DETROIT, DEC. 29, 2019 – One of the most successful nonprofit programs in metro Detroit that helps empower youths received a generous boost today from Comerica Bank through its partnership with the Detroit Lions.
Winning Futures, an organization based in Warren, Mich., received a check for $18,000 before this afternoon’s Detroit Lions game at Ford Field. The nonprofit, which delivers an evidence-based, structured Workforce Prep program for students throughout metro Detroit, benefited this football season from Comerica Bank’s First Down Program where Comerica pledged $100 for each first down the Lions gained at Ford Field this year. The program culminated with an $18,000 gift to support Winning Futures and its programs, including in-class mentoring, life skills development, goal setting, job readiness training, and career exploration.
Since 1994, Winning Futures has positively impacted approximately 49,000 students and awarded $1.9 million in scholarships. The nonprofit delivers an evidence-based, structured Workforce Prep program for students throughout metro Detroit, and with help from volunteer mentors and partnerships within the business community, Winning Futures transforms students into self-reliant, employable, and productive adults with defined academic and career goals, and highly desirable workforce skills.
“We congratulate Winning Futures and their team of committed volunteers for their success in providing transformative experiences for our young people. The Winning Futures program connects students to mentors and other valuable resources that will help them be better prepared for the future.” said Michael Cheatham, Comerica Bank Vice President and Michigan External Affairs Market Manager. “We proudly support Kristina, Winning Futures, and all who share their time, talent and resources to inspire our youth.”
Comerica Bank donated $18,000 to Beyond Basics in 2018, and in 2017, gave an additional $18,000 to Children’s Hospital. With an additional $18,000 donation to Winning Futures this year, Comerica has donated $54,000 through the First Down Program to nonprofits in metro Detroit.
Winning Futures president and CEO Kristina Marshall is very thankful to benefit from this partnership between Comerica Bank and the Lions and says this will help the nonprofit continue to provide valuable services to youth in metro Detroit.
“The funds from the Detroit Lions First Down Program was a great, unexpected surprise this season,” Marshall said. As we roll out our expanded four-year program, the contribution will support students having hands-on career exploration experiences, developing their five-year education and career plans, and being matched with a career mentor. New this year, students are completing department rotations and projects at local corporations, along with participating in a job experience fair where they can test out careers that interested them.”
Corporate social responsibility has long been a focus for Comerica Bank, and efforts like the Lions First Down program are part of Comerica’s strong commitment to the local community. Comerica is dedicated to metro Detroit and the state of Michigan – with nearly 200 banking centers throughout Southeast, Central, and West Michigan. Comerica Bank has been in Michigan for 170 years – dating back to 1849 – and has had a continuous presence throughout the state ever since.
“Our outreach with exceptional partners like the Lions, leverages opportunities that not only benefit people today, but will continue to have a positive impact on the community for years to come,” said Cheatham.
About Comerica Bank
Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back 170 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has more than 4,700 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit’s downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, Twitter: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank.
About Winning Futures
Celebrating our 25th anniversary, we are a nationally recognized and award-winning expert in empowering high school students to succeed. Through our evidence-based and structured Workforce Prep program, student throughout Metro Detroit are immersed in a four-year experiential curriculum that begins in tenth grade and continues through one year post high school. The program includes in-class mentoring, life skills development, goal setting, job readiness training, and career exploration. With help from volunteer mentors and partnerships with the business community, students are transformed into self-reliant, employable, and productive adults with defined academic and career goals, and highly desirable workforce skills. Since 1994, we have positively impacted 49,000 students and awarded $1.9 million in scholarships. More information is available at WinningFutures.org.
About Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL), and play their home games at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. The team located to Detroit in 1934 and is the National Football League's fifth-oldest franchise. The Detroit Lions most recently made the NFL playoffs in 2016, when they finished with a 9-7 record. In addition to professional football, the Detroit Lions have a visible and active community relations role in the Detroit area. With a focus on health and wellness, and community revitalization, the Lions have contributed $7.2 million through philanthropic efforts since 1991. For more information, please visit www.detroitlions.com.
