United Way of Greater Atlanta and Bank of America came together for their big Day of Action, a partnership that dedicated the bank’s employee volunteers to 12 United Way partner agencies at 14 locations across Greater Atlanta to support United Way’s Campaign for Child Well-Being.
Research recently shared by United Way of Greater Atlanta and community partners found that nearly 500,000 youth across the Greater Atlanta region live in low well-being neighborhoods – with some of the highest rates of poverty and lowest rates of economic mobility of any region in the country.
“There are too many people in Atlanta who are limited by their zip codes — unable to create a better life for themselves and their families through good jobs or affordable housing. With Day of Action, we really focused on building pathways to economic mobility by addressing issues of workforce development, education, housing and community development across Atlanta through our work with these nonprofits,” said Wendy Stewart, Atlanta market president for Bank of America.
Hundreds of volunteers participated in projects at Action Ministries, the American Red Cross, Back on My Feet, Easter Seals, Gateway Homeless Shelter, LaAmistad, Lost-N-Found, Meals on WheelsAtlanta, Open Hand Atlanta, Prestigious Purse Inc. and Salvation Army Red Shield.
Kent Linder was a part of a team of 40 volunteers that helped pack, organize and deliver meals to disabled, elderly and infirmed Atlantans in need through Open Hand. They helped sort incoming inventory and supplies.
“I was excited to bring my bank colleagues to Open Hand and draw attention to the vital needs their hardworking staff and volunteers help address everyday,” said Linder, who has volunteered with Open Hand for 10 years. “We’re honored to do our part to help pack and deliver a portion of the 5,000 meals that Open Hand distributes every day. For many Atlantans, this organization provides a food lifeline. Sometimes it’s the only meal an elderly or infirmed client will eat today. With a workplace culture that encourages volunteerism, we have the opportunity to make a big impact.”
The Campaign for Child Well-Being has substantial 10-year goals including improving the overall well-being of 250,000 children across the region. A key imperative to the success of this campaign is to increase volunteerism threefold. Bank of America’s volunteer commitment on the Day of Action is making significant strides towards this goal.
“Through Day of Action, volunteers provide a tremendous resource to our partners and the work done here today closes some of the service gaps and helps build capacity so they can focus on ensuring that more children, families, and individuals thrive,” said Kisha Stanley, director of volunteerism and United Way of Greater Atlanta.
Information: unitedwayatlanta.org
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