Funding to benefit organization’s training programs offered through Workforce Innovation Hub
For the second year in a row, City of Refuge has received a $250,0000 grant from The UPS Foundation, which drives global corporate citizenship and philanthropic programs for UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used toward the Workforce Innovation Hub’s vocational training programs that offer mentoring and training focused on job readiness and job placement.
City of Refuge was founded in 1997 to assist homeless mothers and children by providing them a safe haven during distress. The organization offers support and resources to victims of sex trafficking, expectant young women, mothers with children and single women. In 2017, the nonprofit announced a $25.6 million campaign to raise funds for expanding operations, including the opening of the Workforce Innovation Hub last year.
“Through the programs within the Workforce Innovation Hub, we’re not only teaching vocational skills, we are restoring a sense of dignity to those who feel lost or simply down on their luck,” said Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge. “The team that oversees the education and workforce placement process is dedicated to providing an environment where students feel comfortable to let their guards down. We believe in the power of second chances and are grateful to The UPS Foundation for this generous donation, which will help us continue to bring light, hope and transformation to the beloved 30314 community.”
The Workforce Innovation Hub currently provides a variety of workforce training programs in the areas of automotive, culinary arts, customer service, security and patient care. Last September, the Workforce Innovation Hub also launched its junior developer training program at its Tech Academy, which hosts six-month coding courses in conjunction with Interapt and Accenture to provide Westside residents with the skills to succeed in the information technology industry.
Through the help of partners like UPS, City of Refuge has transformed the lives of more than 20,000 individuals. In 2018, the nonprofit placed 365 graduates from its various workforce programs into jobs across the City of Atlanta.
“The UPS Foundation is honored to support City of Refuge’s efforts to continue building and enhancing the Workforce Innovation Hub to host exceptional vocational training programs for the deserving Westside residents,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation and chief diversity and inclusion officer at UPS. “Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community.”
To learn more about the vocational training programs offered at City of Refuge’s Workforce Innovation Hub, visit https://cityofrefugeatl.org/programs. For more information on happenings at City of Refuge, follow the organization on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About The UPS Foundation
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions, including transporting packages and freight, facilitating international trade and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizens, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs.
Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national and global communities. In 2018, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $114.9 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/Foundation and @UPS_Foundation on Twitter. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter.
About City of Refuge
City of Refuge was founded in 1997 with the mission to transform the lives of individuals and communities in Atlanta and beyond. Today the organization resides in a warehouse that was graciously donated in the 30314 neighborhood, one of the poorest and most crime-ridden areas in the nation. Since inhabiting the “Where Good Works” center, City of Refuge has helped over 20,000 people across the country and internationally. The organization has created several programs designed to provide an impact in areas such as: housing, youth development, health & wellness, and vocation. City of Refuge is a leader in the business of social transformation and continuously works to empower and equip individuals with the tools to succeed.
