Tag: PR Newswire

Hands-on STEM projects, technology and equipment to build stronger, enabled communities

HENDERSON, Nev., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Equipping students and teachers with the right tools and resources goes a long way in preparing for the STEM jobs of today and tomorrow.

Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative is granting up to $5.8 million over five years to Clark County School District. The funds will give students and teachers access to innovative tools and programs designed to embed STEM strategies into classrooms and support teachers through sustained learning.

“We believe all students deserve equal access to opportunities and a pathway to high-growth careers,” said Ana Meade, vice president of sustainable development at Toyota. “Through Driving Possibilities, we aim to create access to quality STEM jobs by working with local schools, community partners and industry leaders to address barriers so that everyone can participate.”    

Driving Possibilities is Toyota’s national approach to workforce readiness and community engagement. In Nevada, Toyota is collaborating with the Project Lead the Way and the Just One Project on a community-based approach to combining an expansion of STEM resources and helping to serve the needs of families in each school.

“The Clark County community warmly welcomed us over twenty years ago when we opened the Toyota Financial Savings Bank (TFSB) in Henderson, Nevada,” said Tellis Bethel, TFSB CEO. “We are pleased to give back to this community that has done so much for us, and we are proud to contribute to the bright futures of area students.”

Clark County School District will embed stackable STEM programming from elementary, middle and high school classrooms while customizing an intentional professional development program for educators. Additionally, schools will be equipped with a dedicated space for students and families to access essential needs such as food and supportive services to help build a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.    

Nevada is the tenth site to launch the Driving Possibilities initiative. To date, more than $78.3 million has been announced through multi-year grants with local and national nonprofits, education partners and the communities where Toyota team members live and work. The initiative is funded by Toyota USA Foundation with additional funds provided by Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS).    

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative was launched as a unique way to bring together educators, local and national nonprofits, industry and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With more than 65 years of active community support across the U.S., efforts span the PreK-12 education continuum, with a foundation in the model developed in the West Dallas area. This is the largest and most comprehensive social innovation effort in Toyota’s history.   

About Toyota Financial Savings Bank

Toyota Financial Savings Bank (“Toyota Bank”) provides banking products and services to eligible Toyota and Lexus Dealer employees, their eligible family members, and eligible Toyota and Lexus Team Members in the United States. Toyota Bank offers a curated suite of savings and loan products, coupled with a dedication to providing high touch service from your own dedicated Personal Banker. Toyota Bank, headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, is a member of the FDIC, and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Additional information may be found at www.toyotabank.com.

Media Contacts: 
Cindy Lacy
Cindy.lacy@toyota.com 

Amanda Roark 
amanda.roark@toyota.com  

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Paralyzed Veterans of America Chief Executive Officer Carl Blake releases statement following the Washington Post article entitled “How some veterans exploit $193 billion VA program, due to lax controls,” released on October 6, 2025.

“Paralyzed Veterans of America is outraged at the Washington Post’s decision to paint most veterans with service-connected disabilities as fraudsters and cheats. Without any context, the authors of this article chose to tell the story that they wanted to tell. Although there are documented cases of veterans defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is a disservice to the sacrifices of the many men and women who have served this nation to suggest that large sums of money are being wasted simply because veterans receive earned benefits for service-connected conditions. Just because the authors disagree with the law does not mean that those veterans have done anything wrong. It is also noteworthy that the Washington Post article did not include comments from any accredited veterans service organizations (VSOs) that represent millions of veterans in their benefits claims.

The Washington Post has apparently decided to take up the fight for what should be considered a ‘real’ service-connected condition. As a veteran with a real combat-related service-connected condition incurred while serving with the 82^nd Airborne, I do not begrudge veterans for seeking benefits and services to which they have earned and are entitled to by law. The sacrifices of service are often not apparent to those who have not borne the battle.”

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact:

Oname Thompson
703-864-5980 cell


OnameT@PVA.org

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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pennsylvania hog farmer Brent Hershey will join more than 200 farmers from over 30 states in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, October 8th to oppose the highly contentious Save Our Bacon Act and Food Security and Farm Protection Act (formerly the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act (EATS) Act) — legislation that would put family farmers out of business and end responsible farming practices.

Hershey, who was recently featured in CBS News’s coverage of the debate over California’s Proposition 12, will speak at a 2 p.m. press conference at the National Press Club alongside farmers, meat producers, and meat retailers from across the country.

The event will highlight the importance of Prop. 12 and Massachusetts’s Question 3, voter-approved laws that set basic animal welfare standards and create fairer markets for responsible farmers.

The farmers and meat companies will meet with members of Congress to emphasize the significant risks the proposed legislation, which would repeal Prop. 12 and Question 3, poses to farmers, businesses, and consumers.

A gestation crate containing a realistic “pig” will also be on display to demonstrate the controversial practice — banned in red and blue states alike — that some in the pork industry are attempting to legalize again.

On October 9th, tractors and pick-up trucks will circle the Capitol area with large American flags and banners.

For thousands of family farmers, laws like Proposition 12 and Question 3 are a lifeline. If Congress wipes out these humane farming standards, it would devastate family farmers who have invested in crate-free systems while stripping states’ ability to pass their own agricultural laws.

“My farm is Prop. 12-certified, and it’s never operated better. Prop. 12’s standards made our farm more resilient,” said Brent Hershey, President of Hershey Ag. “Healthier animals mean fewer losses and better productivity, and Prop. 12 provides a market that actually rewards the hard work we put in.”

Upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, Proposition 12 sets minimum space requirements for pigs, hens, and calves, ensuring animals have room to stand, turn around, and extend their limbs. Already, an estimated 27 percent of U.S. pork producers have made or are working to make investments to access California’s Proposition 12 market.

In addition to robust farmer adoption of Prop. 12 standards, numerous leading meat companies have announced support of the crate-free law, including Perdue Farms and its pork brands Niman Ranch and Coleman All Natural Meats, True Story Foods, and ButcherBox, the direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand.

Public opinion strongly favors these reforms. Nearly seven in ten Americans oppose the use of gestation crates, with only 8 percent in support. The California and Massachusetts laws both passed overwhelmingly at the ballot box with 63 percent and 78 percent approval, respectively.

Interviews with Brent Hershey and other participating farmers are available at the event or via Zoom at any time.

Media contact:
Holly Bice | media@meatproducers.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-farmer-brent-hershey-joins-hundreds-in-dc-to-support-prop-12-and-family-farms-302577373.html

SOURCE Responsible Meat Coalition

90% of Americans say end-of-life conversations are important, yet only 27% have had them – television storytelling emerges as a breakthrough solution to bridge the gap.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Television storylines featuring authentic end-of-life experiences significantly increase viewers’ willingness to initiate conversations about mortality, according to new research released today from End Well. The comprehensive study, conducted in partnership with USC’s Norman Lear Center Media Impact Project, reveals that viewers exposed to realistic portrayals of death and dying were dramatically more likely to take concrete actions – from drafting advance directives to discussing care preferences with loved ones.

“We knew that while 90% of Americans say talking about end-of-life care is important, only 27% have actually had these conversations,” said Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder and board president of End Well. “Research also shows that ongoing dialogue – not just documentation – leads to care that truly reflects someone’s values. Our new research demonstrates that thoughtfully crafted television content can make a huge difference in people’s willingness to talk about their wishes and begin planning for the end of life.”

Key Research Findings: Viewers who watched end-of-life storylines from A Million Little Things and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning were significantly more likely to:

• Initiate conversations about end-of-life topics.
• Seek additional information about care options and advance planning.
• Share locations of important legal and financial documents.
• Draft or update advance directives and legal documents.
• Help aging parents with decluttering and legacy planning.
• Discuss specific care preferences and medical decisions.

“When people see death and dying portrayed with honesty, humor, and compassion, it gives them permission to begin the conversations that matter most,” said Tracy Wheeler, executive director of End Well. “Television isn’t just entertainment – it’s a rehearsal space for real life.”

The research identified three key elements that make end-of-life storytelling effective:

• Real Life Reflected: Authentic portrayals showing supportive communities helped viewers envision how to offer or receive care with compassion and dignity.
• Humor Included: Strategic use of humor made difficult topics more accessible and relatable.
• Grounded in Expertise: Collaboration with medical and psychological professionals ensured both accuracy and authentic emotional responses during life’s most vulnerable moments.

“Before grief leveled my world, I was funny. Laughing is my favorite,” said J.J. Duncan, producer of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. “If we could bring levity to this dark topic that was so very taboo in people’s minds, then we could help others with handrails as they walked their own paths of grief.”

As the legal and ethical landscape around end-of-life care continues to evolve, the findings suggest that entertainment industry partnerships could significantly advance public health goals around advance care planning and mortality literacy.

About the Research

The study examined viewer responses to end-of-life storylines from two popular shows: A Million Little Things‘ series finale featuring Gary’s terminal diagnosis and desire to die with dignity, and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning‘s episode about Shana preparing for death after a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Participants were randomly assigned to view either the end-of-life storylines or control clips from the same shows without mortality themes.

“Storytelling has the power to transform how we die,” said Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder and board president of End Well. “Through honest, nuanced portrayals of end-of-life experiences, popular culture can help build the emotional and practical literacy we need to care for ourselves and each other in our final chapters.”

The full report, “Changing the Channel on Death: How Television Can Lead the End-of-Life Revolution,” authored by Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, Tracy Wheeler, and End Well, is available at https://endwellproject.org/research/.

About End Well

End Well is a nonprofit on a mission to transform how people think about, talk about, and plan for the end of life. Founded by Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, End Well believes everyone deserves an experience aligned with their values—and that a meaningful ending is the ultimate measure of a well-lived life. Learn more at https://endwellproject.org/.

The research was made possible through funding from The David and Lura Lovell Foundation, the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the Y.C. Ho/Helen and Michael Chiang Foundation, and the George Family Foundation.

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SOURCE End Well

Chianti Classico’s new sustainability protocol sets 58 standards. A recent survey
reveals how wineries are meeting them.

FLORENCE, Italy, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In Chianti Classico, sustainability has long been a central focus. A recent survey reinforced this commitment, with 48% of member companies, representing the entire production chain from vineyard to bottle and covering 53% of the region’s production area, reporting active engagement on the topic. The data highlights that sustainability in Chianti Classico is not a passing trend, but a long-standing priority.

The denomination currently focuses on three important elements of sustainability: environmental, social, and cultural, reflecting the three cornerstones of the new Chianti Classico Protocol for sustainability, which was presented on May 14th during the Consorzio’s centenary celebrations.

As with producing quality wine, everything begins in the vineyard. Today, two-thirds of Chianti Classico wineries already practice grassing between rows, a key measure to combat soil erosion and soil depletion. Three out of four estates are actively working to preserve the vineyard’s natural ecosystem by reducing the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers, instead favoring natural compost or by-products from the winemaking process. In roughly one out of every three estates, covering 27% of the hectares surveyed, melliferous plants have been introduced to support pollinators. These pollinators are a delicate but vital link in ecological balance: they enable plant reproduction and serve as important biological indicators for environmental health. This commitment extends to organic farming as well, with 61% of estates already certified organic and another 9% currently in conversion.

Even during the production phase, environmental awareness can be influential. Almost half of the estates use alternative energy sources (45%), are committed to reducing bottle weights (65%), and are reusing materials such as glass and paper (54%).

Wine carries cultural significance, tradition, and history, linking it to its place of origin. As a point of union between nature and human intervention, the landscape is an essential part of the cultural element. The recovery and maintenance of ancient traditions such as dry-stone walls, terracing, and strade bianche (white roads) all represent an active and consistent commitment to protecting the land outside the confines of the vineyard. This is perceived as imperative, evidenced by the fact that 60% of member companies strongly agreed that sustainable wine is closely connected to the protection of biodiversity and the landscape. 

This ties in with the concept of cultural sustainability, the innovative thread running through the Chianti Classico protocol. Chianti Classico’s landscape is a mosaic of wild nature alternating with human intervention. Woodland prevails, covering two-thirds of the region, interspersed by vine and olive cultivation, as well as arable land. Additionally, the imprint of human presence, through buildings, gardens, and roads, reveals 600 years of rural Tuscan life. Maintenance and restoration of all this is carried out by almost all the estates.

Workers’ welfare is a central part of sustainability in Chianti Classico, from promoting gender equality (39% of employees are women) and supporting a local workforce (92% live in the area, 73% in nearby towns) to creating pathways for social inclusion (37%). Additionally, the Consorzio recognizes that regions thrive when communities are socially connected and engaged, so their guidelines look at where people live to support growth in key local industries.

“Sustainability is a new lens through which we can look at our region – declares Carlotta Gori, the director of the Consorzio – Care and attention for the region is already at a high level, but like everyone, we can always do better. I believe that looking at our region with new eyes should be an area of focus for our protocol. Cultural sustainability has set us apart for centuries and is more relevant now than ever. We want to make it more evident to the consumer too, by using a dedicated symbol on the wine labels by certified producers.”

About the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico:

The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico exists to protect, oversee, and valorize the Chianti Classico denomination. Since the Consortium’s founding in 1924, the organization has changed its name and the design of its logo, the Black Rooster, which since 2005 has been the trademark of the whole denomination. As one of the premier institutional organizations in the European Union in the grape-growing and winemaking sector, the consortium represents 96 percent of the DOCG production. The entire production chain is supervised by a public tracking system, which enables consumers all over the world to check the bottle they’ve purchased via the Consortium’s website. The Consortium also conducts research and development in the agronomic and enological fields, in collaboration with prestigious educational and research institutes. For more information, please visit www.chianticlassico.com.

Please note: The Consorzio counts on the professionalism of the press receiving this release and trusts that the term “Chianti Classico” will be neither changed nor abbreviated. Use of the term “Chianti” instead of “Chianti Classico” constitutes a major change in the information communicated here. The two terms represent two completely separate DOCGs with different terrains, histories and organisations. When an alternative to the term “Chianti Classico” is needed, we suggest using “Gallo Nero”, our logo which is synonymous with the DOCG “Chianti Classico”. Thank you for your understanding.

Media Contact

Shelby Sonkin

ssonkin@colangelopr.com

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SOURCE Chianti Classico

• $351,000 of funds raised will help provide classroom supplies in underserved communities
• Folds of Honor to receive donation of $381,000 through Freddy’s initiatives
• Guests and franchisees collected $46,000 to support rebuilding in Texas following devastating floods

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Guest donations across participating Freddy’s locations have helped generate more than $779,000 in support of nonprofit partners focused on education, military families, and disaster relief.

The contributions were raised through a series of seasonal round-up campaigns, with every cent donated to organizations making an immediate impact across the country, including Kids In Need Foundation, Folds of Honor, and Convoy of Hope. In addition to guest generosity, Freddy’s team members and franchise owners played a pivotal role in driving engagement, with some even matching donations to maximize impact.

“These campaigns speak to the power of small acts coming together to create meaningful change,” said Chris Dull, CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. “We’re proud to support organizations doing such critical work, and we’re especially grateful to those who helped make this impact possible.”

Back-to-School Boost: $351,000 Raised for Kids In Need Foundation
From August 1–31, Freddy’s partnered with Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) to support students in underserved schools across the country. The campaign raised $351,022, helping provide essential classroom supplies and resources to ensure students and teachers are set up for success.

The campaign also coincided with KINF’s 30th year of service, honoring its national mission to promote educational equity.

Honoring Heroes: $381,000 Raised for Folds of Honor
In May, Freddy’s teamed up with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. Through generous guest participation, the campaign raised $381,905, supporting families pursuing academic opportunities across the country.

Folds of Honor has awarded more than 62,000 scholarships since its founding in 2007, with support from partners like Freddy’s helping to further expand access.

Standing Strong in Texas: $46,000 Raised for Flood Relief
Following widespread flooding across parts of Texas in early July, Freddy’s locations throughout the state partnered with Convoy of Hope to raise funds for disaster relief, particularly in Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities. From July 14 to July 31, guests donated $29,665 through the round-up program.

Freddy’s largest Texas-based franchise group, Lone Star Custard Holdings, LLC, contributed an additional $16,426 through a matching gift initiative across their 45 locations in the state, bringing the total raised to over $46,000.

Freddy’s commitment to giving back reflects its core values of hospitality and service. Whether it’s funding scholarships, filling backpacks, or providing relief supplies, the brand’s community-driven culture ensures guests can enjoy their steakburgers and frozen custard while knowing they’re also making a difference. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy’s, visit freddysfranchising.com.

ABOUT FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS


Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
 is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 575 locations across 36 states nationwide. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy’s Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy’s ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings, including being named No. 23 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers + Shakers, No. 67 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and No. 36 on Yelp’s 50 Most Loved Brands. For more on Freddy’s, visit the Newsroom and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about development opportunities, visit freddysfranchising.com.

Media Contact: Paige Stark, Fishman Public Relations, pstark@fishmanpr.com

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SOURCE Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report reveals climate crisis impacts and proven nature-based strategies protecting coastlines from California to Puerto Rico

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than half of America’s sandy beaches will be lost by 2100 due to climate-driven sea level rise, but a groundbreaking new report shows communities are successfully fighting back with nature-based solutions — even as federal climate support dwindles.

The Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report documents accelerating coastal destruction across the United States while highlighting proven grassroots strategies that are protecting beaches from Hawaiʻi and California to New York and Puerto Rico. The report arrives as climate impacts intensify nationwide, with homes collapsing into the ocean, infrastructure failures mounting, and beach access threatened in coastal communities that generate billions in tourism revenue.

SURFRIDER’S 2025 STATE OF THE BEACH REPORT

“The predictions are grim. By 2100, more than 50% of our sandy beaches may be completely lost, with states like California facing 70% beach loss,” said Emma Haydocy, Surfrider’s Coasts & Climate Initiative Senior Manager. “But this report also reveals reasons for optimism. Through Surfrider’s Climate Action Program and regional policy campaigns, coastal communities are leading successful resilience efforts using nature-based solutions that traditional approaches like seawalls and sand renourishment cannot match.”

Climate Change Is Accelerating Erosion

Erosion of sandy beaches is a normal coastal process, but climate change is intensifying and compounding its impacts along our coasts. Sea levels are rising more quickly, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and beaches are disappearing faster than ever before. At the same time, rampant private development in idyllic coastal areas continues, encroaching on eroding beaches and contributing to what is known as “coastal squeeze.” Where beaches would naturally migrate inland in response to rising seas, development like buildings, roads, and seawalls block their path. Normally, these natural areas would shift to survive, but when trapped, they gradually narrow, erode, or disappear altogether.

Nearly every day, new stories emerge detailing devastating losses to our beaches and coastal communities due to the impacts of climate change and erosion. Just last week, nine homes collapsed into the ocean in Buxton, North Carolina — making it 21 total on Hatteras Island in the last five years — while many more remain in danger of a similar fate. On the West Coast, climate-fueled wildfires rendered Los Angeles area beaches unsafe for months, and in 2024, one of Southern California’s marquee surf destinations, San Onofre State Beach, was inaccessible due to the impacts of erosion.

Federal Retreat, Local Leadership

There has been a sharp divergence in federal climate policy following historic investments through the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). Previously allocated climate resilience funding is being withdrawn, and proposed budget cuts threaten bedrock coastal management programs at NOAA.

“Lacking strong federal leadership, Surfrider is leaning into our grassroots network to lead at state and local levels,” said Zach Plopper, Surfrider’s Senior Environmental Director. “Our 200+ volunteer chapters and student clubs are working along nearly every stretch of U.S. coast to defend our beaches against climate change impacts, working with nature and fostering a greater sense of community every step of the way.”

The report features nine case studies from beaches across the country, including successful coastal restoration in Queens, New York, community-driven planning to identify solutions on beaches experiencing some of the worst erosion rates along the North Shore of Oʻahu, comprehensive policy changes to protect Oregon’s iconic beaches, and Surfrider’s gold standard managed retreat and coastal restoration project at Surfers’ Point in Ventura, California.

Many of these case studies focus on the work of the Climate Action Program, which builds on the coastal restoration efforts Surfrider’s chapter network has led in local communities for decades. In the first year since launching the program in April 2024, over 2,000 volunteers have removed more than 10,000 pounds of invasive species and planted over 55,000 native plants to restore over 20 acres of coastal habitat. 

While the prospect of losing our favorite beaches and coastal areas forever could be catastrophic for coastal communities, there are real solutions accessible to all of us at the local level. While these solutions look different along every coast, the Surfrider Foundation has identified several key strategies for success and reasons for optimism through the stories of progress and accomplishment in this year’s State of the Beach Report. Coastal communities can prepare and adapt to current and future challenges posed by climate change by collaborating with each other, and with nature, to foster community-led, nature-based solutions and strong, science-driven resilience policy.

The complete 2025 State of the Beach Report is available here .

About the Surfrider Foundation:

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists, and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 900 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org.

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SOURCE Surfrider Foundation

Thousands of Families Now Have Access to Nutrition Education, Breastfeeding Support and Connection to Community Resources Through the Montefiore WIC Program

BRONX, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Montefiore Health System celebrated the opening of its fourth Bronx-based Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program location, offering nutrition education, breastfeeding support and connections to community resources. Thanks to $3.9 million in New York State funding, the four WIC locations, run in partnership with Montefiore Medical Group, which offers primary and specialty care, will assist more than 13,000 families across the borough.

“The need for nutrition services, education and strong ties to social support are increasing every year,” said Carmen Nauta, PhD, IBCLC, RLC, WIC Coordinator, Montefiore Medical Group. “We are extremely grateful for the investment New York State is making to help our families experiencing food insecurity. The funding also enables our qualified nutritionists and breastfeeding counselors to provide parents with personalized guidance on how they can nourish their children and look after their own health needs at the same time.”

The federal WIC program was established in the 1970s to help address the nutritional needs of women, infants and children through age 5-years-old. Today the New York State WIC Program, which provides support to approximately 425,000 women, infants, and children each month, has evolved to offer extended hours, remote services and assistance via the “Ask Wanda” virtual assistant, making the program more easily accessible to families. Montefiore’s WIC program further supports families by connecting them to Project Bravo Food Pantry, its hospital-driven volunteer outreach program designed to combat food insecurity for high-risk individuals. The Montefiore WIC program also partners with Bronx-based community organizations to share educational resources with families at health fairs, libraries and women’s shelters.

Bronx mom of two, 27-year-old Tasnima has been part of the Montefiore WIC program for almost three years and found it so valuable that she decided to become a peer counselor so she could extend the services she received to other new moms. “It is so important that moms have support and a place where they can come to discuss parenting challenges and solutions,” said Tasnima. “Our program is a powerful tool where we can check-in on each other and connect families with resources that they might not otherwise have access to.”

Participation in WIC has been associated with healthier births, improved birth weights, reduced risk of infant mortality, and better access to primary and preventive health care. Through the Montefiore WIC program, thousands of new moms have been able to connect with lactation consultants and gather information about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as attend virtual workshops where they learn about childbirth and hospital stays, sleep practices, car safety, and ways to build and maintain positive family relationships after birth. The opening of Montefiore’s fourth WIC program location signifies Montefiore’s commitment to improving health outcomes for moms and babies across the Bronx.

About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube.

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SOURCE Montefiore Health System

The Foundation’s $50,000 grant will support personal finance and life skills training at the Children’s Aid Next Generation Center, helping young people map a route to success in adulthood.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The MCU Foundation, the charitable arm of the Municipal Credit Union (MCU), today announced a $50,000 grant to Children’s Aid to launch a new financial education initiative at its Bronx-based Next Generation Center.

The program will equip local youth, particularly those transitioning from foster care or involved in the juvenile justice system, with essential life and personal finance skills.

The new curriculum, delivered in partnership with BALANCE Financial Fitness, will focus on real-world financial literacy fundamentals. It will complement the Center’s holistic youth development offerings, which include high school equivalency preparation, job readiness training, culinary education, and employment pathways.

“At the MCU Foundation, our mission is to help to build generational wealth and eliminate poverty – one New Yorker at a time. That’s why we are excited to be supporting the important work of Children’s Aid with a program that complements their efforts,” said George Chacon, president of the MCU Foundation. “Having access to financial wellness education means these young people will be prepared with the knowledge they need to succeed as adults.”

“Most high schools don’t teach financial literacy, and children from under-resourced neighborhoods in particular may not have access to the tools they need to build successful financial futures.” added Kyle Markland, member representative, MCU Foundation, and CEO, Municipal Credit Union. “We believe that every young person deserves the chance to develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complex world of personal finance.”

Children’s Aid’s Next Generation Center serves young people ages 14–24, with programming designed to empower youth as they prepare for and transition into adulthood. The Center emphasizes wraparound support for youth who are aging out of foster care or navigating involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Program participants have access to high school equivalency programs, job readiness, employment opportunities, a professional kitchen that is home to a culinary arts education program, and more.

“We’re grateful for our new partnership with the MCU Foundation, which will make a real difference in the lives of the youth we serve,” said Children’s Aid Executive Vice President, Georgia Boothe. “By launching this financial literacy initiative, we can give young people the tools to make smart financial decisions, build confidence, and move toward a stable, successful future.”

For more information about programming and activations please visit: mcufoundation.org

About the MCU Foundation
Established in 2023, the MCU Foundation was created by the Municipal Credit Union’s (MCU) executive leadership with the mission of helping to build generational wealth and eliminate poverty – one New Yorker at a time. It furthers this mission by increasing access to basic necessities, education and homeownership to uplift the hardworking heroes in our community. For more information about the MCU Foundation and its programs, please visit mcufoundation.nymcu.org.

About Children’s Aid

Children’s Aid is committed to ensuring that there are no boundaries to the aspirations of young people, no limits to their potential. After nearly 200 years of serving New York City’s children, youth, and their families, we know what it takes to ensure children and youth grow up strong and healthy and ready to thrive in school and life: excellent education and health care, social-emotional support, and strong stable families. Today, we serve nearly 50,000 children, youth, and their families in New York City.

MEDIA CONTACT: Trevon James, 732-995-9335, 402219@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE Municipal Credit Union

In a fireside chat with NAIC’s Robert L. Greene, Jones and Feliciano emphasized that legacy extends beyond returns, rooted in strategy, resilience, and access.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) Amplifying Alts Forum, powerhouse investors and philanthropists Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano redefined what it means to build a legacy. In a fireside chat with Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of NAIC, the duo shifted the conversation from financial returns to long-term systems of access, opportunity, and impact.

Speaking during the Leadership Excellence Awards Luncheon on October 2, Jones and Feliciano underscored that true legacy is built through purpose-driven leadership and sustainable change. “Access to economic capital is a human right, critical for a nation built by immigrants,” said Feliciano, emphasizing the need for systemic inclusion over one-time generosity.

“Possibility doesn’t happen without patience. It doesn’t happen without perseverance. And it certainly doesn’t happen without obstacles,” added Jones, who led the audience through an exercise on grounding and centering to highlight the importance of strong foundations. This human-centric approach, Jones explained, is critical because “it’s people who have thoughts, people who have feelings, people who have histories, people who have stories” behind every investment.

Together, Jones and Feliciano spoke about using their influence to reshape institutions from within, referencing their named dormitories at Princeton University as symbols of belonging and representation. They also shared how, early in their careers, they created a “life plan” centered on impact rather than income. “If you only focus on a dollar amount, you’re leaving so much on the table,” Jones said. “For us, it has always been about impact.”

Greene acknowledged their impact as leaders and philanthropists. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your example, how much I appreciate your leadership, and how much this association and all of the people in it appreciate your friendship.”

Through the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, the couple has committed more than $200 million to advancing education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Their message at the NAIC Forum reinforced a key insight for leaders and investors alike: lasting value is measured not by accumulation, but by access, resilience, and the opportunities created for others.

About Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano 

Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are life and business partners. In 2014, they founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, a private family office dedicated to creating meaningful impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. Guided by a commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, they invest in and partner with nonprofits and for-profits with a key focus on four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. Believing that access to capital drives inclusive opportunity, Jones and Feliciano have personally committed over $200 million to these efforts.

Kwanza Jones is a nine-time Billboard-charting artist, investor, and speaker whose leadership has extended across nonprofits and corporate boards, including The Apollo Theater, Susan G. Komen, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and Bennett College. She brings energy and creativity to every stage she steps onto—whether public or private.

José E. Feliciano is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Clearlake Capital. He is on the board of directors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Board of Trustees, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, J. Paul Getty Trust, and LA28, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, reflecting his commitment to education and cultural advancement.

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SOURCE Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative.