Bank of America Grant Supports Crossroads Programs

June 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Media Release
                     
Bank of America Grant Supports Crossroads Programs

Willingboro, NJ –   The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently provided a $5,000 grant to support Crossroads Programs’ Preteen Promise program, an intensive mentoring program that prepares at-risk Burlington County girls (11-13) to meet the challenges of adolescence through activities that develop socialization skills and build character.  

Said Crossroads CEO Cheryl Conway, “through its generous grant, Bank of America has demonstrated its commitment to helping solve the growing problem of gang violence and adolescent female delinquency in Burlington County.   Because males outnumber females in the juvenile justice system, and because female offenders are perceived as less dangerous than their male counterparts, the needs of girls have gone largely unaddressed.  Delinquency prevention is one the most cost effective approaches to dealing with juvenile delinquency.   Generous support from community partners such as Bank of America is critical to maintaining this vital service to a vulnerable population.”

The program’s proactive approach to delinquency prevention for girls focuses on creating healthy attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles; empowers the girls to meet the challenges of life events and transitions; and gives them the skills to help realize their potential.  When prevention works to uplift an individual girl, her increased, health, vibrancy and competence benefit her larger community.

“For over 30 years, Crossroads has served as a lifeline for at-risk youth in New Jersey,” said Robert C. Caprice, Senior Vice President, Bank of America.  “Our support of the organization, and in particular the Preteen Promise program, is based on a shared commitment to youth development at the local level.”

About Crossroads Programs:

In New Jersey, an estimated 11,000 youth are homeless.  Since 1978, Crossroads Programs has helped alleviate the plight of southern New Jersey’s homeless children through its emergency shelter, supportive housing and residential services for adolescents and young adults, including foster care.  Through its nine residential and community-based programs, Crossroads serves youth from birth to age 21, including pregnant and parenting teens.

Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy:

Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, last year Bank of America embarked on a ten-year goal to donate $2 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods.  Bank of America approaches giving through a national strategy called "neighborhood excellence" under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities.  Bank associate volunteers contributed more than 800,000 hours in 2009 to enhance the quality of life in their communities nationwide.  For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

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About Crossroads Programs: In New Jersey, an estimated 11,000 youth are homeless. Since 1978, Crossroads Programs has helped alleviate the plight of southern and central New Jersey’s homeless children through its emergency shelter, supportive housing and residential services for adolescents and young adults, including foster care. Through its nine residential and community-based programs, Crossroads serves youth from birth to age 21, including pregnant and parenting teens.