TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 8, 2020 —Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Toledo announced today a new $70,000 commitment from PNC that will be used to increase Cherry Street Corridor residents’ access to free career training programs in advanced manufacturing and healthcare.
The funding will support LISC’s Bridges to Career Opportunities (BCO) programs. Launched in 2019, the five-to eight-week programs provide participants with hands-on job skills training to receive a Certified Production Technician (CPT) or State-Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA) certificate, credentials that are recognized and in demand with local employers. BCO programs also include one-on-one financial coaching, career coaching, and access to income supports through the Toledo Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) network free of charge.
The credential resulting from the training allows participants to obtain a living wage job. Participants will continue to have access to a coach as they gain the necessary work experience and/or additional credentials to further advance in their careers, build credit, and acquire assets to ensure long-term financial stability.
“What sets the BCO model apart is that it provides participants support before, during, and after the job training portion of the program so they can achieve long-term financial and career success,” said Valerie Moffitt, LISC Toledo Director of Financial Opportunities. “Additionally, the trainings are designed specifically to support the needs of local employers by bridging critical skills gaps,” she added.
“PNC understands financial stability and independence can be difficult to achieve without proper guidance and assistance,” said Bill McDonnell, PNC regional president for Toledo. “LISC has been an important link in our community as individuals strive for a solid financial future, and we’re proud to partner with them on this training.”
Expanding career opportunities and improving financial stability can have a substantial impact on community health. The BCO expansion joins the Mercy Health - Franklin Avenue Medical Center Financial Opportunity Center, Getting Healthy Zone initiatives, and other programs aimed at addressing social determinants of health in the Cherry Street corridor's neighborhoods.
“Mercy Health applauds the work of our community partners who continue to tackle the issue of workforce development and career opportunities in the Cherry Street corridor,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health – Toledo. “There are many aspects to a community member’s health and through collaboration, we work to address the whole being – mind, body, and spirit. We are collectively making great strides and Mercy Health looks forward to continued growth in the wellbeing of our neighbors.”
Lucas County residents interested in the Advanced Manufacturing BCO program should call Shaulonda Jones at (419) 216-2971. For the STNA BCO program, call Meg Leahey at (567) 585-0540.
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About PNC Foundation:
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through Grow Up Great, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.
About PNC Bank:
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
About LISC:
LISC is a community development financial institution (CDFI). With residents and partners, LISC forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America–great places to live, work, visit, do business, and raise families. Since 1979, LISC has invested $22 billion to build or rehab more than 419,000 affordable homes and apartments and develop 70.3 million square feet of retail, community, and educational space across the country. In Toledo, LISC has focused on a comprehensive approach to community development, investing nearly $200 million since 1989 to fuel economic opportunity and build stronger, healthier neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.lisc.org.