Bank Of America Charitable Foundation Recognizes Local Charity

  The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has named Centro Campesino Farmworker Center (CCFC) as a 2014 Neighborhood Builder®, a program that is currently marking its tenth anniversary and provides the largest investment in nonprofit leadership development and organizational longevity.

  A longstanding community partner, CentroCampesinoFarmworkerCenter’s work is focused on providing educational and economic opportunities for low to moderate income residents of allages.

  The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders award provides $200,000 in flexible funding for the nonprofit along with leadership training for its executive director and an emerging leader. In addition to being awarded as a Neighborhood Builder, CCFC has been named a recipient of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s 2014 Community Development Grant. The grant is part of a $402,500 collective donation to address issues related to affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in South Florida.

  Formed in 1972 to address the deplorable housing and work conditions faced by farmworkers in South Florida. CCFC has evolved into a multi-service agency, which now serves farmworkers and other residents of South and Central Florida. Over 90 percent of people receiving benefits through CCFC programs are minorities. The nonprofit has operated continuously for 42 years, dedicated to community building, economic development, affordable housing and free educational programs for people of all ages.

  Bank of America’s grant will help Centro Campesino specifically fund its OPEN DOORS (Obtain Permanent Employment Now: Build Our Own Residents’ Skills) program, a job skills training and placement program that addresses the high unemployment and underemployment rates in southernmost Miami-Dade County. The nonprofit will also leverage Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s support through a new partnership with Career Source South Florida which will enable jobseekers to utilize a fully-staffed Access Point located at CCFC.

  “It is crucial to assist nonprofits in building a healthy and successful community. Through the Neighborhood Builders Grant and Community Development Grant, Bank of America is making a lasting impact and we are honored to be a recipient,” said Diane Cantor, CCFC’s executive director.

  “Bank of America demonstrates the power of corporate social responsibility with this grant which is a model for investing in nonprofits which can then strengthen local communities.”

  Bank of America has invested $160 million in 800 nonprofit organizations and provided training to 1,600 nonprofit leaders through the Neighborhood Builders program. Additionally, Bank of America has invested in community development grants throughout South Florida.

  This year alone, the grants will impact approximately 354,855 individuals in South Florida; helping individuals and families regain and maintain financial stability through access to affordable housing, provide financial education or contribute to the area’s economic development by supporting work that contributes to the vitality of our communities.