February 1, 2017, Des Moines, IA – Children & Families of Iowa (CFI) has been awarded $500 by Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., through a program called 2 Million & Change. Funds will benefit CFI’s Connect2Careers (C2C) program, formerly known as the Youth Work Readiness Program (YWRP), which helps at-risk youth develop life skills that contribute to success in school and the workforce.
“CFI is honored to partner with Staples Foundation to help at-risk Iowa youth build positive futures through career services,” said Amy Stapp-Arpy, CDO/VP of Development and Communications for CFI. “By providing career planning services such as financial literacy education, job shadowing opportunities and résumé writing workshops, Connect2Careers is empowering the next generation of Iowa leaders in Des Moines, Fort Dodge and the surrounding counties.”
C2C is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) to promote educational and vocational success for youth ages 14 to 18.
Created in 2012, the 2 Million & Change program is a philanthropic initiative which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations focused on academic education or job skills. The program encourages local community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where associates are highly engaged in volunteering or fundraising – up to $25,000 per organization.
“For 30 years, Staples associates have been making a difference in their communities around the world,” said John Burke, chief culture officer, Staples, Inc., “We’re thrilled that the 2 Million & Change program lets our associate make an even greater impact on the organizations they are passionate about.”
About Children & Families of Iowa
Children & Families of Iowa is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope, building futures and changing lives throughout Iowa. With offices in Ankeny, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Osceola and Ottumwa, Children & Families of Iowa is restoring hope for victims of domestic violence, helping teens find their futures, creating safe homes for children, preparing children to succeed and helping people reshape their lives. Please visit www.cfiowa.org for more information.
About Staples Community and Giving
Staples contributes to educational and job-related community efforts with a primary focus on disadvantaged youth, from literacy and mentoring to career skills development, through in-kind and monetary donations and grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. Through its community and giving efforts, Staples has helped thousands of organizations in 26 countries. For more information, visit www.staples.com/community.
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