FREMONT, Calif., Feb. 16, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five local organizations were recognized today at a community luncheon held by the City of Fremont and Alameda County, in partnership with Toyota and Fremont Bank. Abode Services, the Fremont Education Foundation, the Fremont Family Resource Center, Ohlone College and Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE) were awarded a combined $324,000 in grants from Toyota at today's event, which was held at the Fremont Main Library.
The grants recognized these organizations for the difference they have made in addressing some of the most pressing needs of the Bay Area, despite the challenging economic times. Speakers also highlighted the benefits of partnerships between government, corporations and nonprofits in working together to improve local communities.
"Nonprofit organizations often provide the community with services that government agencies and corporations can't offer on their own. It is important for us to recognize the great value that these and other nonprofits bring to our community," said Bob Wasserman, mayor of Fremont. "We commend these five organizations for their relentless support of the people of Fremont."
"Today's event and continued support from Toyota and Fremont Bank are great examples of what it means to be a good corporate citizen," said Scott Haggerty, Alameda County Supervisor. "We hope that other corporations in our county will continue to support these and other organizations in their communities."
In addition to recognizing these organizations, Toyota and the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) announced the "Wonderopolis Family Challenge: Fremont Edition," a new and exciting program aimed at inspiring and engaging families in the pursuit of education and learning together. While still under development, the challenge will feature a series of online and offline activities including quizzes on Fremont's history, online games featuring Fremont attractions, family field trips to community events, scavenger hunts, among others. The "Wonderopolis Family Challenge: Fremont Edition," which will launch this summer, will give participating families a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C.
"Toyota is very proud to support the critical work of these organizations in the Bay Area," said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of philanthropy at Toyota Motor North America. "Our commitment to education makes us equally excited about launching Wonderopolis in Fremont. As we celebrate our 20th year in partnership with NCFL, we know that their model of families learning together will be a success in the Fremont community."
Additional Information on Grants:
| Organization | Program | Description | Grant |
|
Abode Services |
(1) Hope Project Mobile Health Clinic and (2) Winter Relief / Rapid Re-Housing Program |
(1) Developed by Abode Services in 1999, Hope Project's mobile health clinic is an innovative, custom designed solution providing high quality health care to Fremont's homeless families and individuals. (2) The Winter Relief / Rapid Re-Housing Program will enable families on the Sunrise Village homeless shelter waiting list to move directly into supportive housing and avoid a stay in the shelter program. |
$40,000 |
|
Fremont Education Foundation |
Educate, Challenge, Inspire |
Funding will support several educational programs currently implemented at Fremont Unified School District including Everyday Mathematics, Project Lead The Way and Smaller Learning Communities. The grant will allow the Foundation to purchase SMART boards, calculators, math decks, books, computer upgrades and other student materials. |
$129,000 |
|
Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) |
Training for Staff at NUMMI Re-Employment Center & Other Resources for Laid-off Workers |
Staff at the NUMMI Re-Employment Center (NRC) will receive a combination of direct service delivery (case management, support groups, tax and financial assistance and child care support) and training to better assist the unemployed. Funding will also go to support laid-off NUMMI workers and their families directly by providing additional services through the Family Resource Center. |
$100,000 |
|
Ohlone College |
Educational Scholarships |
The mission of Ohlone College is to serve the community by offering instruction for basic skills, career entry, university transfer, economic development and personal enrichment, in an environment where student learning success is highly valued, supported and continually assessed. Funding will provide ten Ohlone College students with $500 scholarships. |
$5,000 |
|
Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE) |
(1) Domestic Violence Counseling (2) Teen Dating Violence |
(1) SAVE's counselors assist victims of domestic violence, their children and their families in resolving troubled relationships and family issues through problem solving, therapy, stress reduction and education. (2) The Teen Dating Violence Program educates teens and teachers about domestic violence, including its health consequences. |
$50,000 |
| Total | $324,000 | ||
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, including one under construction. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.
Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.
For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/philanthropy.
About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank (www.fremontbank.com) is the leading full-service community bank in Northern California. Founded in 1964, Fremont Bank is one of the oldest independent family owned and managed banks in the region and focuses on personalized service for individuals and businesses. It serves communities through 22 branches and seven additional ATMs throughout the Greater Bay Area. Exceptional client service is the cornerstone of Fremont Bank's business. Accommodation of customer needs in a friendly, personal atmosphere characterizes the Bank's culture.