AT&T Supports Nonprofit Organizations in Akron; Builds Stronger Communities Through $9 Million in National Grant Program
AT&T Excelerator Grants Assist Organizations Serving Diverse Ethnic Groups, Low-Income Families, People With Disabilities, Youth and Seniors
Akron, Ohio, November 14, 2007
The AT&T Foundation — the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) — has announced that it has awarded more than $67,000 to support four Akron-area nonprofit organizations and communities through the AT&T Excelerator competitive technology grant program. This year's local recipients are Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron, Urban Ounce of Prevention Services Inc., Visiting Nurse Service Inc. and Area Agency on the Aging.
Since 2002, the AT&T Excelerator program has provided more than 2,500 technology grants — totaling more than $47.8 million — to organizations across the country. In 2007, 680 nonprofit organizations across the country have benefited from nearly $9 million through the competitive program. This year, the AT&T Foundation expanded the Excelerator grant program for the first time to include AT&T Southeast's nine-state service area.
"Continual management of patients' chronic conditions at home can and does improve their quality of life while at the same time reducing health care costs by avoiding frequent hospitalizations or premature institutionalization," said Karen L. Talbott, president of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS). "VNS will use this funding to purchase interactive Tele-health units for homebound patients that will link them with a nurse, who will monitor vital health information and take appropriate action as needed."
"Linking nonprofit organizations with the people whom they serve, from the youngest to the oldest among us, as AT&T has done, puts heart in the art and technology of communication and makes our community stronger" said state Sen. Tom Sawyer, who represents Akron's 28th District.
The AT&T Excelerator program provides technology access to organizations working to strengthen underserved communities. Helping nonprofits integrate technology into their operations and community outreach, AT&T Excelerator grants also place technology tools in the hands of the underserved populations that the nonprofits work with in order to provide resources such as education programs, Internet access, computer training and job-skills development.
"For the past six years, the AT&T Excelerator program has demonstrated the importance of how technology can benefit communities and organizations," said Connie Browning, president of AT&T Ohio. "Visiting Nurse Service and other organizations in Akron will continue to use technology funded by this program to empower the community and change the lives of the people whom they serve on a day-to-day basis. We commend Senator Sawyer for his dedication in assisting nonprofit organizations in Akron and understanding the vital role that technology plays in their success."
- Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron will use its $6,340 grant to support the Home-School Connection project by providing increased access to the Internet for long-term patients to ensure that both academic and social needs are met while a patient is hospitalized.
- Urban Ounce of Prevention Services Inc. will use its $16,014 grant to support the creation of a computer lab and provide computer-skills training to minority students to improve academic performance.
- Visiting Nurse Service Inc. will use its $25,000 grant to support diabetic patients' participation in the Tele-Health Monitoring Services Program, which uses an electronic device installed on a patient's telephone. This will facilitate daily tracking and monitoring for underserved seniors who have impaired mobility.
- Area Agency on the Aging will use its $20,000 grant to upgrade computer software for improved management of its financial services division that supports underserved seniors.
2007 AT&T Excelerator grants will help nonprofit organizations across the Akron and the U.S. improve their operations and build stronger communities through:
- Internet Access — networked, high speed access to the Internet and e-mail.
- Data Networking — network connectivity that enables easy sharing of database applications and information systems.
- Online Outreach — interactive, Web-based applications that support activities such as service delivery, volunteer recruiting and e-fundraising.
- Staff Technology Capacity — technology-training programs for nonprofit staff members.
- Pooled Technology Resources — programs that work to address the technology needs of multiple nonprofits.
In 2006, AT&T Inc. and the AT&T Foundation contributed more than $101 million to nonprofit organizations across the country. With its strong giving record, the AT&T Foundation ranks among the most generous corporate foundations in the United States.
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About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.
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