Branches, Inc. in Miami Receives 2015 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award
Miami, FL (PRWEB) December 23, 2015 -- Branches, Inc. announced that it has been named a recipient of the Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award for 2015. One of only two grant awardees in Miami, Branches will receive $200,000 in operating support over two years, part of an approximately $1.7 million collective investment that Bank of America is making this year to more than 50 nonprofits in the area. Branches, Inc. will use the funds to develop its Climb thru College Program, which prepares high school students to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to succeed in college.
Branches is a local nonprofit organization based in Miami and primarily focuses on student services and financial stability. Its Grow Program serves elementary students, preparing them for lifelong success through enrichment of their minds, bodies and hearts. The Climb Program serves middle and high school students, focusing on the development of their individual assets in order to maximize opportunities to become better students and better people. Branches’ Achieve Programs target the well-being of the entire community through services fostering financial stability and long term success. Services include the ASSETS small business solutions program, the Ways to Work car loan program for working families, free VITA tax preparation and hunger relief. Branches is also proud to house and operate the United Way Center for Financial Stability (UWCFS).
In addition to the $200,000 grant, Bank of America’s prestigious Neighborhood Builder Award also includes national level leadership training for the Executive Director, Brent McLaughlin, and an Emerging Leader, Martine Marcelin, Grow & Climb Program Manager at Branches Lakeview.
“We are honored and humbled by this prestigious award. Bank of America is truly an outstanding partner and is making an incredible impact in our community,” said Brent McLaughlin, Executive Director of Branches, Inc. “We are excited to now be able to better prepare our high school students for college, as well as make sure they not only are accepted into college, but graduate from college.”
About Branches
For over 40 years, Branches has made a positive impact in the community by delivering on its mission to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial stability services. Branches provides long-term, holistic services for motivated individuals and families. We help people grow deeper and climb higher in life by building a foundation through education so they can achieve their goals and fulfill their potential. For additional information about Branches, please call 305.442.8306 or visit http://www.branchesfl.org.
Bank of America Corporate Social Responsibility
Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Our CSR efforts guide how we operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients and employees. Our goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of our business. We have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. As part of these efforts, employee volunteers across the company contribute their time, passion and expertise to address issues in communities where they live and work. Learn more at http://www.bankofamerica.com/about and follow us on Twitter at @BankofAmerica
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Isabelle Pike, Branches, http://www.branchesfl.org, 305-442-8306 Ext: 1002, [email protected]
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