By Christine Berardi
The National Grid Foundation has awarded funding to more than 60 workforce development programs across its service area in New York and New England. The funding assists the community and local economies, as job seekers -- those who remain employed, and those who seek strategies to enhance career growth -- prepare for employment opportunities.
“Even before the full economic impact of the pandemic was known to us, the Foundation’s Board of Directors supported funding for workforce development programs,” said Edward White, National Grid Foundation Executive Director. “During the pandemic we became acutely aware that as our communities would begin to emerge from the devastating effects of COVID-19, there would be a great need, and emphasis on developing the ‘new normal’ workforce of the future. We felt very strongly that a substantive investment in this area would aid the critical need for skilled workers.”
During the last three-plus years, the National Grid Foundation has invested $1,423,000 in workforce development programs. In 2021 and the first six months of 2022, the Foundation’s Board approved approximately $788,000 of funding in this area.
“As we look toward a vibrant and inclusive future, workforce development and education programs, as well as opportunities for those reentering the job market, will help equip potential employees with the skills necessary to reach their full potential,” said Eileen Cohen, Chair, National Grid Foundation Board of Directors. “I am thrilled the Foundation can help bolster our local talent pipeline through our workforce development grants. The organizations receiving these grants support our community with job training, academic and technical support and community services. Together, we will make a lasting impact in our neighborhoods and regional economies for years to come.”
NATIONAL GRID FOUNDATION HELPS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES, BUILDS LOCAL WORKFORCE IN NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND DURING LAST 3+ YEARS
-- Kelly Rubbins
Many Gardens Grow in Buffalo
Far Rockaway Giants
Inaguaral football awards banquet
Foundation supported more than 60 programs that help job seekers prepare for employment Grants support training, job skills, career enhancement programs for future workforce Over 3+ years, grants totaled more than $1.4 million in community support
September 2022
"The result of programs we support never cease to amaze me. I met so many young men and their families who trusted the NYPD Foundation with providing academic help along with mental & physical therapy through the sport of Football. There were so many tears but not of sadness, pure happiness.
The National Grid Foundation sponsored summer program gave these young men an opportunity to go places and experience things they wouldn’t have especially after a long pandemic. I couldn’t be more proud to work along side organizations like the NYPD Foundation with the National Grid Foundation."
Kelly Rubbins, Executive Assistant. Al Wiltshire former chairman of National Grid Foundation Board and Ed White, Executive Director.
Yum! Grassroots Gardens WNY’s community gardens are growing and producing delicious and nutritious vegetables for the Buffalo community. Cabbages, peppers and tomatoes are the top three requested crops. Sweet corn, Kohlrabi and garlic can also be found in gardens.
With National Grid Foundation’s grant support, Grassroots distributed 30 flats of vegetable seedlings and 34 yards of soil which were distributed across its network this spring and summer. In the fall, the organization will provide compost to any community gardens requesting it, tulips and garlic.
Five accessible raised garden beds were purchased and delivered to the Buffalo Freedom Gardens. Accessibility improvements have been made at the Victory Garden where Grassroots provided gardening tools, trellises and soil. The Celtic Place community garden joined the large group of Buffalo’s volunteer led community gardens. The garden received soil, plants and raised beds. This month, Grassroots will provide compost to any community garden requesting it.
August 30, 2022