Tag: Philanthropy

Congressman Jim McGovern Addresses SHECP Opening Conference

Congressman discusses poverty, hunger and solutions with college students before they begin internships at nonprofits across the country.

Press Release
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updated: Jun 13, 2018

ARLINGTON, VA, June 13, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts was the keynote speaker at the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty’s 2018 Frueauff Opening Conference, at Marymount University, June 8.

There, more than 130 interns, faculty advisors and ambassadors listened to the ranking member of the House Rules Committee, and founder and co-chair of the House Hunger Caucus, share his views on poverty, hunger and solutions to address these issues.

“It was an inspiration to hear from such bright and talented students about their commitment to tackling poverty in America. I’m grateful these young leaders are stepping up to build a future where everyone is valued and no one is left behind, and proud of everything they’re doing to make a positive difference in communities across our country.”

Congressman Jim McGovern, U.S. Representative, Massachusetts 2nd District

“It was an inspiration to hear from such bright and talented students about their commitment to tackling poverty in America,” said Congressman McGovern. “I’m grateful these young leaders are stepping up to build a future where everyone is valued and no one is left behind, and proud of everything they’re doing to make a positive difference in communities across our country.”

McGovern remarked that “budgets are moral documents” and that tackling poverty is not a political issue, but rather a matter of values. He encouraged the students to treat everyone with dignity and respect, adding that if “we do this right, we’re all going to do better.” To emphasize his point, he shared the story of a family he met in Colombia. Because of a U.S. government-funded food program, a mother was grateful that her son did not have to join warring paramilitary groups to survive.

Beyond his remarks, McGovern took questions from the interns.

“How do you navigate your passion with self-care?” asked one student—an important topic, considering that the interns will spend the next eight weeks working at nonprofits in cities across the country. McGovern shared that he finds solace from the grind of Washington by going to his favorite coffee shop back home to simply meet and talk with others.

“We can’t thank Congressman McGovern enough for taking the time to not only share his views but to truly engage with and inspire our interns,” said Dr. Brett Morash, SHECP executive director. “By being here, the congressman demonstrated to these young adults that they can make an impact through their actions. The congressman is advocating for programs that continue to have both a national and international impact on improving safety and security.”

Before leaving, McGovern left the SHECP interns with the following charge: “You’re already leaders. I’m looking for you to step up.”

To learn how you can support SHECP and its internship program, visit ShepherdConsortium.org.

About the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty: The Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP), is a consortium of colleges and universities that are committed to the study of poverty as a complex social problem, by expanding and improving educational opportunities for college students in a wide range of disciplines and career trajectories. SHECP institutions support undergraduates toward a lifetime of professional and civil efforts to diminish poverty and enhance human capability. For more information, please visit ShepherdConsortium.org, or visit us on Twitter at @TheSHECP.

Source: Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty

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June 13, 2018
ZUMA Wire Update: Gates Foundation Invests $45 Million for Health Initiatives in Burkina Faso

Press Release
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updated: Jan 30, 2018

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, January 30, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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The latest from ZUMA Press Wire Service says The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced plans to invest more than $45 million over three years in support of ongoing efforts in Burkina Faso to improve nutrition and the health of women and children in the West African country.

Announced by Gates Foundation co-chair Melinda Gates during a visit to the country’s capital, Ouagadougou, the investment includes $34 million for government programs aimed at reducing childhood stunting by half by 2020. Another $10 million will support family planning programs aimed at helping women plan and space their pregnancies.

Burkina Faso has made significant progress against poverty, hunger, and poor health in the face of big challenges and is inspiring other countries in the region to do the same. This progress is no coincidence — it takes leadership.

Melinda Gates, Gates Foundation Founder

In addition, as part of a $15 million regional funding initiative that includes Benin, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Togo, the foundation will match every dollar invested by the government of Burkina Faso in 2018 in the purchase of contraceptives. Investments by the foundation also will support higher quality and more timely data collection, enabling partners to measure progress on family planning and nutrition initiatives, design more effective programs, and pinpoint areas of greatest need.

“Burkina Faso has made significant progress against poverty, hunger, and poor health in the face of big challenges and is inspiring other countries in the region to do the same. This progress is no coincidence — it takes leadership,” said Gates. “There is enormous opportunity ahead. If countries like Burkina Faso continue to increase their investments in health and development, then unprecedented progress is possible — and every woman, man, and child in this country will benefit.”

Source: ZUMA Press

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January 30, 2018
Indian Royal Names LGBT Centre After Fellow Royal Activist

Press Release
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updated: Jan 22, 2018

RAJPIPLA, India, January 22, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, an openly gay Indian royal, has named his LGBT centre after a fellow Indian royal, Kanwar Amarjit Singh of the Kapurthala Family, as the pair bravely tackle the lingering stigma of being LGBT in India. Prince Manvendra, son and heir of the Maharaja of Rajpipla in Gujarat, will run the centre with his organisation, The Lakshya Trust.

Named Hanumanteshwar Amar 1927, the LGBT centre will be built on Prince Manvendra’s palace grounds by the banks of Narmada, India’s third largest river. Amar, director of Amar Gallery in King’s Cross, is the centre’s main supporter and advocate; the 28-year-old has been an extremely passionate and vocal activist for both LGBT and women’s rights for over a decade, with his gallery exhibiting and promoting work by artists who come from these underrepresented communities. He was recently featured in the New York Times for his plans to help India overcome this problem:

I am touched that Prince Manvendra has named the centre after me. Together we will take the good fight to India, and win.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/fashion/kanwar-amarjit-singh-indian-prince-gay-rights-art-gallery.html

Amar cites the controversial Section 377 of India’s penal code – a law that bans any homosexual act that goes back to the days of British rule – as an outdated punishment against the vulnerable LGBT community of India. With his ‘army of love’, Amar sees a bright future for these young men and women he has championed his entire life. ‘We hope Hanumanteshwar Amar 1927 can be a catalyst for change in India,’ he comments. ‘Ostracised for their freedom of expression and love for their fellow human, the LGBT community sorely needs a friendly home in India; Hanumanteshwar Amar 1927 will open its doors to one and all who carry the fight against Section 377 and the oppression of free love in my homeland.’

The friendship between the two royals dates back to 2009 when homosexuality was first legalised – something they both fought for, risking their lives & royal heritage for their ardent beliefs. Their ancestors also served together in Indian parliament, within the prestigious Chamber of Princes. In 2009, Amar spoke to the Times of India about Prince Manvendra: ‘I was inspired to get involved and help a great man who faced tyranny over a personal choice – that of being a homosexual.’ To their dismay, legislation was reversed in 2013.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajpiplas-gay-prince-to-get-reel-life/articleshow/4497558.cms?from=mdr

‘I am touched that Prince Manvendra has named the centre after me. Together we will take the good fight to India, and win.’

For interview requests, please contact Kapurthalafamily@gmail.com.

Source: Kapurthala Royal Family

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January 22, 2018
Former Detroit Tiger Frank Tanana and Wife Cathy to Host Westside Christian Academy Marriage Conference

Frank Tanana and his wife Cathy will share the secrets to a happy, long and successful marriage centered on God’s Word when they teach at the Westside Christian Academy Marriage Conference Fundraiser, Friday, February 2nd, 7-9pm; and Saturday, February 3rd from 8:30-11am at Faith Bible Church in Livonia.

Press Release
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updated: Jan 12, 2018

Livonia, Michigan, January 12, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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The Tananas have been married for 40 years, have 4 married daughters and 13 grandkids. It is Frank and Cathy Tanana’s mission to help other couples prosper in their marriages.

Donations for the conference start at $150. Double donations will be matched by a generous donor.

Faith Bible Church is located at 34541 5 Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48154 Phone 734-464-7990.

Interested couples can register by going www.westside.org or call Mike Thomas at 248-396-7206.

ABOUT WESTSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Westside Christian Academy is a beacon of hope providing children a holistic, Christ-centered education in a loving community. Founded in 1994, Westside Christian Academy is located at 9540 Bramell Street on the western edge of Detroit. Westside Christian Academy is led by Mr. Henry Wells, Campus Principal and Head, and is supported by a board of directors dedicated to excellence. Graduates of Westside can be found in colleges and universities, the military and various careers such as business, education, ministry and law enforcement. 313-255-5760, www.westsideca.org

Source: Westside Christian Academy

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January 12, 2018
Introducing Project HopeFULL, a Mission to Rebuild Mexico While Continuing to Care for Its Earthquake Victims

Press Release
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updated: Dec 22, 2017

MIAMI, December 21, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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The youth-preneurs of Joshua’s Heart Foundation have once again set their sights on a higher level of philanthropy by way of another project supporting the survivors of the earthquakes in Mexico. The initiative called Project HopeFULL was created to support the earthquake victims in Mexico via much-needed supplies and an ambitious rebuilding effort.

Led by Junior Advisory Board member Elena Zapata, the group is focused on keeping awareness and support going for the victims of the two major earthquakes that rocked Mexico in September. They have organized and galvanized family, friends and Joshua’s Heart’s volunteers to assist with collecting donations and assembling 1,090 care packages comprised of over 5,500 items. Each care package contains a complete gender-specific outfit comprised of a shirt, a pair of pants, a pair of shoes, underwear, socks and a sweater. This first round of supplies has been sent to Mexico via air and land transportation to the Red Cross on the ground where they were distributed to families and people with the highest degree of need.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, Project HopeFULL hosted a sold-out exclusive fundraising dinner and silent auction to raise seed money for the mission. The generosity of the 116 guests who attended raised close to $20,000.

Elena Zapata, Junior Advisory Board member

Zapata has ambitious plans for Mexico, the land of her birth. Elena, who still has family there, was severely impacted by the need created through the devastation left behind by the dual quakes. Her goal includes a rebuilding program, which implores builders, suppliers and students of construction, engineering and architecture to join her in the mission to rebuild a better and stronger Mexico. “I am reaching out to colleges to engage their students to take on this project as a study abroad program where they can apply the learned theory to the practical application and make a difference in the life of people who have lost just about everything to a natural disaster,” said Zapata.

She went on to add, “On Tuesday, Dec.19, Project HopeFULL hosted a sold-out exclusive fundraising dinner and silent auction to raise seed money for the mission. The generosity of the 116 guests who attended raised close to $20,000.” The money will be used to provide immediate relief and build housing for those who lost their homes. “I am grateful to the host committee, Maria Elena Zapata, Carmen Richards, Claudia Hernandez-Pons and Mary Aguirre for all their hard work in making this evening a great success,” said Elena.

The dinner with mariachi music featuring a fur fashion show by Sak’s with jewelry by Sazzing was attended by Mexican Consul Horacio Saavedra and his wife. Funds raised that evening will help build houses in Xochimilco area (Unesco heritage site) with Fundacion Gilberto and in Jojutla with Carpintruenos volunteers. The evening’s fundraising partners include Merrill Lynch, Joshua’s Heart Foundation and Cantina La Veinte Restaurant.

Additional donations should be made at www.joshuasheart.org or via email at hopefullfor@gmail.com.

Project HopeFULL is a part of the wave of individual projects that members of the Junior Advisory Board of the Joshua’s Heart Foundation have created to champion their passions and cause. Elena Zapata created Project HopeFULL to champion her love of service and philanthropy while designing a solution that helps solve the social issues involved in helping the victims of a natural disaster in her home country of Mexico. Young people making a difference by taking on projects that solve social issues is a natural progression resulting from their involvement with an organization whose mission is to eliminate poverty and stomp out world hunger. Learn more about the journey to Project HopeFULL by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoV6TttqtGE.

Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF) was founded in 2005 in Miami, Florida, by Joshua when he was four-and-a-half years old and is dedicated to the fight against global hunger and poverty. JHF has two primary goals: to “Stomp out World Hunger” and to “Break the Cycle of Poverty.” JHF is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, which empowers needy people to improve their quality of life by providing necessities like groceries and other personal items. They also effectively engage and educate communities at home and abroad about committing to fight hunger and poverty on a global basis. JHF is a youth-run organization dedicated to stomping out hunger. To date, JHF has distributed over 1.3 million pounds of food to families in need in South Florida, Jamaica, Africa and India. The Junior Advisory Board consists of 80 young people ages 9-18 and 12,500 youth volunteers which are known as elves. Learn how you too can make a difference through donations and volunteering by visiting www.joshuasheart.org.

Source: Joshua’s Heart Foundation

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December 21, 2017
Increases in the Global Demand for NeuroPhysics Therapy Signal Urgent Need for NeuroPhysics Therapy Practitioners

Press Release
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updated: Sep 25, 2017

GOLD COAST, Australia, September 25, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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A faster-paced drum beat of reports on the remarkable health benefits of NeuroPhysics Therapy has noticeably increased global awareness of this mild yet radically effective psychophysical therapy. People with mild to serious health conditions continue to report how quickly they achieve results and the long-lasting lifestyle benefits of the therapy.

NeuroPhysics Therapy (NPT) has been in practice by its Australia-based founder Ken Ware and his colleagues for more than 30 years. NPT is recognized as having assisted large numbers of people to regain control over their physical and mental health and well-being, even after suffering from often-serious long-term chronic conditions that conventional medicine has not been able to treat effectively.

We have a challenge with the high demand for the therapy and the insufficient supply of therapists to meet that demand outside of Australia and New Zealand.

Sara Ross PHD, CEO of Neurotricional Sciences Education

This expanding global awareness of the therapy leads to rising numbers of inquiries coming in from all over the globe, spokesperson for the NeuroPhysics Therapy Institute and CEO of Neurotricional Sciences Education, U.S.-based Sara Nora Ross, Ph.D. confirmed. She said inquiries to participate in the therapy first rose significantly when Ware assisted world-renowned Paralympian John Maclean to begin to walk again in only three days of the therapy. Maclean had been mainly wheelchair-confined for 25 years. Following additional sessions with Ware, he completed an able-bodied triathlon 18 months later. 60 minutes Australia picked up the story in which the spinal cord injury experts hailed Maclean’s walking again as a miracle.

News of the famed paraplegic walking again quickly spread and since then John Maclean’s inspirational book titled ‘How Far Can You Go?’ has further-accelerated the international and domestic inquiries from people wishing to access the therapy.

“We have a challenge with the high demand for the therapy and the insufficient supply of therapists to meet that demand outside of Australia and New Zealand,” Dr. Ross said. “It’s troubling when this non-invasive, non-medicinal, non-manipulative therapy with an amazing track record should be available to people all over the world, in both developed and less-developed countries, yet we don’t have enough therapists in training to fan across the world to realize the United Nations’ principle of the basic human right to health and well-being. We are convinced of the real contribution Neuro Physics Therapy will make toward realizing that world health goal and believe people everywhere deserve access to it.” That means getting the word out about the NPT therapist education programs is paramount, as is attracting philanthropic interests to sponsor candidates with limited means to enroll in NPT education.

Dr. Ross said that there are unprecedented career opportunities surrounding NeuroPhysics Therapy and she urges those who seek careers in human health services to consider becoming a qualified NeuroPhysics Therapy practitioner and for sponsors and those interested to invest in start-ups of NPT professional settings around the world. NPT education uses best practices in online adult learning combined with in-person training and a practicum period. Interested individuals should visit https://www.neurophysicstherapy.global/careers-education for more information.

Media Contact: Dr. Sara Ross, Email: sara@neurophysicstherapy.global

Source: NeuroPhysics Therapy Institute and Neurotricional Sciences Education

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September 25, 2017
Temecula Valley’s Special Needs Community to Enjoy a Night Out at the Ballpark

Sullivan Solar Power joins as a title sponsor for third annual Disabilities Awareness Night

Press Release
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updated: Jul 31, 2017

Lake Elsinore, CALIF., July 31, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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August 5 will mark the third consecutive Disabilities Awareness Night for the special needs community in Temecula Valley, and they will be treated to a night out at Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium. Sullivan Solar Power has joined this year’s event as a title sponsor, along with Tiffany’s Gift, Lake Elsinore Storm and A Better Look Home Inspections.

“Disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Autism and others are often misunderstood and affect many of our loved ones,” said Disabilities Awareness Night Coordinator Emily Padilla, whose five-year-old daughter has Cerebral Palsy, “There is nothing better than recognizing these children at our event and helping them feel this kind of joy.”

There is nothing better than recognizing these children at our event and helping them feel this kind of joy.

Emily Padilla, Disabilities Awareness Night coordinator

Attendees of this event will be able to learn more about the special needs community and how they can help. Local dignitaries will also be present, showing their support.

At this event, families with special needs children will have the opportunity to meet Lake Elsinore Storm baseball players at a pregame player meet-and-greet. They will also receive free tickets to enjoy the game, courtesy of the Murrieta business community and the Official Storm Stadium Store.

Additionally, due to the gracious donations of Sullivan Solar Power, Tiffany’s Gift and A Better Look Home Inspections, two lucky children will win an adaptive special needs bike, to be given away in the second inning of the game. For most of these children, winning an adaptive bike will be the only chance they have of owning one, as these bikes range in price from $1,200 to over $2,000.

“We strongly believe in education and giving back to the community in which we serve, and this event is something we’re proud to support,” said Daniel Sullivan, president, and owner of Sullivan Solar Power.

Sullivan Solar Power has been a staple in the community, providing high-quality solar power installations in Temecula Valley.

The company’s participation in this year’s event shows their commitment to making life better for the Temecula Valley residents, whether through solar power or service. Earlier in the year, Sullivan Solar Power donated a solar power system to Temecula hero, Cpl. Juan Dominguez and his wife, who will save over $132,000 from his solar.

To learn more about Sullivan Solar Power’s commitment the community, visit www.sullivansolarpower.com/givingback or call 1-800-SULLIVAN.

Source: Sullivan Solar Power

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July 31, 2017
Hello Neighbor Receives $130K in Funding From USA for UNHCR and the Heinz Endowments to Assist Refugees in Post-Resettlement

Press Release
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updated: Jul 19, 2017

PITTSBURGH, PA, July 19, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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Hello Neighbor, a mentorship program for post-resettlement refugees in the U.S., is proud to announce it has secured funding from USA for UNHCR and The Heinz Endowments. The combined $130,000 in funding will be used to run Hello Neighbor’s pilot mentorship program that officially launched in June 2017.

“After spending 15 years working in nonprofits and international development, I’m thankful for the opportunity to help the refugee community in my hometown with this new organization,” said Hello Neighbor founder Sloane Davidson. “The financial support of both USA for UNHCR and The Heinz Endowments, just months into the launch of Hello Neighbor, is an exciting moment as we work to better the refugee experience in Pittsburgh.”

Hello Neighbor supports refugees in their new lives by building community through mentoring with American families to highlight cultural similarities. The four-month pilot program currently hosts 25 refugee families from six countries (Myanmar, Bhutan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria) with 25 American mentor families of varying backgrounds in the Pittsburgh area.

“Hello Neighbor offers Americans the opportunity to connect with refugees as friends and neighbors to share meals, assist with driving lessons, and joyfully celebrate life moments like birthday and graduations. USA for UNHCR is proud to support Hello Neighbor in our shared mission to give refugees the hope they deserve, restore their dignity, and help them rebuild their lives,” said Anne-Marie Grey, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR.

USA for UNHCR partners domestically with organizations like Hello Neighbor to help address needs of refugees and asylum-seekers in the United States. The educational resources and programming, mentor training, and community engagement facilitated by Hello Neighbor complement USA for UNHCR’s mandate to help and protect refugees and people displaced by violence, conflict and persecution.

The Heinz Endowments, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the United States, uses the Pittsburgh region as a laboratory for the development of solutions to challenges national in scope. The funding awarded to Hello Neighbor is part of The Heinz Endowments’ commitment to youth and education in the region.

“Hello Neighbor is exactly the type of program we are pleased to support in the Pittsburgh region,” said Carmen Anderson, Director of Equity and Social Justice of The Heinz Endowments. “With over 86 refugee and American children under the age of 18 involved in the pilot program, we know that Hello Neighbor is creating community through mentorship in a unique and creative way that can have long-term implications on these families.”

Funding from USA for UNHCR and The Heinz Endowments will also support a signature Refugee Advocacy Certificate which provides training for mentors on the global refugee crisis. Mentees can receive additional financial support through Hello Neighbor’s Refugee Assistance Fund to access educational and economic empowerment opportunities. Hello Neighbor also maintains a National Database of Refugee and Immigration Assistance Agencies, which was highlighted by The New York Times.

About Hello Neighbor
Founded in 2017, Hello Neighbor is a mentorship program that matches American and refugee families to support refugees in becoming self-sufficient and successful in their new lives. The four-month program encourages mentor and mentee families to spend time together individually, but also a cohort with a series of events and activities throughout Pittsburgh. Mentors have access to a Refugee Advocacy Certificate as part of their completion in the program and mentees can receive funds for educational and skill training programs through the Refugee Assistance Fund. To learn more about Hello Neighbor, visit the website at www.helloneighbor.io and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Sloane Davidson
Sloane Davidson is the Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor, a mentoring program based in Pittsburgh that supports refugees by matching them with dedicated neighbors to guide and support them. An active philanthropist and advocate, Sloane has raised more than $3 million for nonprofits. She currently sits on the Council for the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and Resolve Network, a microfinance NGO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She was named a top influencer at the 2010 Clinton Global Initiative, “Top Women to Follow” on Twitter by Forbes and named to the Dell #Inspire 100 – a list of leading influencers who use technology to empower and inspire others. Follow Sloane on Twitter.

About USA for UNHCR
USA for UNHCR helps and protects refugees and people displaced by violence, conflict and persecution. It supports UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and its partners in providing lifesaving essentials including shelter, water, food, safety and protection worldwide. Through education, advocacy and fundraising in the United States, USA for UNHCR helps refugees survive, recover and build a better future. Established by concerned American citizens, USA for UNHCR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Learn more at UNrefugees.org.

About The Heinz Endowments
The Heinz Endowments is based in Pittsburgh, where we use our region as a laboratory for the development of solutions to challenges that are national in scope. The Heinz Endowments is devoted to the mission of helping our region prosper as a vibrant center of creativity, learning, and social, economic and environmental sustainability. Core to our work is the vision of a just community where all are included and where everyone who calls southwestern Pennsylvania home has a real and meaningful opportunity to thrive. Learn more at Heinz.org.

Media Contact:
Tara Parsell
Geben Communication
Tara@GebenCommunication.com

Source: Hello Neighbor

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July 19, 2017
Daley Plaza Announced as Official Location for Spark Chicago’s Discovery Day

Hundreds of CPS Middle School Youth and Spark Mentors to Showcase Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Inaugural Citywide Celebration

CHICAGO, IL, March 15, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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Spark today announced its inaugural citywide Discovery Day event will take place on Daley Plaza on June 10, 2016 to celebrate hundreds of Chicago middle school youth who are participating in workplace-based apprenticeships with Spark mentors at companies like Google, KPMG, Tyson Foods, West Monroe Partners, and more. The event will showcase the talents of over 300 students through hands-on projects like making films, creating websites and video games, pitching new businesses, building mobile applications, robots, and more.

Discovery Day is sponsored by leading Chicago companies and is hosted by the Spark Chicago Board of Directors. The event committee includes Charles Calloway of Chapman and Cutler LLP, Jim Evans of Entertainment Cruises, Kyla Kelly of Google, Ashley Lavin of Northern Trust, Robin Lavin of the Osa Foundation, David Leiter of KPMG, Neil Mann of Chapman and Cutler LLP, Kristina Oderinde of KPMG, Gordana Radmilovic of West Monroe Partners, and Marta Stein of McGuireWoods LLP.

“I am working with my Spark mentor Jordan on a project to make Chicago a better city for all of us,” said Armon, Spark student from North Lawndale. “I want to thank the City of Chicago for allowing Discovery Day to take place on Daley Plaza. I hope a lot of people will visit my booth to hear my ideas for our city.”

Armon, 7th Grade Spark student in North Lawndale

Since the launching of the Chicago program in 2011, Spark has served over 1,000 Chicago Public School (CPS) students. Through dynamic apprenticeships, Chicago’s youth are exploring career fields including entrepreneurship, STEM, law, architecture, and more. These workplace experiences empower students to dream big and envision themselves working in some of the nation’s top industries and companies.

“I am working with my Spark mentor Jordan on a project to make Chicago a better city for all of us,” said Armon, Spark student from North Lawndale. “I want to thank the City of Chicago for allowing Discovery Day to take place on Daley Plaza. I hope a lot of people will visit my booth to hear my ideas for our city.”

Discovery Day is the culminating event of a yearlong program in which 7th and 8th graders work with volunteer mentors at the workplace. The event will feature Spark students engaging the entire City of Chicago through interactive displays and presentations showcasing their skills in technology, business, design, and beyond.

In 2004, Spark was founded by two educators who saw early intervention as a tool to help under-resourced youth build the confidence, skills and career awareness to thrive in school and in the workforce. Spark successfully gets students on track in key areas of attendance, behavior, and grades. What’s more, Spark students transition to high school at rates higher than their counterparts. Evidence shows that by combining project-based learning with engaging mentors in the workplace and a 21st century skill-building curriculum, Spark students enter high school engaged, on-track, and ready for success.

“Investing in Spark is a commitment to the future,” said Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, Ph.D., Executive Director of Spark Chicago. “Spark students represent the promise of tomorrow, and with the support of our partners and the Chicago community we are hopeful that we can reach even more students in the years to come.”

Spark’s leading investors in Chicago include CEB, Deloitte, Finnegan Family Foundation, Google, KPMG, Osa Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Pritzker Foundation, Steans Family Foundation, Tyson Foods, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, West Monroe Partners, and Zell Family Foundation. Starcom MediaVest Group is Spark’s media sponsor. Spark is a proud partner of Chicago Public Schools, the City of Chicago, and Department of Family and Support Services.

Spark is grateful for support of the program and the Discovery Day event. Individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in supporting and contributing to Spark and Discovery Day can visit DiscoverSparkChicago.org. Follow Spark on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @SparkProgramCHI and use #DiscoverSpark to follow the Discovery Day excitement.

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ABOUT SPARK:

Spark is a national non-profit organization that provides life-changing apprenticeships to middle school youth in underserved communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. We re-engage underserved seventh and eighth grade students in their education, keeping them on track and ready for success in high school and beyond through workplace-based apprenticeships that uniquely combine mentoring, project-based learning, skill building and career exploration.

Spark partners with Chicago Public Schools to serve school communities on the south and west sides of Chicago including Ariel Community Academy, Chavez Multicultural Academic Center, Deneen School of Excellence, Dewey School of Excellence, Frazier International Magnet School, Irvin C. Mollison Elementary School, John Fiske Elementary, John Milton Gregory Elementary School, Legacy Charter School, Namaste Charter School, National Teachers Academy, and Perkins Bass Elementary.

For more information, visit sparkprogram.org. Follow the excitement on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @SparkProgramCHI using #DiscoverSpark.

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March 15, 2016