"Monroe Harding is thrilled to be awarded a 2021 SuperGrant and to partner with the Predators Foundation and SmileDirectClub," Monroe Harding CEO David Popen said. "It is an honor to be associated with two such outstanding organizations who so strongly support the Greater Nashville community. Their grant support and partnership will greatly contribute to our cause to ensure that vulnerable young people build a solid foundation of strengths that position them for success in adulthood. Their generosity ensures our ability to provide essential supports to young adults in their pursuit of career readiness and employment."
Since 1893, originally opening as an orphanage for displaced youth, Monroe Harding has continually evolved to meet the needs of those who are in or transitioning out of state custody. Currently, they provide comprehensive services for children and teenagers in fosters care, young adults who are preparing to age out or have aged out of state custody and young adults victimized by crime. These services include foster care; supportive housing; clinical, emotional and mental health support services; and a resource center for young adults who have experienced foster care, been victims of crime and other vulnerable young adults.
This SuperGrant will benefit Monroe Harding's new program, Works Wonders - a research-based career development and employment engagement program that helps young adults identify areas of career interest through education, skill-building and work experience. For the young adults served by Monroe Harding, their biggest challenge is not finding a job, it is keeping a job and earning a living wage. Works Wonders addresses this challenge directly by providing 16 hours of skills-based training, 12 weeks of one-on-one career coaching and paid work-based learning opportunities.
"SmileDirectClub is honored to partner with the Nashville Predators Foundation to award the next SuperGrant to local nonprofit Monroe Harding, an agency providing a wide range of services to current and former foster youth, as well as vulnerable young adults," SmileDirectClub Chief Marketing Officer John Sheldon said. "These funds will be crucial to help the organization sustain its Works Wonders program, a career development program that will help young adults identify areas of career interest. As an active part of the Middle Tennessee community, we're excited to give back to help serve those around us through this great partnership."
A key element of the Works Wonders program is providing Experiential Learning Opportunities, including informational interviews, job shadows and internships. Those who are interested in joining the network of Monroe Harding volunteers who enable young people to move in the direction of their career goals - either through informational interviews or in-person opportunities - can fill out
this form
.
For additional information, fans can visit
MonroeHarding.org
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