UTICA, N.Y. — Bank of America announced it has named The House of the Good Shepherd as its local 2024 Neighborhood Champion.
As part of that honor, the bank has awarded the nonprofit organization a $50,000 grant over the next two years along with leadership-training resources for its executive director, access to technical coaching, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers.
“The House of the Good Shepherd provides local children and families with the guidance, education, and support needed to help achieve long-term stability,” Bank of America Central New York President Michael Brunner said in a news release. “Providing The House of the Good Shepherd with flexible funding and leadership training will help the organization continue to expand its impact in Utica through essential programs like foster care and residential services, and we look forward to our continued partnership.”
The House of the Good Shepherd provides foster care, prevention, and educational and residential services for more than 1,300 children and families annually. The grant funding will allow the not for profit to expand its offerings to include a safe and inclusive recreational space for youth in the agency’s programs as well as the broader Utica community through a community center and climbing gym that includes a rock-climbing wall and bouldering area, open spaces for group activities, a functional fitness area, and more.
“We are deeply honored to be named a 2024 Neighborhood Champion by Bank of America,” The House of the Good Shepherd President/CEO Brian McKee said in the bank’s release. “This recognition and generous support enable us to create an innovative space where our children and families can thrive — building resilience, confidence, and meaningful connections through physical activity and teamwork. At the same time, this initiative serves as a vital community resource, fostering inclusivity across our region. Together, we are creating brighter futures and strengthening our community.”
The Neighborhood Champions initiative is part of the Bank of America’s efforts to address issues fundamental to economic opportunity. Awardees are selected by a committee of community leaders and past awardees. Since 2019, Bank of America has invested more than $9 million in more than 200 nonprofits within over 40 communities.