06/23/2015

Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard Named Champion in Action for Strengthening Communities through Veterans Support

PITTSBURGH – Citizens Bank, WPXI-TV, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares announced today that Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard is the latest nonprofit to be named a Champion in Action®.

Veterans Place received the Champion in Action award for its dedication to ending homelessness among veterans in the Pittsburgh region. As a Champion in Action, the nonprofit will receive a $35,000 contribution from Citizens Bank, media coverage, and extensive promotional and volunteer support.

“Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard provides a variety of supportive services for the growing population of homeless veterans in the Pittsburgh area,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President of Citizens Bank for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. “Since 1996, Veterans Place has worked in partnership with the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and other organizations to facilitate veterans’ transition from homeless to home, becoming engaged, valuable citizens who contribute to their communities.”

Launched in 2002, Champions in Action is a joint initiative of Citizens Bank, WPXI-TV, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares that provides various forms of support to small nonprofit organizations in recognition of their contributions to communities throughout the Pittsburgh area. To date, the program has awarded 37 nonprofits and more than $1 million in grants and promotional support in Pittsburgh. Applications for the first 2016 Champion in Action in the Workforce Development category are being accepted from July 6 through July 24, 2015. The winner will be announced in January of 2016. Eligible nonprofits should apply online at www.citizensbank.com/community/champions.  

“WPXI-TV is pleased to recognize Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard and its unwavering commitment to helping veterans in our area,” said Ray Carter, General Manager of WPXI-TV.  “This great organization has provided more than 18,000 client days of service to veterans living in Pittsburgh’s emergency shelters and on the streets through its Homeless Veterans Day Program which transports veterans from shelters throughout the region to Veterans Place.”

“Trib Total Media recognizes the tremendous work Veterans Place is doing for our veterans and their families in the Pittsburgh region,” said Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media President and CEO. “Through their work, veterans are provided meals, clothing, case management, referrals and services to their specific needs, including transportation. They also provide transitional housing for homeless veterans, maintaining a 70 percent success rate of transition into permanent housing.”

Citizens Bank officials, along with representatives from WPXI-TV, made the announcement earlier today at Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh.

“We are delighted to be chosen as a Champion in Action,” said Marlon Ferguson, Executive Director of Veterans Place. “Helping veterans help themselves is our motto and passion. We offer veterans a safe, supportive and regenerative environment as they gain the necessary skills to face real life challenges and ultimately enable them to lead productive and self-sufficient lives.”

As a Champion in Action, the organization will receive:  

  • A $35,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens Bank;
  • The opportunity for the organization’s Executive Director to participate in a “President-to-President” mentorship with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania President Daniel K. Fitzpatrick;
  • Promotional support highlighting the Champion in Action on all Citizens Bank branch DCN screens and on its ATMs;
  • News coverage and public service announcements from WPXI-TV and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review;
  • Volunteer support from Citizens Bank, Pittsburgh Cares, WPXI-TV and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review;
  • Extensive public relations support.

For more information about the Champions in Action program and to apply, visit www.citizensbank.com/community.