MIAMI (May 1, 2018) - In support of Chapman Partnership’s mission to empower residents to become self-sufficient, SunTrust Foundation has awarded a grant of $118,000 to fund the new Empower You program. The workforce orientation and job readiness training program will help homeless job seekers obtain employment. With the guidance of Chapman Partnership employment specialists, program participants will learn to market their existing skills and abilities to compete for local jobs.

“We’re proud to support the Empower You career readiness program since its objective to make self-sufficiency possible aligns with our focus on financial confidence,” said Stan Little, president of the SunTrust Foundation.

The Empower You four-week program will use a valuable curriculum to instruct homeless job seekers about writing cover letters and résumés and offer interview tips, including mock interviewing. The program also will provide residents with soft skills such as guidance in attitudes and behaviors to display in a work environment.

“We’re humbled by the generosity of the SunTrust Foundation, whose donation will equip our residents with the knowledge and skills to achieve self-sufficiency,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Carlos Fernandez-Guzman. “The support of organizations like SunTrust Foundation allows us to expand resources and assist residents to reach their goals each year.”

Portions of SunTrust Foundation’s financial support will also be allocated to purchase and develop Empower You’s curriculum, cover job search expenses, offer child care, fund on-site employee specialists, provide program incentives to motivate residents, and more.

SunTrust teammates will take the lead on Empower You through the launch of a one-year pilot program, volunteering to conduct weekly sessions to impart their workplace expertise to Chapman Partnership residents.

“On behalf of the SunTrust Foundation, we look forward to helping residents in our community develop their self-esteem and bridge the gap between homelessness and sustainable employment,” said Scott Cathcart, SunTrust Bank Florida division president. 

The Empower You program was recently celebrated at the South Center with an official check presentation by SunTrust Foundation to Chapman Partnership staff and residents. The program is set to begin shortly and will serve the residents of Chapman Partnership who are seeking employment.

 

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About Chapman Partnership:

Since 1995, Chapman Partnership has had more than 108,000 admissions including 22,000 children in Miami-Dade County and a 64% success rate of moving homeless men, women and families to self-sufficiency. Chapman Partnership operates two Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds located in Miami and Homestead. We help the homeless by providing a comprehensive support program that includes emergency housing, meals, health, dental and psychiatric care, day care, job training, job placement and assistance with securing stable housing. At Chapman Partnership, we empower homeless men, women and children to build a positive future by providing the resources and assistance critical to growth and independence. Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust.

About SunTrust Foundation:

The SunTrust Foundation is dedicated to SunTrust Bank’s purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being by engaging organizations to advance financial confidence. Grants and activities focus primarily on financial empowerment, but also include education, health and human services, civic improvement and cultural growth. The SunTrust Foundation supports American Red Cross disaster relief efforts and contributes as a United Way Global Corporate Leader. Established in 2008, the SunTrust Foundation has proudly provided grants totaling more than $128 million throughout the United States.