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SANTA BARBARA, Calif., November 14, 2025 /3BL/ – On World Diabetes Day, embecta Corp. (NASDAQ: EMBC), the largest manufacturer of insulin injection devices in the world, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Direct Relief, the leading humanitarian aid organization and largest charitable insulin provider in the United States.

In 2022, embecta was spun off from Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), and BD-branded pen needles and insulin syringes became part of the embecta portfolio. In 2025, the packaging was updated in North America from the BD brand to the embecta brand, and there was a significant opportunity to donate the injection devices that carried the previous brand to those most in need. Following the packaging transition across North America, embecta has donated approximately 15 million units of pen needles and insulin syringes to Direct Relief. Through 2026, embecta and Direct Relief.will continue their partnership to provide pen needle and insulin syringe access to those in most need across the globe.

This major commitment represents embecta’s largest humanitarian partnership since becoming an independent company and will support Direct Relief’s comprehensive diabetes programs serving vulnerable populations both domestically and internationally.

“As we mark World Diabetes Day, embecta is proud to deepen our commitment to ensuring that everyone living with diabetes—regardless of their ability to pay or where they live—has access to the supplies they need,” said Dev Kurdikar, Chief Executive Officer, embecta. “Since becoming an independent company, we have focused on empowering people with diabetes while paving the way for a life unlimited for all. This partnership with Direct Relief helps extend that mission to those who need it most.” 

Supporting Underserved Patients Nationwide 

embecta’s donation will significantly expand Direct Relief’s ability to serve uninsured and low-income patients with diabetes through the Safety Net Support Program. Direct Relief partners with more than 1,600 community health centers and free and charitable clinics across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, serving more than 36 million patients—including one in five of America’s uninsured.

Through this program, embecta’s diabetes products, including syringes, pen needles, and diabetes management supplies, will reach patients who cannot afford insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid, ensuring they have consistent, uninterrupted access to the tools essential for managing their diabetes.

“Direct Relief welcomes embecta’s extraordinary commitment to expanding diabetes care access,” said Amy Weaver, CEO, Direct Relief. “We are one of the largest charitable insulin providers worldwide and in the U.S., and embecta’s support will help us impact thousands of lives—from children with Type 1 diabetes through our support of the international Life for a Child program to increasing access for underserved patients at safety net clinics nationwide.”

Global Impact: Supporting Children and Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Internationally, embecta’s products support Direct Relief’s partnership with Life for a Child, which provides life-sustaining diabetes care to children and young people with Type 1 diabetes in resource-limited countries. Direct Relief has supported Life for a Child since 2011 and currently helps provide care to more than 53,000 children and young people with Type 1 diabetes in 45 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Through Direct Relief’s Global Diabetes Partnership with the International Diabetes Federation, embecta’s donated pen needles and syringes support people living with diabetes in more than 30 countries experiencing crises or facing significant gaps in healthcare access.

Most recently, in collaboration with Direct Relief, embecta donated 2.7 million insulin needles and syringes to support an upcoming humanitarian response campaign in Sudan. This campaign is organized by the Sudanese Diabetes Federation and other regional charitable stakeholders. The donation highlights embecta’s and Direct Relief’s shared commitment to providing life-saving diabetes care in regions affected by humanitarian crises.

Empowering Young People Through Diabetes Education

embecta’s commitment also extends to Direct Relief’s support of the Diabetes Education & Camping Association’s (DECA) network and diabetes camps nationwide. These camps provide children and young adults with diabetes with the opportunity to learn diabetes management skills, build confidence, and connect with peers while enjoying outdoor activities in a medically supervised environment. embecta’s past donations of pen needles, insulin syringes, sharps containers, and other essential supplies ensure these life-changing camp experiences can continue serving thousands of young people each year.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Support

The partnership includes continued emergency response capabilities, building on embecta’s July 2025 grant of $25,000 to Direct Relief for Texas storm and flood relief. This ensures that people with diabetes receive uninterrupted care even during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

The Diabetes Crisis

According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 537 million people worldwide are living with diabetes—a number projected to reach 783 million by 2045. In the United States, approximately 38 million Americans have diabetes, yet access to affordable care and supplies remains a critical challenge, particularly for uninsured and underinsured populations. Diabetes is responsible for 6.7 million deaths worldwide annually, with mortality rates directly correlated to economic stability and healthcare access.

About embecta

embecta is a global company that is advancing its 100-year legacy in insulin delivery to become a broad-based medical supplies company, helping to improve lives through innovative solutions, partnerships, and the passion of approximately 2,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit embecta.com or follow our social channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Direct Relief

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 U.S. states and more than 90 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or disasters—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. Direct Relief is nongovernmental, nonsectarian, and not-for-profit. As the largest charitable insulin provider in the United States, Direct Relief operates the largest charitable medicine program in the country and is the first U.S. nonprofit accredited to distribute prescription medications in all 50 states. Recipient of the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize, Direct Relief is ranked by Forbes as the fifth-largest U.S. charity and maintains a perfect 100% rating from Charity Navigator. For more information, visit www.directrelief.org.

Packaging Engineer, Rebecca Verdon, is making a difference at work and in the world by designing innovative packaging solutions and inspiring a more sustainable community.

Since joining Trane Technologies nearly two years ago, Rebecca Verdon has found more than just her first job – she’s discovered a place where she’s empowered to grow while uplifting others. Today, she’s boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world… and, like the packaging engineer action figure she created, she’s doing it in steel-toe boots.

With a focus on sustainable design and rigorous testing, Rebecca’s role is one of precision, safety, collaboration and out-the-box (pun intended) thinking. She takes pride in ensuring that Trane Technologies’ products reach customers as safely and sustainably as possible.

WATCH: How Rebecca Guides Innovation and Sustainability as a Packaging Engineer

Joining a culture of sustainability and support

Rebecca was drawn to Trane Technologies because of its reputation for bold sustainability leadership. “Sustainability really drove me to come work at Trane Technologies. I was excited to bring packaging sustainability to a company whose products are already sustainable,” she says.

But our values around people and culture were just as important to her decision.

Turning curiosity into action

That sense of belonging and empowerment gave Rebecca the platform to explore new ideas, drive change and explore alternative solutions to greener packaging. She even took the initiative to reach out to colleagues in the sustainability department with a bold idea: creating a CO2 tracking tool for packaging.

This proactive mindset led her to the Sustainability Ambassador Network, where she found a community as passionate as she is about embedding sustainability into all business areas. “The Sustainability Ambassador Network is full of people excited about sustainability. There are so many opportunities to learn and understand how sustainability impacts different parts of our business,” she explains.

Empowering the next generation

Rebecca’s passion for sustainability is matched by her drive to inspire others, which is why she extends her support to the Women’s Business Resource Group, which is open to all employees. Here, she helps host events to connect people in the Trane Technologies’ community, facilitating encouragement, professional growth and camaraderie.

Rebecca also takes the time to regularly mentor new hires and interns, helping them navigate the packaging engineering space and encouraging them to bring forward their own sustainability ideas. What’s more, she’s equally committed to inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in sustainability-focused engineering, even going so far as to create her own packaging engineer action figure – complete with steel-toe boots, pink safety glasses and a recycling bin.

Living our purpose, one package at a time

Rebecca’s story is an admirable example of how sustainability, creativity and community come together at Trane Technologies. Her work helps us deliver on our bold 2030 Sustainability Commitments while fostering an inclusive culture where all employees feel empowered to lead.

In this way, Rebecca isn’t just designing packaging that protects our products, she’s building a career that helps protect our planet. “Now that I’m here, there are so many opportunities for me,” she says. “I could keep on the technical route and become a lead packaging engineer, or I could go into management. I’m excited for my future.”

Rebecca isn’t the only one excited for her future; we’re all looking forward to seeing what she does next.

Explore careers that make a difference at Trane Technologies.

Published by Action Against Hunger.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

Nasteexo’s Recovery

When Abay Adan Adow arrived at the Bayhaaw Stabilization Center with her three-month-old daughter, Nasteexo, she was desperate to find care. She had carried Nasteexo a long distance to reach the facility. Her daughter had been vomiting and had diarrhea for over a week, and a few days ago, began refusing her bottle. She was growing thinner and weaker each day.

Once they arrived that the center, medical staff quickly examined Nasteexo and confirmed that she had severe acute malnutrition – a life-threatening condition in which the body lacks sufficient vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed to survive. Staff knew they had to act fast to treat Nasteexo. They started her on a strict therapeutic feeding regiment, oral rehydration solution, and other essential medicines to safely reintroduce essential nutrients to her body. “They checked on Nasteexo at all times, even late at night,” Abay recalled.

While Nasteexo was being treated, Abay was given food, counselling, and psychosocial support by stabilization center staff. “They are so concerned with everyone’s well-being,” Abay said. The stress of caring for a sick child takes a toll on caregivers like Abay, so mental health support is provided in the stabilization center.

In discussion with Abay, staff learned that she was having trouble breastfeeding. Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrients for babies, providing all the nutrients they need for growth and development. The World Health Organization recommends that parents practice exclusive breastfeeding for babies’ first six months of life for the best health outcome. Breastmilk is especially powerful for infant health in impoverished communities where nutritious diets are not always accessible.

“When my breasts couldn’t produce milk, I asked the father to buy formula — an extra expense we were not expecting,” Abay says. Formula is also susceptible to contamination in regions that have limited access to clean water or handwashing facilities.

Action Against Hunger staff provided Abay with specialized breastfeeding guidance, teaching her effective techniques to stimulate and restore her breastmilk production. Alongside this practical support, the psychosocial care she received helped her emotionally navigate the process of breastfeeding again.

A few days later, Nasteexo’s was showing significant improvement. Her weight was back to an acceptable level for her age, and she regained strength. She began babbling and laughing again. “Seeing her smile again touches me every time,” Abay says with relief. With continued guidance and psychosocial treatment, Abay regained the ability to breastfeed Nasteexo — a promising sign for maintaining Nasteexo’s recovery.

The Bayhaaw Stabilization Center is managed by Action Against Hunger through the CaafimaadPlus Consortium, with funding from EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). So far this year, the consortium has treated more than 54,000 children for malnutrition, including about 9,000 children like Nasteexo who were admitted to stabilization centers.

Over 97% of children with severe acute malnutrition treated through the consortium are cured – a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with accessible healthcare.

Breaking the Cycle of Hunger with Integrated Programs 

Nasteexo’s recovery was joyous, but Abay feared that the malnutrition would return. For her family to break out of the cycle of hunger for good, a longer-term solution would be needed.

Abay’s family lives in a temporary shelter within an internally displaced persons (IDP) settlement, where her husband generates limited income as a stonemason. Abay and her husband used to be farmers, but irregular rainfall and deteriorating climate conditions destroyed their livelihood. For four years, their farm had been barren. Every day became a struggle to find work and afford food.

Going back to the same circumstances would put Nasteexo at risk of falling back into malnutrition. To ensure families like Abay’s avoid future challenges with hunger, the CaafimaadPlus Consortium integrates its health and livelihood programming. Abay has been linked to other Action Against Hunger programs that promote livelihood strengthening. She will receive drought-resistant seeds and emergency cash assistance through livelihood grants aimed at improving household food security in the coming months. These opportunities will help her start a garden, rebuild income, and provide more stable meals for her family.

Fighting Hunger in Somalia 

Somalia faces overlapping crises driven by conflict and climate change, affecting 9.1 million people — 47% of the population. Across Somalia, recurrent drought, flooding, and conflict continue to threaten vulnerable populations. Families like Abay’s try to rebuild their lives amid unpredictable weather and limited income opportunities. Access to healthcare is also limited, and women often have to walk long distances with children to reach health facilities. Families face a constant fight to meet basic needs.

Through the CaafimaadPlus Consortium and with support from EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), Action Against Hunger is helping families move from emergency to self-sufficiency, ensuring recovery extends beyond treatment toward a more secure and resilient future. We operate nine stabilization centers across Somalia that provide lifesaving care to children affected by hunger, displacement, and climate shocks.

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The CaafimaadPlus Consortium is the largest health and nutrition consortium in Somalia. Led by Action Against Hunger, it is a group of five international and four local humanitarian organizations working together to deliver life-saving assistance to communities affected by drought and conflict in Somalia’s hardest-to-reach areas. We combine our expertise and resources to provide food and nutrition assistance, water and sanitation services, and healthcare for vulnerable communities.

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

CNH brand, New Holland is building even more technology, connectivity and durability into its variable-chamber round balers with the new Roll-Belt™ 180 PLUS (producing bales up to 1.8m diameter) and 150 PLUS (up to 1.5m diameter). Multiple feeding options, strengthened components and upgraded technology mean maximum throughput and minimum downtime, helping customers do more in short weather windows.

Agritechnica 2025 also marks the European debut of Nature’s Net Wrap—a compostable bale wrap developed by a Canadian company supported since early 2024 through a CNH investment. Now available to European farmers and fully compatible with all New Holland balers, Nature’s Net Wrap represents a major step forward in sustainable farming, helping save time, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

Where Technology Meets Performance

The Roll-Belt™ PLUS models feature standard ISOBUS connectivity, enabling additional features to be unlocked when working with a compatible tractor. These include New Holland IntelliBale™ technology, which significantly reduces operator fatigue and boosts productivity by automating the Stop-Wrap-Eject-Start functions.

Durability by Design

The Roll-Belt PLUS series introduces a new roll design with seamless construction and 3.5 times thicker material than on outgoing models, maximizing wear resistance.

For additional protection and increased lifespan, the PLUS series is equipped with triple-lip seal bearings that provide a superior seal against dirt and contaminants. Upgraded high-tensile chains are standard on all Rotor Cutter and Rotor Feeder models, for the highest possible durability while keeping maintenance costs to a minimum.

Read the full story here.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., November 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Entergy Arkansas recently awarded Easterseals of Arkansas more than $18,000 in incentives for energy efficiency projects completed as part of the Entergy Solutions CitySmart program’s mission-based offering. Easterseals completed construction on their new Academy campus in West Little Rock earlier this year, welcoming the first students to the space in August.

Easterseals Arkansas is a nonprofit organization serving children and adults with special needs, fulfilling their mission to empower people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities.  Entergy Arkansas knows that many nonprofit organizations may not have extra funds to devote to energy efficiency programs, which is why Entergy Solutions is focused on reducing barriers for mission-based organizations and delivering accessible energy-savings solutions for those who need it the most.

As a CitySmart program participant, Easterseals worked with the Entergy Solutions team and partners to be sure they were maximizing efficiencies during construction of the new facility.  Through the program, the organization focused on energy efficient LED lighting, lighting controls, and HVAC systems. These projects resulted in $18,378.05 in total incentives, and Easterseals has saved 73,512.17 kilowatt hours of energy through its participation in the program.

“It’s an exciting time for Easterseals, and we are thrilled to have our new K – 12 campus open and serving students in Central Arkansas,” said Mac Bell, Vice President of Development and Communication at Easterseals. “Participating in Entergy Arkansas’s CitySmart program made us feel confident that our new facility is the most efficient it can be to carry our organization forward for decades to come.”

“I have had the pleasure of serving on the Easterseals board for five years, which has given me a front-row seat to the amazing work that they do,” said Laura Landreaux, CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “Entergy is here to serve our communities and helping an organization with such a meaningful mission reduce costs and increase efficiency is one of the most impactful investments we can make.”

The CitySmart program is an Entergy Arkansas offering of the Entergy Solutions program that strives to help schools and municipal institutions run more efficiently through updates such as upgraded HVAC systems, commercial Wi-Fi thermostats and new lighting to save energy and money. The program helps to identify energy savings specific to their facilities, prioritize a range of energy conservation measures, and achieve significant, long-term electricity savings. Organizations earn incentives for completing qualifying energy-efficiency projects and help improve efficiencies throughout their facilities. Interested schools can learn more about the CitySmart program at entergyarkansas.com/citysmart.

Entergy Arkansas also offers a variety of programs specifically designed to help residential customers and businesses manage their energy and ultimately lower their monthly bill. To learn more visit entergysoluionsar.com.

About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR). Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at EntergyArkansas.com and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.

About Easterseals Arkansas
For more than 80 years, Easterseals Arkansas has been dedicated to empowering children and adults with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. Through education, therapy, independent living, employment, and support services, Easterseals Arkansas helps individuals of all abilities live more independently and reach their fullest potential.

Media inquiries:
Lamor Williams
lwill51@entergy.com
501-377-3525

View original content here.

Originally published on 3M News Center

As the world looks for reliable, renewable sources of energy, geothermal power is heating up. In fact, companies and communities are tapping it to provide both electricity and district heating, offering a steady source of clean energy that operates around the clock.

With global installed capacity exceeding 15 billion watts of power for electricity and direct-use applications for heating expanding worldwide, the sector has grown steadily in recent years and the International Energy Agency predicts that geothermal could meet up to 15% of global electricity demand growth by 2050. However, much of its potential remains untapped, requiring continued innovation and investment to be fully scaled.

“Geothermal is one of the most promising frontiers in clean energy, but it comes with some of the toughest material challenges,” said Amy McLaughlin, president at 3M Advanced Materials and Transportation Product Platforms. “At 3M, we are committed to applying our materials science expertise to create solutions that withstand extreme heat and pressure, further helping our customers’ geothermal systems to deliver reliable performance at scale.”

One of the most pressing challenges in next-generation geothermal is the harsh environment deep underground, where extreme heat threatens to damage sensitive electronics and equipment. To combat this, 3M is applying its technologies to help its customers safeguard their tools and potentially extend their products’ lifespan, reducing their costly downtime and increasing their efficiency. For example:

• 3M™ Glass Bubbles are high-strength hollow microspheres with low thermal conductivity and density, anticipated to be ideal for thermal and density management applications. They can enhance the thermal insulation properties of composites and may help maintain well control while drilling and cementing new wellbores.
• 3M™ Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearings are engineered to withstand high temperatures, load environment and minimize misalignment, thereby enhancing the customers’ product durability and reliability in both downhole and surface pump equipment
• 3M™ Nextel™ Ceramic Fibers can help deliver corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance, providing strength and stability while potentially reducing maintenance costs.
• 3M™ Silicon Carbide Sliding Bearings: Offer tribological performance under high load including pressure, sliding speed, and temperature.

Together, these 3M innovations are helping geothermal operators optimize their performance in some of the harshest conditions and bringing materials science expertise into one of the most promising and challenging markets of the energy economy, helping to build a cleaner, more dependable global energy future.

Sustainability leaders from around the world gathered at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in Los Angeles to explore how data, design, and collaboration can accelerate the shift toward low-carbon, circular, and health-focused built environments.

This year’s event focused on the intersection of materials innovation, emissions reduction, and human health — priorities that align closely with Cascale’s mission to drive equitable and restorative business practices across the consumer goods industry.

In September, Cascale acquired the tools of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), the only industry-wide member organization dedicated to advancing sustainability in home furnishings. Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Cascale communications director, and Scarlette Tapp, executive director at SFC, attended the conference as well as Greenbuild’s Women in Green luncheon.

Sponsored by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) – a nonprofit that supports sustainable forest management – the luncheon featured a keynote by Annie Perkins, senior director, green building and supply chain at SFI. It also included a presentation by Jothsna Harris, founder of Change Narrative, who moderated a panel that included Christine Marez, senior vice president, Sustainability & ESG, Cumming Group; Kris Larson, assistant chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department; and Clove Galilee, community engagement coordinator at the Office of Sustainability and the Environment for the City of Santa Monica.

Participation at Greenbuild underscores Cascale’s commitment to connecting industries that share similar value-chain challenges and opportunities — from apparel to furniture and beyond. By fostering these cross-sector conversations, Cascale and SFC continue to strengthen collaboration, scale credible measurement, and support innovation that delivers measurable environmental and social impact.

Complimentary Webinar: Understanding the Latest Recycler Requirements Under the Association of Plastic Recyclers’ New PCR-101

Wednesday, November 19th at 10:00AM PST – 11:00AM PST

Register Now

With the publication of the new Post-consumer Recycled Content (PCR) 101 requirements by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), SCS is hosting this webinar to help recyclers navigate the key changes and understand their implications. This session will provide a breakdown of the PCR-101 requirements, highlight differences in the assessment and documentation process, and introduce the Dual Certification pathway for both Recycled Content and PCR-101.

Join Youssra Elkhatib, SCS’ Program Manager for Circular Materials and Rita Phillip, Program Director for PCR Certification at APR as they discuss the following:

1. Overview of Dual Certification: SCS-103 & PCR-101
2. Key Recycler Requirements under PCR-101: Understand compliance and eligibility criteria for recyclers
3. Audit Process and Documentation Updates: Explore the revised auditing procedures and the documentation needed to meet the new standard

A live Q&A session will follow the discussion.

Register Now

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Truist Foundation proudly announced FreeWorld as the first-place grant recipient of the 2025 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards. Through the Inspire Awards, Truist Foundation leverages philanthropic capital to accelerate solutions to address barriers to building career pathways to economic mobility. This year’s challenge sought nonprofit solutions that help adults who are in the middle or late stages of their careers access reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation support.

This year’s first-place grant recipient, FreeWorld, was awarded a $250,000 grant to support a tech-enabled solution that reskills and places formerly incarcerated citizens into the trucking industry. FreeWorld also took home the $75,000 Audience Favorite grant, voted by the livestream and in-person attendees.

“At FreeWorld, our vision is to ensure that every person returning from incarceration has the opportunity to not only secure a meaningful, living-wage job, but to also achieve financial independence,” said Jason Wang, founder and CEO of FreeWorld. “With Truist Foundation’s support, we’re positioned to strengthen an industry that relies on skilled people, while creating pathways to economic mobility for thousands of returning citizens.”

Truist Foundation is in its third year collaborating with Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to run this capacity-building program for nonprofit organizations, culminating in a pitch-style event in front of a live audience. All with creative approaches, the six finalists’ workforce solutions included:

• Connecting learners to social services to overcome nonacademic barriers,
• Equipping veterans to enter the high-demand electrical trade industry,
• Offering call-center training for older adults,
• Reskilling returning citizens for trucking careers,
• Training workers in sustainable material reuse, and
• Helping tradespeople become career and technical education teachers.

“Hearing from each of these visionary nonprofits was both inspiring and a good reminder of the power of philanthropy to help alleviate real-life challenges facing both workers and employers,” said Lynette Bell, Truist head of Philanthropy and president of Truist Foundation. “As a funder, we believe that investing in scalable, community-led models designed to solve specific challenges has the potential to unlock significant opportunity for adult workers.”

In second place, Encore Employment Enterprises Inc. received a $150,000 grant to advance Seniors R The Answer, a call-center training program tailored for older adults seeking employment, supported by wraparound services.

Each of the remaining four runners-up received $25,000 grants to help implement their solutions.

Leading up to the Inspire Awards event, all finalists participated in a six-month wraparound support and development program to help refine their solutions. This valuable program provides the finalists with a comprehensive needs assessment to help each organization create a clear plan for resources and support needed to accelerate impact. Additionally, the program offered finalists access to a network of cross-industry partners and mentors as well as learning and development modules aimed at supporting business modeling and scaling. Each finalist also received an invitation to participate in the annual flagship Solve at MIT event in May.

The Inspire Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at the Carolina Theater in Charlotte. The event was emceed by Co-Anchor, “Good Morning America” & President, Rock’n Robin Productions, Robin Roberts, and the pre-show ceremony was hosted by Emmy Award-winning Journalist, Author and Global Speaker Molly Grantham.

Truist Financial Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Rogers and Truist Business Administration Executive Amy Collins joined Bell and Roberts to announce the grant recipients to conclude the show.

To learn more about all six finalists and how Truist Foundation supports workforce development, visit TruistFoundation.org/InspireAwards.

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About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at TruistFoundation.org.

For further information: Kristen Fraser, media@truist.com

PITTSBURGH, November 13, 2025 /3BL/ — Recently, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and The Josh Gibson Foundation announced a powerful new partnership aimed at investing in the future of youth sports in their hometown of Pittsburgh. As part of the effort, The DICK’S Foundation will contribute up to $2M in matching funds to The Josh Gibson Foundation to build a state-of-the-art youth sports facility in McKees Rocks, PA.

The new Josh Gibson Champions Club & Sports Matter Center will be developed and managed by The Josh Gibson Foundation and will serve as a hub for young athletes across the community. Designed to promote the mental, emotional and physical well-being of children, the facility will offer modern sports amenities, safe spaces for play and programming to help youth grow both on and off the field.

“The Josh Gibson Foundation has long been a pillar of opportunity and inspiration for youth in our hometown of Pittsburgh,” said Julie Lodge-Jarrett, EVP, Chief People, Purpose and Transformation Officer at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “We’re proud to stand alongside them in this transformative project. By committing up to $2M in matching funds, we hope to encourage others in the community to contribute as well.”

“The DICK’S Foundation’s investment in this project is more than just funding, it’s a belief in our mission and in the young people of this community,” said Sean Gibson, Executive Director of The Josh Gibson Foundation. “This new facility will provide a safe, supportive environment where kids can learn, grow and reach their full potential.”

Under Armour, who alongside The DICK’S Foundation firmly believes in the power of sports, is proud to partner with the Josh Gibson Foundation and provide $250,000 in support of this inspiring project. Under Armour’s donation is on top of the $2M in matching funds pledge by the The DICK’S Foundation. In addition to the monetary gift, Under Armour will also ensure that the athletes at The Josh Gibson Foundation have access to UA’s latest and most innovative baseball and softball gear to help them reach their greatest potential both on and off the field.

For more information about The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and its mission to inspire and enable youth sports participation across the country, visit www.sportsmatter.org. For more information on The Josh Gibson Foundation and to contribute to the Josh Gibson Club & Sports Matter Center, please visit joshgibson.org.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation. It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, The DICK’S Foundation champions youth sports and provides grants and support to under-resourced teams and athletes through its Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on sportsmatter.org and on Instagram,Facebook and TikTok.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods
DICK’S Sporting Goods creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams.

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, DICK’S is a leading omni-channel retailer and an iconic brand in sport and culture. Its banners include DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands and Going Going Gone! in addition to the experiential retail concepts DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center. As owner and operator of Foot Locker, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS, and atmos, DICK’S serves the global sneaker community across 20 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, plus a licensed store presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. DICK’S also owns and operates GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

About The Josh Gibson Foundation

The Josh Gibson Foundation believes in the endless possibilities for potential in today’s youth. By providing academic and athletic programs that foster leadership and scholarship, the skills necessary for tomorrow’s successes are created today. Our goal is to carry on the legacy of greatness and accomplishment embodied by Josh Gibson, by developing programs that help children of every level of ability reach their potential, and to create opportunities that set The Josh Gibson Foundation apart from other organizations and provides value for our communities. Learn more at joshgibson.org.

Media Contact
DICK’S Sporting Goods – press@dcsg.com

SOURCE DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.