GM Foundation provides $100,000 for area organizations
By Kalea Hall
LORDSTOWN
Friday was a day of thanks and appreciation at the General Motors Lordstown Assembly Plant, where the best-selling Chevrolet Cruze is built.
Six local organizations received donations from the GM Foundation.
In total, $100,000 was donated to benefit: the American Cancer Society, Northeast Ohio Region, $5,000; Inspiring Minds of Warren, $10,000; March of Dimes Northern Ohio Chapter, $5,000; Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana (OCCHA) of Youngstown, $10,000; Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, $10,000; the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, $30,000; and the United Way of Trumbull County, $30,000.
Representatives from the organizations thanked the foundation for its support.
“Every donation we receive is changing the life of our students,” said Jessica Winters, program administrator for Inspiring Minds. “They donate each year to us. This year we were able to serve more students. They helped us expand our program.”
With the foundation’s support, Winters said the Inspiring Minds program went from serving 300 students last year to 400 this year.
Inspiring Minds offers after-school programs to help improve grades, provide mentoring and offer an outlet for high-school students.
“On behalf of Inspiring Minds we are here to thank you,” Winters said. “We know the time and effort it takes to make a difference.”
For the March of Dimes, the donation from the foundation means more work can get done to lower infant-mortality rates. Mahoning County has the second-highest infant mortality rate in the state.
“We are dedicated to making sure all of our babies are stronger,” said Connie Knight, community direction for the March of Dimes Northeast Ohio Division.
The donation to OCCHA meant the organization can continue to help improve the quality of life for Hispanics and others through social, economic, cultural and educational programs, said Mary Lou Reyes, the organization’s executive director.
The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley was able to distribute thousands of pounds of produce to veterans in the Mahoning Valley.
The United Way leaders expressed how grateful they are for the partnership with the foundation and those at Lordstown.
“UAW employees give their time,” said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “I don’t think the relationship could be stronger. We couldn’t do it without them.”
UAW leadership and plant leadership were happy to have all six organizations there to celebrate community with them.
“We preach ‘support those who support us,’`” said Glenn Johnson, president of UAW Local 1112. “It starts with you taking a great look at the fantastic products we build. Thank you all for what you do for us.”