Skip to Content

July 18, 2019

Fresh Start Awarded $20,000 Grant by Bank of America to Support Economic Empowerment

The grant from Bank of America will enable Fresh Start Women’s Foundation to help underprivileged women achieve economic self-sufficiency.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

(PHOENIX, AZ) Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is honored to receive grant funding totaling in $20,000 from our friends and partners at Bank of America. The funds will be used to support Fresh Start’s Upward Mobility Program, which is an intensive 6-month program designed to give women more opportunities to become resilient and career ready while being connected to training, education and networking opportunities for a self-sufficient and upwardly mobile career track.  
 
On Monday June 24, 2019 Bank of America employees came down to the Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Foundation to present a check and speak with Fresh Start staff. This is not the first time that Bank of America has supported programs and services offered by Fresh Start. Their previous support has funded financial literacy workshops and wrap around services as well as Fresh Start’s Gala and golf events.
 
“We are so fortunate to have Bank of America as a longtime supporter and friend,” said Fresh Start President and CEO, Susan Berman. “Their commitment to the community is allowing more individuals to gain economic freedom and mobility. We know our women feel the positive impact from their support.”
                                                                                                  
In addition to the Economic Mobility Grant, Bank of America volunteers teach a Better Money Habits curriculum “Economic Mobility Next Steps” workshop which helps individuals get beyond the basics of reviewing bill management and spending allocation to setting financial goals like buying a car, or home, or building healthy credit.  Taught by Bank of America employees, the program has brought much needed financial education to women in the community. 
 
“Despite the strong economy, far too many Arizonan families remain in poverty. Our economic mobility grants were designed to help remove barriers keeping people from financial stability by investing in highly impactful nonprofits like Fresh Start and its Upward Mobility Program. By empowering women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve lasting career success, new jobs are created and the economy flourishes,” said Benito Almanza, Arizona market president, Bank of America.
 
The Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center offers a wide breadth of programs and services, including career readiness, family law support, social work services, domestic violence support, scholarships, mentoring, computer skills training, professional clothing, and financial coaching, as well as job placement services through the onsite Goodwill Career Center. To learn more about the programs and services that Fresh Start offers or to get started on your own Fresh Start journey, please visit: www.freshstartwomen.org