Citigroup Funds Job Training for Low Income Families

Pictured left to right, Project Unity's Board members James Haverland, Gretchen Sippial, Don Burback, Citibank Community Relations Officer, Jeannie McGuire, and Gina Malave’ display the $20,000 donation from Citigroup for job training activities.

Don Burback, Community Relations Officer with the local Citibank office and Chairperson of the Project Unity board, recently presented the non-profit with a $20,000 donation from Citigroup to fund job training activities for low income families. 

“Citigroup understands that education and training are a key component in helping low income families achieve a greater degree of self-sufficiency,”  stated Burback.  “We are pleased to support Project Unity’s efforts to empower families with the skills necessary to seek higher paying jobs.”

Project Unity, an organization that seeks to help families help themselves, recognizes that these efforts are vital to helping break the cycle of poverty.  While there are other job training programs available locally, some families do “fall through the cracks” of the current system.  Also, many short-term training programs are not eligible for traditional financial aide.  These funds will allow Project Unity to assist families seeking to enhance their skills and improve their earning capacity. 

“Community support is vital to our efforts to help families become self-sufficient,” states Jeannie McGuire, MS, LBSW, President of Project Unity.  “Local partners like Citigroup who generously donated their time, expertise, and/or financial resources are critical in our efforts to help improve the quality of life for families and children in Bryan/College Station and the surrounding rural communities.” 

Organized in 1995, Project Unity seeks to help families access resources and services to enhance their abilities to become self-sufficient.  Collaboration with approximately 80 groups known as the Community Partnership Board reduces barriers to service and duplication of effort. In addition to comprehensive family assessments, this non-profit also provides resources for unmet needs.    Other services include:  Food Pantry Day with educational seminars and health screenings; Assistance for housing, utilities, vehicle repair, transportation, clothing and fees to facilitate employment; Parent Education; Community Voices Leadership Training; Home Visits; and For Kid's Sake Seminars designed to minimize the trauma of divorce on children.

"By improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local services, Project Unity strives to preserve, strengthen and empower families."   Compassionate support fosters long-term self-sufficiency.