Author: Charleston Daily

Bank of America named Turn90 the 2022 Neighborhood Champion in both the Charleston and Columbia markets

Charleston, SC – Programs and services that are addressing transitional challenges for men after prison will expand their services, helping more people chart a path toward economic opportunity with help from a multi-year grant from Bank of America. Turn90 has been named as the 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion in the Columbia market as well as the Charleston market for their successful work in both areas to remove barriers and advance economic opportunity for these men who are the highest risk of re-arrest. 

As part of the program, Turn90 will receive a total of $100,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling.

Turn90’s successful pilot site in Charleston has been helping men at the highest risk of re-arrest find success after prison since 2015. The organization doubled its footprint in 2021 with the opening of a second location in Columbia. The Turn90 prison reentry program combines daily life skills classes, full-time transitional work in the program’s screen-printing business, wraparound supportive services, and career placement in jobs with livable wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

“Bank of America remains committed to addressing barriers to economic opportunity and providing resources for skills development and workforce training,” said Kim Wilkerson, president, Bank of America South Carolina. “The impact of Turn90’s work is significant, and we are pleased to help them expand with resources and funding to serve even more who need support in our South Carolina communities. Having received this Neighborhood Champion recognition in two separate markets with two distinct selection committees is a powerful testament to their critically important work and the high level of success Turn90 has achieved.”

“We value our partnership with Bank of America and are extremely grateful for receiving this year’s Neighborhood Champion award for both the Charleston and Columbia markets,” said Amy Barch, Turn90 Founder and Executive Director. “The grant will expand Turn90’s social enterprise in both locations so we provide high-quality job training and career development to more men after prison. Turn90 is at a critical inflection point in organizational growth as we expand across the state. Now more than ever we need the community to stand behind our mission of helping men succeed after prison. This grant signifies Bank of America’s commitment to Turn90 and the men we serve.”

“The team at Turn90 really wanted to hear about my thoughts and expectations for the future, and they created a bond among all of us as we shared some of our past mistakes but also our many significant triumphs,” said Aulzue Fields (Blue), a previous Turn90 program participant and current Turn90 staff member who provides peer support. “Turn90 taught us the skills, provided a focus, and I couldn’t wait to go back each day as I was going through the program.  When I was offered the position to join the staff, I accepted it immediately without question. I now know that I can’t help others unless I help myself.”

In Charleston, four nonprofits have also been selected as Neighborhood Champions since 2019, with the bank investing $200,000 into these local organizations. Previous recipients include South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development, Metanoia, and Lowcountry Local First.

In Columbia, four nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Champions since 2019, with the bank investing $200,000 into these local organizations. Previous recipients include Columbia Urban League, Senior Resources, and Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity.

“Turn90 has had tremendous success in Charleston, and we are pleased to help them continue their efforts to provide high quality training and career development to men after prison,” said Mark Munn, president, Bank of America Charleston. “It’s important that we direct not only capital, but the necessary resources to help position nonprofits like Turn90 and their leadership team for long-term success as they grow strategically and make a positive impact.”

The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and organizations are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Neighborhood Champion honorees. 

The Neighborhood Champions program is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. Through 2021, Bank of America has invested $6.3 million in 126 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program.

About Turn90

Turn90 is a South Carolina 501(c)3 charity that equips men with the skills and opportunities to succeed after prison. Through the development of critical social, emotional, and workforce development skills and access to living wage employment, the program creates a path to success after prison where one doesn’t currently exist.

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