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$50,000 Northwestern Mutual Foundation Challenge Grant to Salvation Army Supports Flood Recovery Services
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Released 16 November 2010
NASHVILLE, TN - The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has awarded a $50,000 challenge grant to The Salvation Army Nashville Area Command to support long-term flood recovery services for families whose homes and lives were destroyed by the May 2010 floods.
The Northwestern Mutual Foundation grant includes $25,000 in immediate funds and $25,000 in matching funds to encourage local donors to support The Salvation Army's flood recovery program. The Foundation grant will match $1 for every $1 donated, with a total match of up to $25,000.
Many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives. The Northwestern Mutual Foundation grant dollars will be used by The Salvation Army to help fulfill the basic shelter needs of those affected.
According to Major Rob Vincent, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Nashville, there is a greater focus on fulfilling needs as well as special wishes this holiday season. Most families recovering from the flood are working multiple jobs to try to make all of their payments. Many of these families are still dealing with temporary living expenses as well as mortgage or rent payments and the cost to replace essential items.
The Pruett Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual, based in Nashville, has a long history of involvement with the Salvation Army and is supporting the Foundation's flood recovery efforts through a special volunteer outreach. The Pruett Financial Group's "Building Community" Family Volunteer Program will adopt a family in flood recovery through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. Pruett Financial Group's family volunteer program engages financial representatives, staff and family members - including children - in volunteer opportunities that help meet basic needs in our community.
The Salvation Army connected Pruett Financial Group with the Churchwell family, who lost their home and all of their belongings in the flood. This family of six made a list of needs and wishes, which included linens, clothing, shoes, and toys that the four daughters between the ages of 15 months and 15 years lost in the flood. Over the coming weeks, Pruett Financial Group volunteers will purchase, wrap and deliver those items on the wish list to help speed the family's recovery and also brighten their holidays.
"We were completely uprooted the day of the flood, having lost everything except the few items we were able to salvage," said Kia Churchwell, who hopes her family will be back in their home before the holidays. "First we were in a hotel, and then my husband and I stayed at my sister-in-law's while the girls were at my aunt's home close to their school. We are now lucky to be in an apartment, because The Salvation Army has helped us with rent while we're still paying the mortgage on our home. Being together as a family back in our home will be the best gift of all this holiday season. We feel truly blessed to have so much support."
"Northwestern Mutual is proud to help local residents put their lives back together after the devastating floods in Nashville. Even now, months after the initial impact, families are still struggling to recover," said Kimberley Goode, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "Partnering with the Salvation Army means that we can help many of these families - including the Churchwells - rebuild and restore their lives."
"Each holiday season, the Pruett Financial Group family supports other families in the community that are in need," said Chuck Pruett, managing partner of the Pruett Financial Group. "This year, we all look forward to doing whatever we can to reach out to our neighbors facing a long road of repairs and replacement as a result of the flood. And for the Churuchwell family we've adopted through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program, we hope to make their holiday season much brighter."
"Our community has now moved from flood relief to long-term flood recovery, and the generosity of the community must continue to support these families," said Major Vincent. "There is a tremendous increase in need this year due to the effects of the flood and the challenging economy, and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation grant will support flood recovery efforts at a critical time. We encourage everyone to make a special gift to the flood recovery efforts at The Salvation Army and immediately see their gift doubled, thanks to the generous matching funds provided by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation," said Major Vincent.
How you can help:
Nashvillians can help support long-term flood recovery with a monetary gift, which will be matched by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation up to a total of $25,000. Gifts may be made online at www.SalArmy-Nashville.org or checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 78625, Nashville, TN 37207 - include the word "FLOOD".
Families and organizations can also support families in need this holiday season through the Angel Tree Program, which provides much needed items and gifts to children, families, seniors and disabled adults in need during the holiday season. Visit Cool Springs Galleria, The Mall at Green Hills, RiverGate or Hickory Hollow malls or adopt an angel online at www.jcp.com/angels. To Adopt a Family contact Janine_vincent@uss.salvationarmy.org or call 255-9576.
About the Northwestern Mutual Foundation
The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. The Foundation's giving is designed to create an impact on the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. In fiscal year 2010, the Foundation contributed more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.
About Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 128 years in the United States. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services in 5,000 communities that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Visit us online to learn more or to make a donation. www.salvationarmyusa.org
About Salvation Army Angel Tree
The Salvation Army Angel Tree is one of The Salvation Army's highest profile Christmas efforts. Angel Tree, created in 1979 by Salvation Army Officers Lieutenant Colonels Charles and Shirley White, gives individuals and partnering corporations the opportunity to adopt less fortunate children, families, seniors and disabled adults, by providing personalized gifts and necessitates to those who would otherwise receive very little or nothing during the holiday season. In 2009 the Angel Tree program distributed more than 80,000 gifts purchased and donated by more than 5,000 donors benefitting 14,539 "angels." This year up to 15,000 "angels" will be served.
Salvation Army Flood Relief Update
The Salvation Army Nashville Area Command provided emergency assistance (food, drinks, clothing, etc.) to over 21,379 individuals during the 2 months after the initial disaster. In July, The Salvation Army opened a United Way Restore the Dream Center in Madison, TN to assist flood victims with long-term recovery. To date, the organization has dispersed $164,343.81 in the form of direct assistance (utility assistance, rent/mortgage, etc.) and in gift cards, in addition to matching volunteer groups to rebuild homes, which all has helped 6,989 individuals or 2,131 family cases during the recovery phase of the May 2010 disaster.
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