All proceeds go to the Morgan Manor Foundation.

“The goal with this is to develop a model for all of the United States. This is my dream. I’m doing it. It’s interesting, challenging and exciting. We don’t need pride. It’s about helping others,” Athans said.

The foundation works with many different agencies in trying to seek out families in need of assistance. “The ultimate goal would be to have doctors, car agencies, lots of people involved in this project,” Athans said.

The foundation is seeking sponsors, donations, services, items and volunteers.

The Morgan Manor Foundation is located at 349 First St. For more information, call 948-1796 or e-mail catherine@angelsisland.com.