Month: May 2025

Published by Action Against Hunger.

NEW YORK and JERUSALEM, May 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Today marks two months since the blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, and Action Against Hunger’s food supplies is expected to last three weeks in the north and two weeks in the south. Of all partners of the United Nations’ World Food Programme, which announced that it ran out of food on April 25th, Action Against Hunger is one of few to have remaining supplies in northern Gaza. “We have been forced to prioritize and distribute aid based on the degree of need,” says an Action Against Hunger worker in Gaza. “This is a very difficult measure, as it means some families do not receive aid despite facing emergency circumstances. At times, children’s needs for nutritional supplements have exceeded the stock available to our nutrition programs.”

Humanitarian organizations have more than 171,000 metric tons of food stocks — enough for three to four months of food rations for the entire 2.1-million-person population — waiting to be granted access into Gaza. “Humanitarian aid remains the primary food source for 80% of households in Gaza while food production and food systems are severely weakened,” explains Natalia Anguera, Head of Operations in the Middle East for Action Against Hunger. “That means that if the entry of humanitarian aid continues to be blocked, 8 out of 10 families in Gaza won’t be able to access food.”

Action Against Hunger and other organizations are witnessing an increase of families adopting strategies to stretch remaining supplies from past aid distributions; for example, mixing crushed macaroni with flour, reducing size and frequency of meals, and limiting daily bread consumption to one piece per family member or reserving it for children. However, it is not enough to meet nutritional needs. “The lack of food, clean water, and medicine is causing child malnutrition to increase, leading to stunting,” alerts Anguera. “Afflicted children need sufficient quality and quantity of nutrients to survive.”

No aid entry for 60 days has pushed the Palestinian population to extreme levels of vulnerability. Without an immediate opening of all border crossings and lifting of the siege, the crisis could reach unforeseen levels. Action Against Hunger continues to provide vital assistance, but the entry of aid supplies will be essential to sustaining programs. “Parties to the conflict and the international community must not wait to act until famine is declared. By that time, we will have collectively failed to stop preventable deaths from happening,”

Immediate entry and distribution of humanitarian aid is imperative 

Nearly two-thirds of Gaza is now inaccessible due to continued displacement orders and hostilities. “Repeated displacement orders have caused instability and tensions, hampering our access to targeted areas and impacting the timely delivery of aid,” Anguera says. Action Against Hunger needs full and unhindered access to all parts of Gaza, as is in line with international law, to conduct critical interventions. “Hunger and humanitarian aid must never be used as bargaining chips,” insists Anguera.

At this critical time, Action Against Hunger reaffirms its commitment to supporting the people of Gaza. “We are doing our best to continue providing vital services,” says anonymous Action Against Hunger worker in Gaza. “The nutrition team continues to make significant efforts, especially for pregnant and lactating women, and to provide them with practical guidance so they can take care of their health and that of their children in these harsh conditions. But the situation is becoming more complex by the day. We sincerely hope for an urgent response that will support our efforts and enable us to meet the growing needs, especially among the most vulnerable groups.”

Action Against Hunger and calls on governments and international organizations to act decisively to alleviate the suffering of millions of people. The organization calls for the immediate entry and distribution of humanitarian aid governed by humanitarian principles, the release of all hostages, and a permanent ceasefire. It is essential that the needs of Gaza’s 2.1 million people are prioritized, and obligations required by international humanitarian law are met.

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Action Against Hunger has been assisting the population in Gaza for more than 20 years. Responding to the escalating crisis, our teams have mobilized to provide hot meals and fresh and dry food, distribute hygiene kits, connect people with shelters, and truck clean water into communities. Since the start of the conflict, under restricted access and frequent blackouts, Action Against Hunger has assisted more than one million people in Gaza and the West Bank.

Facing challenges like job loss, isolation or addiction can push anyone to their limits. Carrie knows this first hand – after a violent incident, she found herself caught in a cycle of emergency room visits with no clear path forward.

While some are fortunate to have the support of a caring community, others are not as lucky. The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation (Boehringer Cares), along with its nonprofit partners, is dedicated to transforming lives through essential healthcare initiatives.

From providing critical medical care and nutritious food to supporting the unique bond between humans and animals, Boehringer Cares addresses vital needs. Through partnerships with organizations like Nuvance Health Foundations and Feeding America, individuals like Carrie receive assistance – ensuring that both people and pets receive the care they need.

Learn how Boehringer Cares is committed to improving the well-being of communities across the U.S., one compassionate act at a time in Imagine: our sustainability story hub.

Imagine a world where innovation meets sustainability and explore our sustainability story hub here: Imagine – sustainability story hub | Boehringer Ingelheim

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Last year, amid the festivities for the 2024 graduating seniors at Florence Crittenton High School, a team from U.S. Bank was there to open bank accounts for some 20 graduating seniors, and each was given a $250 check to fund the newly opened accounts.

The new accounts were a part of a broader financial literacy initiative provided by U.S. Bank to cover the basics of banking for the students at the Denver nonprofit Florence Crittenton Services (FloCrit), a two-generation wraparound service provider for teen mothers that offers a Denver Public School system high school for the mothers and an early childhood education center for their children.

“It was an incredible experience for our graduating seniors and an impactful event to ensure they were prepared to take the next step,” said Theresa Garcia, FloCrit director of development. “One of our goals at Florence Crittenton is to prepare these young women to succeed, and how much can you really do in the world without a bank account? Being able to give them that opportunity, show them how online banking works, how to log in into the app and how to keep personal information safe is important.”

Financial education efforts like the senior bank account day are among the reasons FloCrit will recognize U.S. Bank with the 2025 Charles Crittenton Community Partner Award, given annually to an individual or institution that supports the work of Florence Crittenton Services, at a gala later this month.

“FloCrit has been a U.S. Bank Foundation grantee for over a decade, but the efforts outside of financial contributions have made this a true partnership,” said Marcia Romero, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “They do such an incredible job in the way they empower their students, creating a culture of belonging and inclusivity. We’re proud to fit into their programming in an authentic way.”

Reloadable card program

FloCrit has provided direct cash assistance to families for many years via a combination of petty cash and gift cards for needs like gas, food and parenting supplies. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the program faced challenges including the inability to see students in person to provide funds in a pinch.

FloCrit brought the problem to U.S. Bank, which was able to provide a solution through a reloadable debit card program that allowed FloCrit to load funds onto the cards, get them in the hands of the students and reload them as needed.

“Our staff quickly delivered the cards throughout the Metro area,” Garcia said. “Whenever there was a need, a student could talk to their family advocate, who would put in a request for more funds. It made everything so much simpler.”

Aside from the flexibility the cards provided, they were also a natural opportunity to teach the students basic financial literacy skills.

“It was a great experience to teach the students how to use a debit card, budgeting and accountability,” Garcia said. “Financial education for young people opened up so many more opportunities for us.”

The nonprofit still uses the card program, giving each student a card that they can use at stores, withdraw funds at ATMs and reload as needed. U.S. Bank community affairs manager Marcia Romero, an advocate for the program, attributes the program’s success to the partnership with the bank’s business lines to quickly solve the problem.

“U.S. Bank has always had an open and transparent relationship with FloCrit, so when they came to us with the challenges of delivering funds, we quickly got to work,” Romero said. “I made a few phone calls to our bankers, and we were able to get things in place in just a few weeks. There were some hurdles, but I am proud of the way we rallied together to get these students and teen mothers the financial resources they needed at a time when they needed them most.”

A Full Circle Moment

At the 2024 graduating senior bank account day event was Gina Chavez, manager of a U.S. Bank branch in south Denver and a Florence Crittenton graduate herself.

Before joining U.S. Bank 30 years ago, Chavez was pregnant with her daughter and facing the challenges of a mother-to-be while trying to finish her schooling when she learned about FloCrit.

“With everything going on at the time, I knew how important it was to finish my high school education,” Chavez said. “It wasn’t only meaningful for me, but for the future of my baby. Florence Crittenton provided me the support I needed, whether that was through education, the nurses on staff, free baby supplies and lessons that prepared me to succeed in my career.”

Chavez said her career at U.S. Bank is a testament to the doors that FloCrit opened for her, and she feels love and passion for both organizations.

Chavez said she recently opened accounts for a current third-year student at FloCrit.

“I asked her what her plans were after graduation and how she wanted to utilize these accounts,” Chavez said. “The young woman told me said she wanted to get into nursing to help deliver babies and purchase her first car. I knew she was on the right path.”

CLEVELAND, May 5, 2025 /3BL/ — KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) has introduced the Certified Cash Flow Advisor Program, marking a significant advancement in its commitment to deliver differentiated solutions and advice for small-to-midsize businesses. The certification program is reshaping business banking by focusing on a consultative approach that empowers owner-operators in addressing their complex financial needs.

Launched in 2024, the Program arms KeyBank professionals with a framework for engaging business owners in meaningful discussions – called ‘Key Conversations’ – offering structured, yet flexible advice on how to tackle critical cash flow and financial challenges and better optimize operations.

Rooted in a deep understanding of each owner’s specific business needs, advisors provide tailored solutions that aim to improve efficiency and profitability in key areas, such as payments and receivables, invoicing, liquidity management, process automation, and fraud protection. By end of March 2025, ~900 KeyBank advisors have completed the rigorous certification process, with ~285 more advisors moving toward completion, demonstrating the bank’s substantial investment in elevating the advice KeyBank provides.

“This approach represents a fundamental shift in how we serve our business clients,” said Mike Walters, President of Business Banking at KeyBank. “Owner-operators are experts in their trade and serve as ‘chief everything officers’ for their business. Their time and attention are pulled in every direction and they are often without dedicated business support that could help them truly thrive. When we use the Key Conversation, we’re putting the client at the center, with a framework to understand how the money flows through their operation and where there may be opportunities to benefit from managing their collection and payable processes differently. Our Certified Cashflow Advisors work holistically across the business to reduce friction and free up time and capital so our clients can run stronger, more efficient businesses.”

KeyBank’s approach goes beyond traditional banking and offers strategic insights that help owner-operators make informed decisions to reach their financial goals. “This commitment to putting owner-operators first and delivering collaborative financial guidance marks a shift in how financial institutions serve small-to-midsize businesses, setting us apart from those who focus primarily on product-driven solutions,” said Walters.

By emphasizing an advice-driven philosophy, KeyBank aims to strengthen relationships with business owners and help them achieve long-term success in an increasingly complex financial landscape. To learn more about how KeyBank can serve your business, visit www.key.com/smallbusiness.

ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change.

CFMA #250410-3149628

Earlier this week, AB in partnership with the Emerging Markets Investors Alliance (EMIA) and Societe Generale hosted the Impact and Blended Finance Conference. Over the course of the day, we heard from key industry leaders, asset owners and multilateral institutions on key trends in blended finance, opportunities in the space, outcome bonds and debt-for-nature swaps.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

Cummins

“The core value of teamwork at Cummins is very important to our culture.”
Shavonn Blueitt

It was seventh grade when Shavonn Blueitt received her first pair of Jordans. The powder blue and crisp white ‘University Blue’ Air Jordan 5s were pristinely clean without a single crease, and radiated power, dedication and top-tier attention to details. Originally introduced to the public in 1985 Jordans were designed to replicate the same ferocity and competitive technique Michael Jordan displayed on the court. Nike designer, Tinker Hatfield, even likened the shoe to an American WWII fighter plane.

For most kids, it would have just been another pair of cool shoes. For Shavonn, however, the Jordans were a catalyst for something even more powerful in her life.

Conversations with peers in school hallways quickly shifted from her Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a condition that affects muscle and joint development throughout the body, to a shared passion for sneaker culture and design.

“It was one of those things where, you know, people watch! You walk down the hallway and they’re like ‘Oh my gosh! You got those?’” Shavonn laughs. The new kicks weren’t a calculated tactic to be cool or join the cool kids club. It wasn’t about climbing the popularity latter. Shavonn sought a place of belonging and acceptance. “That was big for me growing up in high school.”

Shoes inspired by a record breaker broke down barriers for Shavonn and introduced her not only to lifelong friends, but to a world of visual expression. 

AMC may have prevented Shavonn from participating in sports, but she quickly directed her creative energy into art and academics. Art was an instant passion for Shavonn, something she remembers loving since she was young. Yet, it was and continues to be more than a passion. It serves as a connection to her older brother, Jerry Jr.

Jerry Jr. was passionate about art, with a talent for drawing. Though they were ten years apart in age, Shavonn mirrored her big brother, gravitating toward the activities, hobbies and passions he pursued. At just 21 years old, however, Jerry Jr. unexpectedly passed away in his sleep, reshaping eleven-year-old Shavonn’s future and family forever.

“He was so early into his career,” Shavonn shares. “He’s had a big impact on me having an interest in design…. In a sense, I’m trying to extend upon his legacy and the things that he was passionate about.” 

Shavonn did just that and pursued graphic design, receiving her bachelor’s degree from the Art Institute of Indianapolis. She is also a self-taught photographer and videographer, and while she never boasts about her successes, occasionally, and only after persistent inquiry, will Shavonn gently mention a project she’s worked on – photographing for the “Indiana Mike” Netflix Special, capturing behind-the-scenes moments at Babyface concerts and designing graphics for Gladys Knight performances. 

As her artistic pursuits evolved and flourished, Shavonn became more aware of design’s ability to tell stories and bring people together, something she had first recognized in sneaker culture and design. Throughout the years, Shavonn continued to feed her passion for sneakers as voraciously as she had graphic design. A self-dubbed ‘sneakerhead’, Shavonn’s personal collection of shoes grew but she wanted to take it to new heights. 

In the years she had been working in design, Shavonn had found a niche that had become a favorite. “As a graphic artist, color psychology and color combinations play a big role in my world,” she shares.

Shavonn decided to use her design skills in shoe design and began entering competitions for independent brands. Shavonn could apply her graphic design skills to create compelling colorways, or, in layman’s terms, different combinations of colors and patterns found on sneakers. Several of her designs have gone into production with independently owned-shoe companies.

“It’s a great feeling to know that hundreds or thousands of people are wearing my colorway on their feet every day.”

There is deep sense of pride Shavonn feels for her shoe designs and their contribution to the continuation of visual storytelling. Yet, it’s her role with Cummins Inc. that Shavonn says she’s most proud of, one that also has an invisible tether to Jerry Jr. who was working in the trucking industry at the time of his passing.

Today, Shavonn is a Content and Creative Communications Senior Specialist for Cummins’ engine business. She uses the transformative power of design to tell the story of another transformation: the company’s journey toward Destination Zero™. She creates graphics, animations and supports teams with visual needs that ultimately help customers understand complex technical product information in detail.

When working with Shavonn, her attention to detail and ability to understand the customer’s perspective is second to none. As much as she brings her design expertise to the table, she matches that with her dedication to customer experience. Shavonn can see the nuances of a creative asset that escapes most of us, yet she takes the time to educate her teammates and stakeholders within the process. Her commitment to excellence is palpable, whether she’s designing marketing materials or ensuring technical accuracy in marketing images.

“At the time [Shavonn joined Cummins], Destination Zero was just launching,” Shavonn states. “I like this role so much because of how the engineers and the marketers are helping shape what the future of our country and the global market in general looks like. So that, in itself, was really what pushed me to want to pursue [Cummins] despite not knowing anything about engines.” 

Shavonn makes technical excellence visually compelling in her work on Cummins HELM™ engine platforms, products a part of the company’s Destination Zero strategy. The platforms are designed to support customers on their unique paths toward reduced emissions. Shavonn’s design expertise not only brings products and their stories to life but does so in a way that makes the technology accessible and appealing to diverse audiences.  

“I love assisting my team with any projects that may come down our pipeline, and they also know that they can reach out to me for assistance because, in the process of helping my team, I also like explaining and teaching them new things about my world.” 

The transition to reduced emissions and alternative power technologies requires more than technical innovation – it needs storytellers who can help people, businesses and communities evolve and navigate the energy transition through ways that work for them and meet their needs. Shavonn’s journey at Cummins embodies the very transformation she helps communicate: the power of design can change perceptions, build connections and shape the future.  

Whether she’s creating graphics for the latest Cummins technology or creating color palettes for shoes that help people express themselves, Shavonn’s work demonstrates that the most powerful transitions often begin with helping people see possibilities they hadn’t imagined before. 

Tork, an Essity brand and the global leader in professional hygiene, has announced its 10^th annual participation in the World Hand Hygiene Day activation with this year’s theme of “It’s Always Hand Hygiene.” The Tork brand is reaffirming its support of hand hygiene best practices for healthcare professionals with innovative and immersive virtual reality training. This training is designed to help healthcare professionals effectively implement hygiene practices and improve adherence to the WHO’s five moments for hand hygiene.

“Proper hand hygiene is a leading measure for infection prevention in healthcare facilities,” said Thomas Bergin, Marketing Director, Healthcare, Professional Hygiene at Essity. “Despite recognizing its importance, nearly 80%¹ of healthcare professionals feel they need to improve their hand hygiene practices. We proudly support World Hand Hygiene Day by offering solutions that empower healthcare professionals to deliver quality care and enhance patient safety.”

Tork offers free interactive training that immerses users in a virtual hospital environment, allowing them to practice the WHO’s five moments for hand hygiene on their own hands in real-life scenario. The Tork Virtual Reality (VR) Clean Hands Training and Education is available in multiple languages and highly regarded by participants for its effectiveness and engagement. Virtual reality drives deeper learning and behavioral change in a safe environment – reflecting research that people only remember 10% what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, but 90% of what they do or simulate in action.²

“Recognizing the significance of hand hygiene not only improves safety but also enhances patient confidence,” Bergin added. “Nearly 80% of patients report feeling more assured about a facility’s cleanliness and care quality when they observe hand hygiene signage.¹ In addition to training, providers can utilize our free customizable signage for their facilities.”

As part of the Tork mission to deliver hygiene for all, Tork also provides advice on dispenser placement to maximize use and offers both products and guides that help healthcare professionals provide safe, hygienic environments and care for patients.

To learn more about how Tork is supporting healthcare professionals with sustainable hygiene solutions this World Hand Hygiene Day and every day, please visit: https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/for-your-business/tools-training-guides/training-and-guides/clean-care-program/world-hand-hygiene-day.

For additional information please contact:
FHTork@fleishman.com

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide, ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, hand sanitizers, napkins, wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that empowers customers to think ahead and improve business outcomes through sustainable hygiene management. Tork is a global brand of Essity, and a committed partner to customers in over 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

¹ Tork Healthcare Hygiene Survey (2018).
²The Cone of Learning, 2005 (https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-cone-of-learning-Krivickas-2005_fig1_281191978)