Company supports school-based mental health programs through private philanthropy.
MADISON, Wis., July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The philanthropic arm of a statewide insurance and financial services organization for educators—WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.—has launched a pilot project with four Wisconsin school districts to test a funding model for expanding private philanthropic support for school-based mental health programs throughout the state. The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation and the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact have committed to supporting this pilot project, joining a growing list of corporate philanthropic organizations.
The WEA Member Benefits Foundation announced it will help their four pilot districts, Appleton, Racine, Sun Prairie, and Watertown, approach potential funders in their local communities to meet their challenge grant—provided by the Foundation—potentially doubling the total for each district. "The generous financial and in-kind support from American Family Insurance brings us another step closer to our goal of helping our four pilot school districts meet their challenge grant match," said WEA Member Benefits Foundation Executive Director Steve Goldberg. "We are grateful for their generosity and hope that other corporate foundations will follow their lead to help the school districts strengthen their mental health programs."
"We are strongly committed to supporting equity in healthy youth development, especially mental health," said Shayna Hetzel, American Family community and social impact director. "More than ever, young people having easy access to mental health resources is critical – and that's what innovative school-based programs such as this one help to cultivate."
"We are thankful for American Family's philanthropic support of our four pilot school districts. School-based mental health, especially during these stressful times, is so important to the success of our students. We hope others will join us in this effort," said WEA Member Benefits President and CEO, David Kijek.
Initial funding for WEA Member Benefits Foundation's student mental health pilot grant program has come from WEA Member Benefits, WEA Trust, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), GenRe, Empower Retirement, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Parnassus Investments, Newport Group, Wisconsin Mutual Insurance, Velcor, Strom Ballweg, von Briesen & Roper, and T. Rowe Price.
More information about the WEA Member Benefits Foundation's school-based mental health initiative and ways you can help support can be found at weafoundation.org.
##### ##### #####
About the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.
The WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity supporting public education through grants and charitable donations to public educators, public schools, and the communities they serve. More information can be found at weafoundation.org.
About WEA Member Benefits
WEA Member Benefits has been helping Wisconsin public school employees and their families achieve their financial goals for over 50 years by providing personal insurance, retirement and investment, and financial planning programs. Learn more at weabenefits.com.
About the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, Inc.
The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation builds on our long-standing commitment to communities by offering unrestricted, general operating grants to eligible non-profit partners. We're committed to using trust-based values to create meaningful, impactful relationships and reduce the inherent power imbalances of traditional funding models. Like our community partners, we're also committed to learning, listening and changing through collaboration and trust. Grant funding priorities are Academic Achievement and Education, Healthy Youth Development, Economic Opportunity, and Community Resiliency. These priorities align with our organization's efforts to close equity gaps, invest in and improve communities.
About the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact is a venture capital firm and partner of choice for exceptional entrepreneurs who are building scalable, sustainable businesses in a long-term effort to close equity gaps in America. It also recognizes that capacity building and supporting organizations and experts that have been working toward social causes are equally important in making a positive impact within our communities around the country.
Media Contact
Steve Goldberg, WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc., 1-800-279-4030, [email protected]
SOURCE WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.
Share this article