The Regions Foundation has awarded a $150,000 grant to the nonprofit organization STRIVE Birmingham. The group supports education and workforce development opportunities in the Magic City by providing free job training and career support services to those having difficulty finding employment.
The grant was presented Friday during one of STRIVE’s first graduation events honoring adults who have completed the program.
“STRIVE has a unique and successful approach to workforce development,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “Their combination of mindset and skills training provides the best chance of success, and their connection with employers ensures that people are being prepared for in-demand careers.
“This program is about more than providing skills and jobs. This is about building hope and a brighter future, so more people can truly prosper and succeed here in our hometown.
“STRIVE is in tune with the employment opportunities that are in demand today – and their lifetime graduate support fosters continued success into the future,” Self said. “We are honored to provide crucial resources and look forward to seeing the success of STRIVE graduates here in Birmingham.”
Quiwintre Frye, Executive Director of STRIVE Birmingham, expressed his organization’s deep gratitude to Regions for the show of generosity.
“STRIVE Birmingham is truly grateful to receive this support from Regions. This funding comes at a critical time as STRIVE is growing and expanding to more communities experiencing disparities in access to opportunity. Too many families face barriers to financial mobility. And we at STRIVE are committed to opening doors and creating pathways to stable employment, careers, and a hopeful future.”
A graduate of the program, LaShundra Ravizee, emphasized the training and certifications students have access to through STRIVE’s Healthcare & Office Operations program.
“The comprehensive training and support provided by STRIVE has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a certified administrative assistant at a local hospital,” said STRIVE Birmingham graduate LaShundra Ravizee. “I gained organization, communication, and office management skills but also a sense of confidence in my professional capabilities, preparing me for the demanding administrative challenges of working in a hospital environment.”
“The relationships I built with the STRIVE staff, who went above and beyond in guiding me and offering mentorship, and my peers, who provided mutual support, played a pivotal role in my success.”
“The encouraging environment fostered a strong sense of community, where we could learn from one another and share experiences.”
STRIVE’s next training program in Birmingham begins Sept. 23, with a focus on health care and office operations jobs. Application information is available through the STRIVE website.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
