Financial Institution’s significant investment supports United Way’s FACE 2024 efforts to build family financial stability in Orange County
IRVINE, CA – Orange County United Way announced today that it was awarded a $98,250 grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co. to help the organization enhance the financial outlook for more local residents.
Specifically, the funds will support hundreds of low-to moderate-income families through the SparkPoint OC financial empowerment program, a key component in the organization’s 10-year FACE 2024 communitywide action plan to cut the number of financially unstable families by 25 percent by the year 2024.
Located at four locations in the Orange County cities of Westminster, Santa Ana and Anaheim, these financial empowerment centers currently help more than 500 people each year.
“We’re excited to help United Way expand its reach with a one-stop service model that includes 1:1 family financial planning, coaching, employment training, free tax preparation, housing stability and other services designed to help families increase income, manage credit and build assets,” said Myeisha Peguero Gamino, Vice President and Relationship Manager, Corporate Responsibility at JPMorgan Chase. “SparkPoint OC is getting more Orange County families on the road to financial self-sufficiency.”
Research shows that such financial stability can greatly help families establish a foundation upon which they can then strengthen other areas in their lives.
“When hard-working individuals have the tools to make informed financial choices, their personal economic circumstances benefit, and the economy as a whole will benefit as well,” explained Carla Vargas, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at Orange County United Way. “JPMorgan Chase shares our vision for a more financially stable Orange County and we’re grateful for their continued support.”
The Need is Great
According to the 2016 Community Indicators Report, 37 percent of Orange County neighborhoods show high concentrations of families facing significant financial instability, with some of the highest levels occurring in Westminster and Anaheim. One in four residents live below the poverty line and struggle to meet the needs of their families’ most basic needs.
“While the challenges are complex, the focus of United Way’s efforts is to build assets, educate and equip more Orange County families with the tools they need to obtain and retain better paying jobs, and plan for a solid future,” concluded Gamino.
To learn more about Orange County United Way, SparkPoint OC and other initiatives and partnerships related to family financial stability, please visit the United Way website.
NEWS CONTACTS:
Katherine Ransom, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Orange County United Way 949.263.6176, katheriner@unitedwayoc.org
Michael Suydam
21Strat 949.981.5008, mike@21strat.com
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY:
Since 1924, Orange County United Way has been working to improve lives and strengthen our community by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County. To do this, we focus on the building blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, Health and Housing. By investing in Orange County’s children, families and individuals, we help them meet their most basic human needs, including food, shelter and medical care, while at the same time creating pathways to self-sufficient futures through education and training. In short, we help people help themselves. Through our 10-year initiative “FACE 2024” (an acronym for Fund, Advocate, Collaborate, Educate), United Way is mobilizing local businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies and individuals to make a long-term measurable difference in the lives of Orange County youth and families. Orange County United Way holds a 4-star rating from America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator, Charity Navigator. To learn more or to join our movement, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
ABOUT JPMORGAN CHASE:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.4 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
