Latin American Youth Center Reopens Its Doors for Business, With Support From Capital One

WASHINGTON - Oct. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- As the government shutdown enters into its third week, the Latin American Youth Center in Washington DC (LAYC) like nonprofits across the country, has been bracing for the worst.  But with a new commitment of support from our long-time partner, Capital One Bank, LAYC will reopen its doors and welcome back its furloughed staff. Capital One has committed to provide funding support for LAYC to enable the youth center to remain operational through at least the end of the month.

On behalf of everyone at the LAYC we say thank you to Capital One for being such a caring corporate partner,” said Lori Kaplan, President and CEO, LAYC.  Capital One’s financial contributions, their pro-bono support and spirit of volunteerism is an example for all.  The LAYC staff is back at work, over 500 youth and family members will be walking through our many doors today and the entire community has the services and supports that they rely on.”

“It has been an eye-opening experience for us to see how deeply the impact of the government shutdown is being felt by local non-profits and the clients their programs serve. The Latin American Youth Center, and organizations like it, whose programs are federally funded, have been stretched to their limits,” said Jon Witter, President, Retail and Direct Banking, Capital One. “As Washington, D.C.’s hometown bank, we know firsthand the critical role the LAYC youth center plays in the local community. Knowing how important it is to ensure continuity of supportive programs like homeless services and supports, afterschool programs, and workforce development training for at-risk youth and their families, we felt it was vital to help LAYC continue to serve the region through this difficult time."

Capital One, ranked the region's top corporate giver on the 2013 Washington Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards, is a long-standing supporter of LAYC. Since 2006, the local bank has provided nearly a million in investments to support LAYC's workforce development programs and other essential services it provides for the community.  Capital One Vice President Simon Fairclough serves on the LAYC Board, and Capital One associates are active volunteers at the center.