Tag: 3BL

Kim Allman | Community Impact

Financial wellness is a holistic approach to managing money and spending. It isn’t based solely on the size or makeup of a person’s bank account but focuses on managing the stress of finances and helping people find stability they can build on.

Financial wellness also goes hand in hand with digital wellness. Safeguarding your identity and protecting banking apps from cybersecurity threats is a vital piece. Identity theft, scams, and cybercrime are not just security issues. They can be major financial disruptors that can derail household stability, delay life milestones, and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.

Gen recently acquired MoneyLion, a financial wellness company with a mission to give everyone the power to make their best money decisions—including women, who are often disproportionately displaced from conversations about financial literacy. In fact, MoneyLion’s 2025 Health is Wealth report found that women are more likely to report increased stress and anxiety, and delay or skip mental health care due to inflation than men.

To that end, MoneyLion has introduced several tools and channels for women to learn, share strategies and take charge of their financial futures. Women Who Roar is a dedicated MoneyLion blog where women can find career tips, discuss financial topics and connect on new job opportunities. The blog features success stories from women entrepreneurs, suggestions for how to negotiate better salaries, interactive capabilities that allow women to start conversations and learn from one another’s expertise, and more. No Stupid Questions, a similar project, is a video series MoneyLion spearheaded on TikTok with influencer Lea Landaverde. The series answers finance-related questions from real people in under 2 minutes, avoiding jargon and crafting clear, actionable advice.

We’re shining a spotlight on these initiatives for Women’s Equality Day to showcase our commitment to empowering women. This annual day of awareness commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage in the United States and aims to uplift and celebrate women, focusing on past achievements and what is needed to make strides in the future. Part of the focus is on the wealth gap between men and women, which has been getting wider in the United States. With MoneyLion, we’re working to equip girls and young women with a roadmap to financial wellness and even more importantly, financial equality.

To further mark the occasion, Gen has organized volunteer events across the company this fall to support women in our communities. These include a reverse mentoring session with GirlBoss New Zealand to engage Gen Z leaders to co-create bold, practical solutions for real-world challenges, and a women-focused public speaking workshop with #LatinaGeeks for National Hispanic Heritage Month in October. In addition, our longstanding partners Czechitas and Women4Cyber will launch their mentorship programs’ new cohorts in the coming months, continuing to connect new generations of women with the training they need to succeed in the cybersecurity industry.

Gen also continues to carry out our Pledge to the European Commission Digital Skills and Jobs Platform to train more women for success in cybersecurity and continues to build a pipeline of cybersecurity talent through women-focused partnerships with Women4Cyber, Czechitas, Nasscom, and more. For other examples of how we empower women at Gen and in our communities, please read our 2025 Social Impact Report.

On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made its second of three landfalls near Buras, Louisiana – after initially crossing over South Florida. Hours later, after receding into the Gulf, Katrina returned slamming into the Louisiana-Mississippi border as a Category 3 hurricane.

After the storm passed, the New Orleans area awoke to significant but not insurmountable damage, while St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes and the Mississippi Gulf Coast were hit hard. Katrina moved further inland, but devastation continued for the Greater New Orleans area. Flooding from eventual levee failures resulted in catastrophic damage in New Orleans and surrounding parishes, including the homes of many Entergy employees. And despite their own personal losses and a daunting outlook, our workforce immediately mobilized into action.

Entergy teams restored power and hope following Katrina

It quickly became clear this restoration effort was much more than bringing the power back. Neighborhoods were unrecognizable. Homes and businesses were destroyed. People were dispersed. Our mission quickly expanded beyond rebuilding poles and wires to providing for our customers. Katrina prompted an immediate need in our community and Entergy moved with strong intent to help restore something powerful – hope to many who had just lost everything.

• Power of Hope: Entergy shareholders launched the Power of Hope fund just 48 hours after Katrina made landfall with an initial $1 million donation. Another $600,000 poured in after Hurricane Rita struck. With donations from vendors and peer utilities from as far away as Japan, the Power of Hope fund provided $4.2 million to impacted families and nonprofit partners.
• Economic support: In partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Entergy shareholders helped create the post-Katrina Individual Development Account program — a 4-to-1 savings match for low-income households. Since 2005, more than 600 families have participated in the program, generating more than $58 million in assets including home purchases — 400 families becoming first-time homeowners, small businesses created and education savings.
• Affordable housing rebuilds: With partner organizations, we helped build or rebuild 1,300 homes for low and moderate-income families in the Greater New Orleans area post-Katrina.
• Investing in education: From 2005 to 2025, Entergy and the Entergy Charitable Foundation have invested more than $30 million to support education in Orleans Parish, impacting the lives of more than 100,000 students.
• Child care collaborations: Katrina destroyed 75% of child care centers in Orleans Parish. Entergy and partners supported collaboratives and advocacy efforts that culminated in $42 million in annual funding from municipal and state resources to provide early care and education for low-income families in New Orleans.
• Investing in a cleaner, more resilient tomorrow: We partnered with the Nike Corporation and Louisiana Green Building Council to create the Entergy Solar Schools Initiative, installing solar panels on five New Orleans public schools. We helped create more than 130 miles of bike lanes and walkways across New Orleans. And since 2005, Entergy has awarded almost $800,000 in grants and helped our partners plant and distribute almost 100,000 trees.

Over the last two decades since Katrina’s devastation, Entergy shareholders have invested $95 million to support nonprofit organizations in Orleans Parish while our employees in the area have completed more than 130,000 hours of volunteer service.

Video series: Watch Episode 2, “Restoration of power and community”

In the month ahead, we’ll share some of these stories of reflection, resilience, preparation and perseverance through a series of videos. Watch Episode 2 above.

Find more background, photos and videos by visiting entergy.com/Katrina20.

About Entergy

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 entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media.

Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy

For more than 100 years, Entergy has powered life in our communities through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives help create and sustain thriving communities, position the company for sustainable growth and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our top CSR priorities are education/workforce development, poverty solutions/social services and environmental programs. Entergy annually contributes $16-$18 million in shareholder-funded grants to approximately 2,000 nonprofit organizations in the communities where we operate. In addition, our employees volunteer more than 100,000 hours in those communities’ values at more than $3 million.

View original content here.

The hospitality industry is built on comfort, experience, and trust. But, behind the scenes, a complex web of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risks can threaten not only guest satisfaction but also operational continuity and brand reputation. Hotels and resorts operate across diverse geographies, often in climate and resource sensitive environments, and face increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and guests to uphold high standards of safety and sustainability.

Here are the top 10 EHS hazards facing hotels and resorts today, and how smart planning and proactive management can help address them.

 

1. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Mold Risks

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in hotels and resorts is shaped by many factors, ventilation, chemical exposure, humidity, and building maintenance. Poor circulation, cleaning product fumes, and HVAC issues can degrade air quality, while hiding mold, often triggered by leaks, floods, or high humidity, can compound respiratory risks and lead to costly remediation.

Risks:

• Respiratory issues and allergic reactions
• Guest complaints and poor reviews
• Sick building syndrome and potential health department violations
• Room closures, structural damage, and legal liability

Solutions:

• Conduct regular IAQ assessments and HVAC system inspections
• Use green cleaning programs to reduce chemical exposure
• Establish moisture control protocols and rapid response plans for leaks or flooding
• Implement mold prevention and remediation strategies—especially after construction, renovations, or storm events
• Partner with certified professionals for mold sampling, cleanup, and post-remediation verification
• Monitor air quality and humidity levels as part of a comprehensive IAQ program

Maintaining healthy indoor air isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s essential for protecting guests, staff, and your brand reputation.

 

2. Legionella and Waterborne Pathogens

Large water systems (cooling towers, spas, fountains) can harbor bacteria like Legionella if not properly maintained.

Risk:

• Illness outbreaks (e.g., Legionnaires’ disease), legal exposure, reputational damage

Solution:

• Implement a comprehensive water management plan and monitor water quality consistently

 

3. Chemical Exposure and Storage

Hotels rely on a wide range of chemicals, from pool maintenance to housekeeping supplies and pest control.

Risk:

• Worker exposure, spills, fire hazards, EPA/OSHA (and equivalent global regulatory entities) non-compliance

Solution:

• Chemical inventory and labeling, proper storage (e.g., secondary containment), and training on handling procedures, chemical evaluation and selection protocols geared towards continuous improvement, standard operating procedures taking into account hotel/resort foot traffic and operations

 

4. Waste Management and Improper Disposal

Mismanagement of solid waste, food waste, hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, electronics) can lead to environmental fines and inefficiencies.

Risk:

• Regulatory penalties, odor and pest issues, loss of sustainability certifications

Solution:

• Waste audits, recycling and composting programs, waste stream compliance reviews

 

5. Ergonomic Strain for Staff

Housekeepers, kitchen workers, and maintenance staff are at high risk for repetitive stress injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Risk:

• Lost workdays, reduced productivity, long-term disability claims

Solution:

• Ergonomic assessments, task and equipment redesign, training on body mechanics, and wellness programs

 

6. Climate-Related Risks and Natural Disasters

Many resorts are located in areas prone to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or droughts—climate change is amplifying these risks.

Risk:

• Property damage, business interruption, unsafe conditions for staff and guests

Solution:

• Climate risk assessments, scenario planning, business continuity, emergency response plans, staff drills and table top exercises

 

7. PFAS and Emerging Contaminants

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be present in furnishings, uniforms, fire suppression foam, and water systems.

Risk:

• Long-term liability, regulatory scrutiny, reputational harm

Solution:

• Site assessments, testing, PFAS source mapping, and mitigation planning

 

8. Contractor and Vendor Safety Management

Third-party vendors, from landscaping to construction, may introduce EHS risks if not properly vetted or trained.

Risk:

• Incidents, non-compliance, supply chain disruptions

Solution:

• Prequalification protocols, safety training, site supervision, and contractor EHS programs

 

9. Workplace Violence and Guest Aggression

Hotels operate 24/7 and often have staff working alone or at night. Unfortunately, incidents of workplace violence, whether from guests, contractors, or even other employees, are a growing concern in the hospitality sector.

Risk:

• Physical injury, psychological trauma, litigation, staff turnover

Solution:

• Develop and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (e.g., in line with CA SB 553 if operating in California, or as a best practice in other areas), conduct staff training on de-escalation, install security systems (e.g., panic buttons, surveillance), and ensure staffing protocols for high-risk times

 

10. Event Safety and Crowd Management

Hotels and resorts frequently host weddings, conferences, concerts, and other large gatherings. These events bring temporary surges in people, equipment, and risks.

Risk:

• Injuries due to crowding, trip/fall hazards, inadequate egress, fire code violations, medical emergencies

Solution:

• Site-specific event safety plans, crowd control measures, capacity monitoring, trained security presence, temporary equipment safety checks, and emergency medical access planning

 

A Proactive Approach to EHS Pays Off

Leading hotel brands are not just reacting to these risks, they’re embedding EHS into their business strategy. Whether you’re operating a city hotel or a beachfront resort, prioritizing health, safety, and environmental performance can lead to:

• Lower insurance and legal costs
• Better guest experiences and brand trust
• Greater operational resilience
• Progress toward ESG and sustainability goals

 

How Antea Group Can Help

With decades of experience supporting hospitality leaders, Antea Group offers a full range of services tailored to hotels and resorts, including:

• Environmental compliance and permitting
• Health and safety audits and training
• Legionella and water risk management
• Waste reduction and circular economy strategy
• PFAS investigation and mitigation
• Climate risk assessments and resiliency planning
• ESG strategy, reporting, and certifications

Whether you’re starting with a baseline assessment or looking to scale a global sustainability program, our team delivers practical, scalable solutions that make a measurable impact.

Interested in making your hotel or resort safer and more sustainable? Contact us today to learn more!

Two new automated systems, Click&Dig and Perception, are being introduced on CASE Construction Equipment’s wheel loaders to improve productivity and safety.

At CNH’s CASE Construction Equipment plant in Lecce, southern Italy, a team of young engineers are working toward a long-term goal of creating fully autonomous construction vehicles. The team, led by Advanced Electronics Manager Andrea Gravili, this year reaches a milestone, with two important automated functions coming to the market.

They are Click&Dig, which has three automated processes for wheel loaders — AutoDig, AutoDump and AutoMetering — and Perception, an AI-based system of cameras and sensors that detects obstacles and people around the vehicle to improve safety and support the operator’s decision-making.

Perception, CNH’s sensing system, was trained using AI to recognize different types of obstacles typically found on a construction site, from piles of rocks to other vehicles to people, says Gravili. Perception does not rely only on what it can ‘see’. “When the system is looking behind the vehicle, it can recognize or detect obstacles using both a camera and a radar,” he explains. “If there is dust on the camera, we can rely on the radar.” The operator is then alerted to press the brake.

The purpose of the advanced electronics team’s work is not to replace operators, according to Antonio Venezia, Director of Electronics for Construction Equipment at CNH. “I don’t spend eight hours a day every day in my car, but operators spend eight hours a day working in our vehicles,” he says. “The most important part of our job is to help them do their jobs better, in a more comfortable way.”

Read the full story here.

CINCINNATI, August 26, 2025 /3BL/ – The cost of pet care has reached an all-time high, with pet households estimated to spend an average of $1,733 annually, according to industry analyses – making it difficult for some pet owners to keep up with expenses.

Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) supports pets and the people who care for them year-round through Provide, which helps veterinarians and other practitioners achieve their practice ownership dreams. Now, the Bank is supporting pet owners directly in conjunction with National Dog Day.

On Tuesday Fifth Third surprised about 750 pet owners at 37 pet-related businesses in Chicago, Knoxville, Nashville, Orlando & Jacksonville with gifts to help offset the cost of pet care, including $53 gift cards and packs of pet toys, treats and other goodies for their furry friends.

“To celebrate our pets – and help offset some of the cost of caring for them – we were excited to bring our popular Fifth Third Pets program back for a second year,” said Kevin Whitman, brand manager for Fifth Third. “At Fifth Third we put 166.7% into everything we do for our customers and supporting them on National Dog Day is just one example of how we can help build healthier, happier communities for pets and humans alike.”

The surprises took place at select veterinary offices, pet stores, groomers and day cares, including 10 Pet Paradise locations across Jacksonville, Orlando and Tennessee.

“As a longstanding partner, we’ve seen firsthand Fifth Third Bank’s dedication to both their clients and the communities they serve,” said Pet Paradise CEO Alex Miller. “Fifth Third Pets is a wonderful reflection of that commitment. We are proud to collaborate on this initiative and celebrate with Fifth Third Bank at our Pet Paradise resorts during National Dog Day.”

Among the goodies in each pet pack are treats from Beer City Dog Biscuits in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a company dedicated to supporting adults with disabilities in their personal and professional growth. Each of Beer City’s dog biscuits is hand-made and packaged by adults with intellectual and developmental challenges.

At Fifth Third’s corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fifth Third also contributed $5,300 to SPCA Cincinnati and funded pet adoptions through the “Pups & Players” partnership associated with the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament. Fifth Third also brought back its popular Fur-nancial Pawdcast, a playful social media series where employees’ pets “talk” about financial wellness, for a second year.

From Aug. 26 through Sept. 30, the public also has the opportunity to participate in a social media sweepstakes via Instagram to win one of 53 $53 gift cards and a Fifth Third Pet Pack. More information and full sweepstakes rules are available online at 53.com/pets.¹

¹ NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the U.S., excluding New York. At least 18 years old to enter. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins at 8:00 AM EST on August 26, 2025, and all entries must be received no later than 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2025. For complete sweepstakes rules visit 53.com/pets. Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Meta Platforms, Inc.

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

About Provide

Powered by Fifth Third Bank, Provide is on a mission to financially empower healthcare providers with great people and innovative technology. As the leader in tech-enabled financial services for aspiring and established healthcare practice owners, Provide offers an unmatched combination of industry expertise, personalized service, and customized financial products – enabling providers to achieve their ownership dreams, realize financial independence, and improve the industry’s standard of care. Founded in a one-bedroom San Francisco apartment in 2013, Provide was acquired by Fifth Third in 2021 and in 2023 was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more at getprovide.com, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

CONTACT

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)
amanda.nageleisen@53.com

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

With the launch of a brand new website, it’s an exciting moment for TriplePundit, 3BL’s media division. Entering its 20th year, TriplePundit brings solutions journalism to sustainability news — reporting the under-told stories of how business, environmental conservation and social good connect.

Their work is more important now than ever. As the sustainability and social impact space comes under political scrutiny, solutions journalism offers a different and essential perspective.

By elevating and interrogating the evidence-based interventions proven to be effective at addressing problems, solutions journalists not only prove progress is possible, but also create awareness that can help good ideas scale.

As environmental policies shift, funding is cut, and “bad news” about the sustainability and social impact space fills our feeds, solutions journalism isn’t just a welcome alternative. It’s a crucial lifeline for those who still believe in the promise of positive change and are seeking out examples that inspire them to take action.

TriplePundit’s readers surely notice. In audience surveys, more than 80% used positive terms like “informed” and “hopeful” to describe how they feel after reading 3p’s solutions coverage, compared to over half who used negative words like “angry” and “overwhelmed” in association with the news at large.

With the same commitment to inform and empower readers, TriplePundit is welcoming a new look for a new era. Find more ways to discover solutions stories that spark new ways of thinking about sustainability on the new TriplePundit.

About 3BL 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

About TriplePundit

TriplePundit covers environmental sustainability and social impact through the lens of solutions journalism. TriplePundit brings visibility to the people and organizations who see and do things differently, with in-depth reporting and analysis.

A $400,000 gift from KeyBank Foundation to Hartford Promise will help support Hartford public school students find success from high school to college to career.

Research shows 73% of college graduates who start their careers underemployed remain underemployed a decade later. This issue is especially critical for Promise Scholars—all Hartford Public School graduates—many of whom face limited access to the professional networks, internships and career experiences that lead to strong job outcomes.

The expansion of Hartford Promise’s College to Career Pipeline, made possible by KeyBank’s gift, addresses this by integrating intensive, early career development into a successful cohort coaching model. Highlights include:

• Financial resources, in the form of college scholarships.
• Coaching services, ranging from college applications to financial aid planning, academic mentoring and career support.
• Networking, to establish meaningful relationships that promote stronger job placement after college and better internships during college.

KeyBank’s gift will allow the College to Career Pipeline to support an average of 500 students annually, beginning with the incoming class of 2025.

“KeyBank is celebrating our bicentennial and foundational commitment to support organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures,” said Matt Hummel, Connecticut Market President, KeyBank. “Hartford Promise’s College to Career Pipeline does just this. It is a transformative workforce development program that changes lives and aligns perfectly with our philanthropic priorities of neighbors, education and workforce.”

“Over 70 percent of Hartford Promise Scholars are first-generation students, often navigating higher-ed and career planning without the advantages others may take for granted. Coaching is at the heart of our model and is critical to ensuring their success. With KeyBank’s support, we are able to expand this individualized coaching, strengthen our programming, and provide the guidance Scholars need to persist through college, graduate, and launch meaningful careers. This investment directly helps break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and build lasting generational wealth,” said Hartford Promise President Sivan Hines.

To become a Hartford Promise Scholar students must:

• Attend a Hartford public high school continuously since 9th grade
• Be a Hartford resident throughout high school
• Have a 93% or better cumulative attendance record during high school
• Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale in high school.

For more information, visit the Hartford Promise website at hartfordpromise.org or call 860-956-5310.

# # #

COME MEET CAST & CREW – This is a FREE EVENT, open to the public and media, complete with Live Q/A, Step and Repeat, and photo opportunities.

When: Wednesday, August 27 @ 1 PM

Where: West Edge Factory
1040 Vernon St Suite 1
Huntington, WV 25704

Who and What:

As part of its Youth Transition Project (YTP), Stepping Stones, Inc. – a premier Child Welfare Agency – will provide a special screening of the award-winning documentary Generation Growth – www.generationgrowthfilm.com – a powerful documentary featuring internationally acclaimed educator and Green Bronx Machine founder Stephen Ritz on Wednesday, August 26, 2025, at 1 PM. This screening is courtesy of Quest Diagnostics. ✨ Stepping Stones, Inc., in Wayne County — a provider of residential treatment and independent living for foster youth — is featured prominently in this film. Learn how our journey into growing hope with the power of a plant began!

COME MEET CAST & CREW – This is a FREE EVENT, open to the public and media, complete with Live Q/A, Step and Repeat, and photo opportunities.

Film Synopsis: Poor health, diet-related diseases, food insecurity, and underperforming education continue to plague low-income and marginalized communities across the United States. Stephen Ritz, a Bronx educator who believes teachers change lives, is on a mission to change all that. He developed an incredibly successful whole-school curriculum, aligned to a data-driven indoor academic gardening program that allows children to grow vegetables in school, improving academic performance, changing eating habits, increasing classroom engagement, and providing pathways for 21st century employment. “Generation Growth” follows Ritz as he expands his low-cost, easily replicable program throughout the country, bringing passion, purpose, and hope to the communities, students, and teachers who need it most.

Says Susan Fry, Executive Director of Stepping Stones, Inc.: “To think, eight years later, that we are hosting a live screening here in Huntington, is proof positive that we are growing something greater. In partnership with Green Bronx Machine and Newman’s Own Foundation, we have gone from seed to harvest, with one of the most innovative and successful approaches in the history of residential care in all of Appalachia, including the first successful commercial greenhouse maintained by foster-care children in America along the construction of a tiny home eco-village for graduates, and we are just getting started. We are so grateful to Quest Diagnostics for bringing our story to the forefront of national attention and so excited to host Green Bronx Machine and to continue to take this work to a whole new level.”

Adds Stephen Ritz: “We are excited to get back to our roots, right here in Appalachia, where passion, purpose, hope, committed people, and vision are the special ingredients that help change outcomes for young people in ways that benefit all. This film and this moment represent an affirmation and celebration that the greatest resource in the world is the untapped potential residing in marginalized communities across our nation. Eight years ago, nobody thought this was possible, nobody thought this could work, yet here we are, with some of the most cost-effective and irrefutable data and impact ever. What started off as “impossible” has grown into a movement of “I’m possible” and the best is yet to come.”

Ritz goes on to add: “To be very clear, we are here to celebrate AND to grow something greater – to continue to ideate, iterate, and plan – we are determined to continue to change lives for the better, to change narratives, and to create new paradigms and solutions together. This film and this moment are not about giving people fish nor about teaching people to fish, it’s about collectively creating new oceans and sustainable ecosystems that nurture all of us.” Ritz goes on to express his appreciation by stating: “We are forever grateful to the folks at Newman’s Own Foundation, for seeing us, hearing us, believing in us, trusting us, supporting us, guiding us, and for helping us to facilitate our own replicable and virtuous solution – thanks to Newman’s Own Foundation, these children, and children to come, have a forever place, space, and home. We come together today with bold ideas, determined and ever mindful that we can and we will forever pay this forward. We are the folks we are waiting for! I also want to thank Quest Diagnostics for funding the distribution of our film Generation Growth, for helping us build out a website with incredible resources – www.generationgrowthfilm.com – forever empowering and enabling us and others to share our stories of success – a place where often-forgotten children from the South Bronx, Appalachia, and similar communities can become the power of example and shining lights for the world, validating that our lives matter and deserve happy endings!”

This is more than a film — it’s a movement. Come see how healthy food, education, and community can transform lives. Bring a friend and be part of this conversation of hope, healing, and growth. Generation Growth is a compelling documentary showcasing Ritz’s journey as a Bronx educator tackling food insecurity, poor health and education challenges across the country. Learn how together, we will continue to change lives for the better and HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Susan Fry – Executive Director

Stepping Stones, Inc.
Stepupsusan@gmail.com
1.304.634.1982

About Stepping Stones, Inc.:

Established in 1975, Stepping Stones, Inc. is a fully licensed child welfare and behavioral health provider with fifty years’ experience in working with West Virginia’s foster youth and their families. The therapeutic milieu is family centered, and youth focused and provides youth with an opportunity to enhance cognitive competence, internalize coping skills and develop an “I Can” attitude. Through restructuring, reeducation and reintegration, Stepping Stones, Inc., seeks to strengthen the youth’s relationship with family and community. The Program passionately believes that discovering and uncovering the connectedness of the youth and his family with the community is paramount in treatment delivery. To date, Stepping Stones has generated some of the most successful outcomes in foster care treatment and been at the national forefront of child-focused, innovative, therapeutic, and healing therapeutic approaches, interventions, and treatment. For more information, visit https://steppingstonesinc.org.

About Green Bronx Machine:

Green Bronx Machine is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed non-profit that builds healthy, equitable, and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, their school-based

model incorporates urban agriculture and Tower Garden technology supported by their whole-school curriculum aligned to key school performance indicators to grow high performing schools and happy, healthy children. Green Bronx Machine transforms once marginalized communities into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving. For more information, visit www.greenbronxmachine.org.

Reaching over 1,000 schools nationally and serving over 325,000 students daily, Green Bronx Machine was named a 2024 Fast Company Most Innovative Company and also offers an online educational platform, complete with instructional videos, free lesson plans, downloadable teacher resources, and an educational YouTube Channel: Green Bronx Machine KIDS! Learn more at www.greenbronxmachine.org/resources.

The organization is presently featured in an award-winning documentary, Generation Growth, which highlights their expansion and success in communities across the nation. Individuals or groups interested in hosting a “Generation Growth” in-person or virtual screening or learning about additional ways to partner with Green Bronx Machine’s mission can contact Stephen Ritz at stephen.ritz@greenbronxmachine.org or 917.873.6449.

#documentary #schoolgarden #fostercare #leadership #pedagogy #education #health #wellness #nutrition #Appalachia #WestVirginia #recovery #Huntington #community #towergarden #greenbronxmachine #stephenritz #bronx #nyc

This year marks the 20th anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Katrina, one of the worst, deadliest and most costly natural disasters to ever hit our service area, slammed into the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005. Much of the Gulf Coast lay ravaged by wind and water, and New Orleans was largely submerged.

Twenty-six days after Katrina, with the state of Louisiana still reeling, Hurricane Rita made landfall near the mouth of the Sabine River at the Louisiana-Texas border. These storms left 1.9 million of our 2.7 million customers without power, with Katrina affecting 37,000 square miles, roughly one-third of our service area.

For the last 20 years following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we’ve powered a more resilient future and remained steadfast in our commitment to you — our customers and communities. We’re stronger today because of where we’ve been. And we’ll continue to invest in our shared communities, our people and our grid. We couldn’t be prouder to call this home.

Honoring the 20-year anniversary through service

Over the last two decades, our employees have dedicated 1.6 million hours of volunteer service across our four-state service area.

In remembrance of the 2005 hurricane season, Entergy is holding a day of service on Aug. 29 in partnership with Rebuilding Together. Employee volunteers will focus on home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades to five homes in the New Orleans area. This initiative not only honors our commitment to the community but also revitalizes homes that represent the heart of our neighborhoods.

This week, our New Orleans-area employees will also join Green Light New Orleans to commemorate the anniversary. Volunteers will be delivering and installing approximately 20 rain barrels to local homeowners in flood-prone neighborhoods.

Watch Episode 1 (above): During the storm

In the month ahead, we’ll share some of these stories of reflection, resilience, preparation and perseverance through a series of videos. Watch our first video release that captures Entergy team members recounting their experiences from 2005.

Find more at entergy.com/Katrina20.

About Entergy

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 entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media.

Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy

For more than 100 years, Entergy has powered life in our communities through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives help create and sustain thriving communities, position the company for sustainable growth and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our top CSR priorities are education/workforce development, poverty solutions/social services and environmental programs. Entergy annually contributes $16-$18 million in shareholder-funded grants to approximately 2,000 nonprofit organizations in the communities where we operate. In addition, our employees volunteer more than 100,000 hours in those communities’ values at more than $3 million.

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Cascale has wrapped Season 2 of its Source of Good podcast, a ten-episode series amplifying industry voices driving decarbonization across the consumer goods sector. Accelerating supply chain transformation and empowering collective action to combat climate change is critical to Cascale’s mission, targeting a 45 percent reduction by 2030, in line with the 1.5°C pathway.

This season explored renewable energy, supplier engagement, material innovation, and manufacturer practices – showcasing experts from manufacturers, brands, and service providers, including the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), Tapestry, Cotton Incorporated, Hanesbrands, Elevate Textiles, Avery Dennison, ITL, Primaloft, Hirdaramani, and Ren Energy.

Episodes included:

• Can Consumer Goods Decarbonize? With Lewis Perkins and Aii feat. Lewis Perkins, president of the Apparel Impact Institute
• Insulation with Intention: PrimaLoft and Patagonia Take on the Cold feat. Erika Enquist, senior manager of global quality and sustainability at PrimLoft
• Sustainability in the Bag with Tapestry and Coach feat. Jessie Wasser, manager of sustainability & ESG at Tapestry
• The Secret Power of Product Labels with ITL feat. Hayley Solomon, group brand & marketing director at ITL
• Factories, Footprints, and the Future of Clean Energy with Ren Energy feat. Eric Jen, co-founder & CEO at Ren Energy
• From Tailors to Global Trailblazers: Talking Climate Action with Hirdaramani and ASICS feat. Nikhil Hirdaramani, director, Hirdaramani Group
• Wastewater, Denim, and Doing the Impossible with Elevate Textiles and Wrangler feat. Jimmy Summer, chief sustainability officer at Elevate Textiles
• It All Started with a Sticker: Avery Dennison and Bestseller feat. Kelsey McCabe, sustainability manager at Avery Dennison
• How to Store Carbon in Your Closet with Cotton Incorporated and Ralph Lauren feat. Jesse Daystar, VP and chief sustainability officer at Cotton Incorporated
• Less Carbon, More Collaboration with Hanesbrands feat. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh, senior manager of sustainability, facility, and engineering at Hanesbrands

Source of Good is a co-production of award-winning producer Hueman Group Media and Cascale, a global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry.

Source of Good is available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and more.

Listen and subscribe today.