Wells Fargo Steps in to Help Pave Way for Fresno Families | Community Spirit

This story was sent to us by Reading and Beyond
FRESNO, CA –December 19, 2011: Wells Fargo will present a $10,000 check to Reading and Beyond to support its Workforce Development Program, based upon the Fresno Bridge Academy Model. As recently highlighted on the front page of the Fresno Bee, the goal of the Bridge Academy is to move families from government dependence to self-reliance within 12 to 18 months from enrollment. Barriers such as finding babysitters, transportation, medical care, a lack of workplace skills and poor money management can be stumbling blocks just as serious as a lack of education and training. The Bridge Academy’s model requires that all aspects of employability and life needs be provided through collaborative wrap-around services, including employment training, job placement, family support, child tutoring, and adult education (including parenting education, nutrition management, health management and management of family finances). Reading and Beyond’s workforce development program is neighborhood-based, with neighborhood “store fronts” providing easy access to residents.

Reading and Beyond has been working to “empower children and families to achieve productive self reliant lives”, for more than 12 years and is dedicated to working with children and families from the child’s birth through career, giving them the tools needed to be successful.

Wells Fargo has stepped forward to help Reading and Beyond fund this needed program in Fresno County. In 2010 Wells Fargo invested $219 million in 19,000 nonprofits nationwide, surpassing $200 million for the third consecutive year. Their success comes from a time-tested formula: local people making local decisions because they know best what their communities need.