July 14, 2009

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Citizens Bank, Rhode Island and NBC 10 today named the ASPIRE Program at RI Foster Parents Association in East Providence as their 2009 third quarter Champion in Action in the financial literacy category. As part of the award, RI Foster Parents Association will receive a $25,000 grant, media coverage and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its outstanding work.

The grant will be used to support the association’s ASPIRE (Aligning Savings, Permanency, Information, Resources and Empowerment) program. Since 2005, RI Foster Parents Association has used the ASPIRE program as a pathway to financial literacy for youth in foster care. ASPIRE’s mission is to support the growing needs of underserved Rhode Island youth from ages 14-24 by leading them on the path to economic self-sufficiency.

“Citizens Bank is pleased to name the ASPIRE Program at RI Foster Parents Association as the newest Champion in Action in the financial literacy category,” said Joseph J. MarcAurele, President, Citizens Bank, Rhode Island. “I am especially impressed with how the ASPIRE curriculum teaches youth how to effectively manage their money and become knowledgeable consumers.”

“NBC 10 is proud to honor the exceptional work of the RI Foster Parents Association. This organization successfully transitions youth to adulthood through unique and innovative programs,” said Lisa Churchville, President and General Manager of NBC 10.

Champions in Action is a joint initiative of Citizens Bank and NBC10, launched seven years ago, to recognize and support nonprofit organizations for their contributions to Rhode Island communities. A new Champion in Action is selected each quarter among a range of social service topics.

RI Foster Parents Association is being recognized for:

• Teaching more than 240 youth across Rhode Island how to effectively manage their money and become knowledgeable financial consumers.
• Providing these youth with a matching savings account up to $1,000 a year for their life goals.
• Helping youth achieve self-sufficiency through mentoring, leadership development and internship opportunities.

As a Champion in Action, RI Foster Parents Association will receive:

• A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens Bank.
• Media coverage from NBC 10, including public service announcements and television profiles.
• Volunteer support from Citizens and NBC 10 employees.
• Extensive public relations support.
• Promotional support, highlighting the “Champion in Action” in all Citizens Bank branches and on its ATMs.
• Exposure on both Citizens Bank and NBC 10 Web sites.

“Many youth in foster care assume adult responsibility at the age of 18 without the emotional and financial support of a family. The ASPIRE financial literacy curriculum provides youth with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully transition to adulthood,” said Lisa Guillette, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association. “Our selection as a Champion in Action provides an incredible opportunity to work with Citizens Bank and NBC 10; bringing critical endorsement to the ASPIRE Initiative while raising awareness regarding the needs of youth in foster care.”

For more information about the Citizens Bank / NBC10 Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com/community or www.turnto10.com. To learn more about how to contribute through donations or volunteerism to RI Foster Parents Association call (401) 438-3900.

Pictured (left to right): Lisa Churchville, President and General Manager of NBC 10; Lisa Guillette, Executive Director of RIFPA; and Joseph J. MarcAurele, President, Citizens Bank, Rhode Island

This entry was posted on Friday, July 17th, 2009.