Richmond, Calif, Aug. 27, 2013 –Today, the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program provided a $30,000 grant to Rubicon Programs to fund services for unemployed residents of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Specifically, this grant will positively impact the local community by supporting East Bay residents who face significant barriers to employment and financial self-sufficiency. Grant support from Walmart Foundation will help Rubicon place a minimum of 500 unemployed people in jobs this year.
“Rubicon works with people facing some of life's biggest challenges: unemployment, homelessness, mental illness, incarceration,” explained Jane Fischberg, president and executive director, “Last year we placed more unemployed people in jobs than at any time in our 40 year history. With the funding support of companies like Walmart, Rubicon is able to go above and beyond to make sure people have the tools they need to make positive change in their lives.”
The grant was presented to Jane Fischberg, Rubicon president and executive director, during a check presentation ceremony held today at Rubicon’s headquarters in Richmond.
“At the Walmart Foundation, we understand that organizations such as Rubicon are essential to building stronger communities. They share our values and are committed to helping those in need in the communities we serve,” said Chester Gray, senior director and regional general manager for Walmart in Northern California. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that residents in the area will feel a positive effect, and through that effect our impact will be expanded.”
Rubicon recognizes that people in our hardest hit communities need help to secure the jobs and opportunities that will empower them to move themselves and their families out of poverty. For more than 3,000 people every year -- Rubicon is that help. They find support that’s right for each individual – a personalized, life-changing set of services that includes job training, job placement, housing, legal services, financial education, and more.
The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
About Rubicon Programs
Rubicon’s mission is to prepare very low-income people to achieve financial independence and to partner with people with mental illness on their journey of recovery. Founded in 1973, Rubicon has been nationally recognized for its groundbreaking work with people re-entering our communities after incarceration. Every year the organization provides more than 3,000 people with employment, housing, mental health and wellness services, and legal support. Rubicon has been making the East Bay a better place to be for more than 40 years - find out how at www.rubiconprograms.org.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
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