MANSFIELD — It’s the little things that build a community. Whether you give back in big ways or small ways, just giving is a difference maker.
At KeyBank, we know investing in our communities is a pillar for success, and that’s why we’re putting even more focus on it. Through the KeyBank Foundation, millions of dollars are re-invested into the communities we serve. The examples of that are growing here in the Mansfield community.
In some cases, the impact is literally growing. Potted flowers throughout Mansfield were handed out earlier this year in the Flowerpot Project. For the first time, volunteers from KeyBank took part in handing out more than 300 potted flower plants to nursing homes and residences throughout Mansfield.
This effort was part of KeyBank’s “Neighbors Make a Difference Day.” A nationwide initiative when 75 percent of KeyBank branches close so that employees can volunteer their time to give back to their communities.
“Our work to get out and improve our communities on ‘Neighbors Make a Difference Day’ is one of the most rewarding days we have” said Dara Shade, KeyBank Area Retail Leader. “You can’t put a price on the value and impact it not only has on others, but also on our own employees who work as a team to make it all happen.”
One of the greatest community supporters is The United Way. An organization invested in health services, emergency services, family services and youth services. The KeyBank Foundation’s support of United Way is going directly to the Friendly House, providing all day programming for kids. Preschool is taught during the day, after school programs are offered, and for many kids, free meals are provided.
“The more we invest in these programs, we see things slowly but surely start to improve. You work with one person at a time, and you can see the difference” said Dan Varn, Executive Director for United Way of Richland County.
Inside the classrooms of Central Ohio, teachers from three different counties are getting new training. The Renaissance Performing Arts Theatre in Mansfield is teaming up with the Kennedy Center Arts Program as they provide professional learning for teachers in two-day intensive sessions.
Last year, 57 teachers took part in the training.
“It’s active, it’s experiential, it’s reflective and it’s focused on problem solving” said Chelsie Thompson, Executive Director of the Renaissance Performing Arts. “Students are going to retain those lessons better. These sessions give us the opportunity to really energize teachers.”
KeyBank is taking the first steps to invest even more in Central Ohio and across the nation. Recently, KeyBank announced the launch of its Community Benefits Plan, an initiative that will invest $16.5 billion over the next five years into housing, education and workforces. Continuing the success of community development, philanthropy and volunteerism will remain at the core of our values.
If you would like to learn more about the KeyBank Foundation and what it can possibly do for an organization or group that touches your life, please head online to this website: https://www.key.com/about/community/key-foundation-philanthropy- banking.jsp
On that site, you can find information and a link to apply for a grant or to request a sponsorship.
