The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it has awarded $7,500 to Vermont Works for Women in Winooski.
Vermont Works for Women (VWW) provides opportunities for women and girls to explore and pursue work that leads to economic independence. The grant from People’s United Community Foundation will support VWW’s Transitional Jobs program in Chittenden County, which helps adult women transitioning from public assistance or those released from incarceration find stable, permanent employment. The program offers six weeks of soft-skills training, paid work experience, job coaching, and connections to potential employers.
“This generous donation enables us to serve marginalized women who have sometimes given up on work,” said Tiffany Bluemle, Executive Director, Vermont Works for Women. “When training and personal coaching to secure unsubsidized work are provided, personal and family stability and community integration can be achieved.”
“Vermont Works for Women provides a critical service to women who face significant barriers to employment,” said Michael Seaver, Officer, People’s United Community Foundation and Vermont Division President, People's United Bank. “The Transitional Jobs Program is changing the course of many women’s lives and the lives of their children. We are pleased to be able to support their work.”
Also, as part of its commitment to support affordable housing and the well-being of neighborhoods in the communities where People’s United Bank operates, the People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it has awarded $7,500 to West River Habitat for Humanity.
There are currently 12 Habitat for Humanity affiliates and chapters based in Vermont. Collectively, the organizations have built more than 141 affordable houses for over 400 family members.
“The donation from People’s United Community Foundation will provide families with the opportunity to leave unsafe and expensive rental housing behind and help break the cycle of poverty,” stated Gene Clark, President of West River Habitat for Humanity. “Habitat's affordable, no-profit house payments help to free up money for food, child care, medicine and other necessities. Research shows that decent housing improves health, increases children's educational achievement and strengthens community ties.”
“We are pleased to once again support West River Habitat for Humanity,” said Michael Seaver, Officer of People’s United Community Foundation and Vermont President of People’s United Bank. “Safe and secure housing is something all Vermont residents need in order to raise their families.”
Also, People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, has also awarded $5,000 to Cover Home Repair, Inc.
The funding from People’s United Community Foundation will support Cover Home Repair’s ongoing work with low income homeowners in Vermont and NH Upper Valley.
“Cover Home Repair strives to make homes accessible, dry, warm and safe,” stated Michael Seaver, Officer of People’s United Community Foundation, and Vermont President, People’s United Bank. “We are pleased to support their initiatives as they repair or retrofit 60 homes and weatherize 80 additional homes.”
“COVER is honored to receive this grant from the People’s United Community Foundation. The funds will directly support COVER staff and volunteers in their work repairing roofs, building accessibility ramps and weatherizing leaky homes,” said Rob Schultz, Executive Director, Cover Home Repair, Inc.
Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of more than 400 branches, is the largest independent bank headquartered in New England. The Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the Foundation include community development, youth development, and affordable housing.
1st Photo: Michael Seaver, Officer People’s United Community Foundation and President – People’s United Bank Vermont Division; Sherry Knudsen, Development Director Vermont Works for Women; Tiffany Bluemle, Executive Director Vermont Works for Women and Vince Santilli, Executive Director People’s United Community Foundation.
2nd Photo: Michael Seaver, Officer, People’s United Community Foundation and Vermont Division President, People’s United Bank; Rosemary Bradley, Secretary, West River Habitat for Humanity and Vince Santilli, Executive Director, People’s United Community Foundation.
3rd Photo: Michael Seaver, Officer People’s United Community Foundation and Vermont Division President People’s United Bank; Ron Schultz, Executive Director Cover Home Repair, and Vince Santilli, Executive Director People’s United Community Foundation.