Last year the Enhanced Readiness Initiative (ERI), a program of EAC, helped hundreds of homeless Long Islanders find employment through a wide range of vocational and supportive services. Now, thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, this program will be adding a GED Preparation curriculum, focused on helping homeless individuals gain their high school equivalency diploma.
“For so many homeless individuals, the cycle of poverty is hard to break without at least a high school education,” said Alyssa Sanchez, Program Director. “If we can help our clients attain long-term steady employment, the chances of returning to homelessness are greatly decreased. Getting their General Equivalency Diploma will be a big step towards that goal. We are so thankful to Bank of America for supporting our efforts at ERI.”
“Supporting programs and services that help individuals achieve financial stability is vital to the economic health of our communities,” said Bob Isaksen, Long Island president, Bank of America. “Attaining an education is the first step toward gainful employment, and this grant will help EAC assist Long Islanders in getting back on their feet.”
Pictured (left to right): Lorraine Aycock, CSR Market Manager, Bank of America, Beth Seidman, EAC Senior Director of Development and Community Relations, Bob Isaksen, Long Island president, Bank of America, , Jaclynne M. Jacobs, EAC Director of Grants & Foundations and Alyssa Sanchez, ERI Program Director.
