AbilityFirst, Door of Hope Receive Grants from Bank of America to Fund Workforce Development, Job Retraining

Two Pasadena-based charity organizations are among 104 Los Angeles-area nonprofits that received nearly $4 million in grants from Bank of America, as the bank shifts its focus from providing emergency stop-gap funding to providing funds focused on helping people get jobs again.

AbilityFirst, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential, and Door of Hope, whose mission is to empower families facing homelessness to transform their lives, were selected because they primarily provide workforce development services that build pathways to employment, as well as education and resources to rebuild careers that have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We received a $20,000 economic mobility program grant from their charitable foundation for our supported employment program,” said Rebecca Haussling, senior director of communications at AbilityFirst. “But this was the fourth consecutive year that we’ve received support from the bank. It’s for our supported employment program that helps adults with developmental disabilities find meaningful work.”

The first of two rounds of Bank of America grants to be issued in 2021 is coming at a critical time as the region reopens, with local economists estimating it could take three more years until Los Angeles’ employment levels reach pre-pandemic levels.

Economists have said there is a fundamental need for developing more resilient, inclusive systems to address the disproportionate impacts to people of color, women and those in education, including teachers.

“We’re deeply grateful and humbled by the recognition,” Haussling added. “The funding that we’ve received from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and our partnership with Bank of America is crucial for supporting our opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and helping them to find meaningful work and meaningful jobs.”

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation said it develops strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations that address issues fundamental to economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities.

“We focus on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in basic needs and workforce development and education and also strengthening broader community vitality by addressing needs related to affordable housing, small business, and neighborhood revitalization,” states a description of the foundation on the Bank of America website.

To learn more about AbilityFirst and its activities, visit www.abilityfirst.org.

For more information about Door of Hope, visit www.doorofhope.us.