Bank of America announced the launch of its Neighborhood Champions program in Savannah, naming Park Place Outreach as its inaugural awardee. Neighborhood Champions supports the role strong nonprofit leaders play in advancing economic mobility and is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. Alongside Savannah, the bank will bring the program to 40 communities across the U.S. this fall as part of its commitment to investing in the long-term health of communities.
 
As part of the program, Park Place Outreach will receive $50,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector. Park Place Outreach has served homeless, runaway, and at-risk teens in Savannah for 35 years, through an emergency shelter residential program. Over the past two years, Park Place has accommodated a significant increase in the number of youths served and has added new programs in response, including an 18-month Transitional Living Program for older teens and young adults. Bank of America and the Selection Committee recognize the importance of Park Place’s efforts to not only meet the basic needs of teens in their time of crisis, but also to provide stability and support through intensive aftercare for them and their families. In addition to the Neighborhood Champions award, Park Place Outreach is also supported through local Bank of America Foundation dollars and volunteer efforts, including regular Better Money Habits financial training to youth served by Park Place.
 
“We’re thrilled to bring the Neighborhood Champions program to Savannah,” said Patrick O’Neil, market president Savannah, Bank of America. “Through flexible funding and leadership resources, partners like Park Place have the power to plan strategically for growth and long-term sustainability, and we look forward to seeing how this investment helps them make even greater strides to protect at-risk children.”
 
The Neighborhood Champions program is invitation-only for nonprofits who are poised to take their work to the next level. Leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardee.
 
“Homeless youth are the hidden homeless throughout our communities and in every one of our schools,” said Julie Wade, executive director, Park Place Outreach. “At Park Place Outreach we not only provide safe and secure shelter and services, but are working to end homelessness in our community, one teen at a time."
 
Over more than fifteen years, Bank of America has invested $240 million in 49 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,000 nonprofits and helping more than 2,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills.  The Neighborhood Champions program in Savannah will strengthen the bank’s commitment to advancing economic mobility and nonprofit leadership.