Eva Smith died before the first Eva's Initiative Shelter for Youth was built. But her namesake lives on as more than 2,500 kids annually seek help at one of three Eva's shelters.

Eva's Initiative receives a Harry Jerome Award this week, given by the Black Business and Professional's Association.

Since the inception of Eva's Initiatives, the agency has tripled in size, said executive director Maria Crawford.

Eva's is the first agency to win a Harry Jerome award, which in the past has been given strictly to individuals.

"We're especially honoured to win the inaugural award," said Crawford. "Especially given that it's Eva Smith's community. We have won a number of awards, but this one will hold a special place for us."

Eva's has proven effective in getting kids off the street and giving them a hand in becoming productive members of society.

"We have distinct focus on long-term solutions," Crawford said. "Our programs are geared towards self-sufficiency."

Eva's Initiative is a Youth Shelter in the King Street and Strachan Avenue area that provides youth with life skills and has an intensive job-training program. Two other locations include Eva's Phoenix and Eva's Satellite.

"We want to get them out of the shelter system for good," said Crawford. "We focus on jobs where they can make decent money as opposed to dead-end minimum wage jobs."

In addition to shelter beds, kids can take advantage of a job placement program, work for Eva's printing press or get counselling.

"We have a family reconnect program," said Crawford. "There are a lot of youth on the streets because of family breakdown. We also realize that a number of the youth and families would like to reconcile and get around some of those huge issues."

With the help of the counsellors at Eva's, youth can often return home or connect with extended family who may be able to offer them assistance.

"All of our programs are very innovative," said Crawford. Eva's programs have not been recreated anywhere else, and it has been a difficult path to forge.

"The directions that we've gone have been difficult because they were new," said Crawford. "Now that we're winning awards, we've gained some recognition."

Recognition is so important for non-profit agencies, noted Crawford.

"You don't always get it," she said.

Furthermore, the agency faces a tough time ahead as fundraising this year has been slow for all charities.

"Because of the tsunami, many corporations have committed their funds for the whole year," Crawford said. "We are very challenged. Donations are greatly appreciated."

To find out more about Eva's Initiatives visit www. Evasinitiatives.com.