Press Releases

BERGEN COUNTY’S UNITED WAY
JOINS BANK OF AMERICA TO FOSTER
STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Jasmine Saxton-Mariah of Ridgefield Chosen for Internship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Gina Plotino, Director of Communications
Bergen County’s United Way
201-291-4054
gplotino@bergenunitedway.org

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ, August 27, 2007— Bergen County’s United Way is pleased to announce that Jasmine Saxton-Mariah, 18, of Ridgefield was one of five high school juniors and seniors to participate in a summer leadership development experience as part of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative™ Student Leader program. Working with Bergen County’s United Way, Saxton-Mariah completes her eight week internship on August 24 when she begins her freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Ridgefield Memorial High School and was Valedictorian of the Class of 2007.

“The Student Leader program, established by Bank of America, recognizes exemplary young people who have an interest in improving their neighborhoods and gives them the opportunity to build their skills,” said Tom Toronto, President of Bergen County’s United Way. “Jasmine has demonstrated that she is the next generation of neighborhood leaders. She is an outstanding student role model and I am confident that she will continue to do great things in the future.”

Ms. Saxton-Mariah’s internship responsibilities included special events coordination, community outreach and education. “I learned a great deal about the generosity of the people in our community and their willingness to join Bergen County’s United Way in helping others less fortunate. It has been a tremendous experience,” said Ms. Saxon-Mariah.

“Nonprofit organizations working to improve our local communities, like Bergen County’s United Way, are the cornerstones of vibrant neighborhoods,” said Ann M. Limberg, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “At Bank of America, we believe it is imperative to show exceptional high school students how these groups improve our cities and towns – and ultimately introduce the next generation of community leaders to the roles they can play to bring about positive change in their neighborhoods.”

Bergen County’s United Way was chosen as a host site by Bank of America because of the organization’s focus on local neighborhood priorities such as health and human services and community development. 2-1-1 launched by the United Way in 2005 is one example. The 24/7 helpline is free, easy to remember and use. Over the last year 250,000 calls were answered and nj211.org handled 2 million database searches on the website.

In conjunction with 2-1-1, Bergen County’s United Way care managers work one-on-one to assure that clients connect with the resources prepared to help. Direct financial relief through the Compassion Fund is available when there is a gap and no other resources are available.

Bergen County’s United Way is also involved in the development of starter homes for the working poor. The availability of affordable housing is one of the highest priority needs. The United Way has developed and/or financed 36 units of affordable housing on a home ownership basis with nine units in Cliffside Park soon to be completed.

Bergen County’s United Way
Bergen County’s United Way is how our community uses its head, and its heart to lend people a hand. For 45 years, BCUW has been at work to ensure that the critical human service needs of our community are being met. The non-profit organization helps people in direct and vital ways, 24 hours a day, everyday, wherever help is needed. For more information about how Bergen County’s United Way makes help happen, please visit www.bergenunitedway.org.

Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy
Bank of America has embarked on an unprecedented 10-year goal to give $1.5 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the quality and vitality of their neighborhoods. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation will give more than $200 million in 2007, making the bank one of the most generous corporate donors in the world. 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. Through Team Bank of America, bank associate volunteers contribute more than 500,000 hours each year to improve the quality of life in their communities nationwide. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.