01/11/2010
Mercy Education Project named a Champion in Action in Michigan
Charter One Bank and WXYZ-TV 7 provide $25,000 grant, volunteer and promotional support in recognition of excellence in workforce development
DETROIT (January 12, 2010) - Charter One and WXYZ-TV 7 announce Mercy Education Project as the 2010 Champions in Action® winner in Michigan in the area of workforce development. As the beneficiary of this award, Mercy Education Project will receive a $25,000 grant, public relations and volunteer support.
The Champions in Action program was launched in November 2005 by Charter One and WXYZ-TV 7 to recognize and support nonprofit organizations that champion change in our communities and work to address the needs of southeast Michigan.
The Women’s Educational and Career Development Services Program at Mercy Education Project (MEP) provides a holistic approach to workforce development – starting with education. MEP’s programs include adult education and GED classes, lifeskills training and workforce development. In addition, MEP removes common barriers for low-income women who are seeking self-sufficieny by providing onsite childcare, transportation and meals. To further assist in job placement, Mercy Education Project has developed strategic partnerships to help women receive training and employment in both the health care and child care fields.
Mercy Education Project has been a doorway to a brighter future for women in Detroit since 1992, offering adult basic education and GED classes, employability skills and career development to 150 women annually. MEP partners with local health care providers and other employers to provide career exploration, skills training and, in some instances, guaranteed interviews for qualified program participants. Since 2007, 100 percent of those completing the MEP program have gone on to employment, college or both.
“Mercy Education Project empowers the women it serves by providing educational and workforce development resources to help participants achieve self-sufficiency,” said Sandra Pierce, President, Charter One, Michigan.
"WXYZ-TV 7 is proud to partner with Charter One to recognize the important contributions of Mercy Education Project,” said Bob Sliva, Vice President and General Manager, WXYZ-TV 7. "We congratulate the organization and look forward to working with Mercy Education Project to help raise awareness and advance its mission.”
As the 2010 first quarter Champion in Action, Mercy Education Project will receive:
• A $25,000 grant in unrestricted funds from the Charter One Foundation
• Media coverage from WXYZ-TV 7, including public service announcements
• Volunteer support from Charter One colleagues
• Promotional support in all Charter One branches and ATMs throughout Michigan
• Exposure on both Charter One’s and WXYZ-TV 7’s Web sites
“We are proud to be chosen as a Champion in Action. It is a privilege to have our program recognized for the resulting positive impact in the area of workforce development,” said Amy Amador, Executive Director of Mercy Education Project. “We will proudly continue the work of helping disadvantaged adults open the door to a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
Community leaders and representatives of WXYZ-TV 7 and Charter One comprise a committee which selects a Champion in Action each quarter for its work on a particular social concern. 2010 categories are: Workforce Development; Family Support; Environmental Impact; and Arts and Culture.
About Charter One
Charter One is a division of RBS Citizens, N.A., operating in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. It has approximately 370 branches and 600 ATMs. It has 109 branches and 123 ATMs in Michigan. Charter One’s Web site is charterone.com.
RBS Citizens, N.A. is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $151 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. CFG’s two bank subsidiaries are RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. They operate a 12-state branch network under the Citizens Bank brand in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and the Charter One brand in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. CFG has non-branch retail and commercial offices in about 40 states. CFG is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc).
Information on Mercy Education Project
(313) 963-5881
www.mercyed.net
