Albany’s Center for Employment Opportunities Receives Support from Bank of America Grant
October 28, 2020
Albany’s Center for Employment Opportunities Receives Support from Bank of America Grant
Donation expands comprehensive employment services and financial opportunities for underserved individuals across the Capital Region
ALBANY, NY – The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in Albany today announced support from Bank of America for programs that assist individuals returning home from incarceration re-enter the workforce.
CEO Albany provides workforce development and educational training resources to help participants avoid recidivism and ensure individuals are able to create pathways to success through access to adequate tools and resources. Bank of America’s $100,000 grant will help expand the reach of Albany CEO’s services, allowing the organization to continue creating opportunities for people facing countless barriers to economic success.
Bank of America’s grant is part of a national commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in the most vulnerable and underserved communities. Bank of America believes in the powerful impact of investing in communities, providing resources, and creating career opportunities for all individuals to promote economic mobility.
The Bank of America grant will impact 100 individuals in the Capital Region returning home from incarceration and receiving services from CEO. CEO participants will receive gift cards to assist with food support for themselves and their families. Individuals working on CEO’s transitional work crews will also receive PPE to promote wellness and ensure safety. Additionally, 20 CEO participants will receive Chromebooks with a one-year free data plan to support job search and job retention services.
“At Bank of America, we continue our support for organizations that create opportunities for underserved families and individuals to thrive and succeed,” said David Cornell, Albany / Hudson Valley market president for Bank of America. “Our partnership with CEO Albany builds on our company’s commitment to the clients and local communities we serve. Together, we will continue advocating for increased access to gainful employment and financial stability.”
CEO Albany meets such a clear need, which ultimately serves to uplift the Capital Region. Out of all of the participants that turn to CEO for support, 60% of them have no education beyond high school or its equivalency, while 56% of participants have zero work experience. Unfortunately, participant demographics reflect clear racial disparities, with 81% of CEO Albany’s participants being individuals of color. Finally, more than half of the participants are between the ages of 18 and 30. This younger age group faces unique re-entry challenges, and often requires a higher level of staff support. CEO bridges unemployment gaps among younger adults through access to immediate transitional work, individualized job coaching, and job training, connecting young adult participants with specialized programming and resources that effectively meet their needs.
“We are thankful for Bank of America’s support, especially during these uncertain times,” says Jessica Centeno, Deputy Executive Director, New York. “The mentorship and guidance that we provide at CEO are critical in ensuring individuals can navigate their way to successful reentry in our communities. We have proven that opportunities are available through education and proper training, especially for those who need them most. We look forward to continuing to provide services that empower individuals who are constantly overlooked and underserved.”
Through Bank of America's support, CEO Albany is able to ensure the continued success of its programs, which have so far directly reduced recidivism by 19% and increased employment rates by 52% in the first 12 months of program participation.
Bank of America supports CEO's mission in reducing recidivism and increasing employment rates, which will directly improve the reality for many people across the Capital Region. Employment opportunities, skills training, and ongoing career support create long-term solutions for individuals who otherwise would have limited financial stability and success options. The partnership between Bank of America and the Center for Employment Opportunities in Albany recognizes and acts on the importance of investing in communities, providing resources, and creating opportunities for all.
Bank of America
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