FLINT, MI – The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce today announced the receipt of $261,600 from several organizations and individual donors in support of afterschool programming, teen employment and economic development efforts in Genesee County.

The grantors and donors include:
Ruth Mott Foundation, $75,000 (Summer Youth Initiative (SYI))
The Hagerman Foundation, $50,000 (SYI)

Chase Foundation, $40,000 (Economic Development)

G. Bishop, $30,000 (Economic Development)

Anonymous, $30,000 (SYI)

Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations, $10,000 (YouthQuest)

Whiting Foundation, $10,000 (YouthQuest)

Genisys Credit Union, $5,000 (TeenQuest)

Merkley Youth Charitable Trust, $5,000 (SYI)

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, $3,600 (YouthQuest)

Stephanie Pasternak and Cymer, $2,000 (YouthQuest)

Todd McCredie of McCredie Insurance, $1,000 (SYI)

In addition to the generous support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, funding from these organizations will benefit three of the Chamber’s youth- and teen-related programs that are administered by the Genesee Area Focus Fund, a supporting organization of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.

YouthQuest, a comprehensive afterschool program that provides educational, enrichment and physical fitness opportunities for more than 2,000 students in grades K-12 each year
TeenQuest, a pre-employment and leadership training program for high school students, ages 14-19, in Genesee County

Summer Youth Initiative (SYI), which connects TeenQuest graduates with summer job opportunities in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors

“The generosity of these organizations, agencies and individuals reflects their commitment to young people in Flint and Genesee County,” said Rhetta Hunyady, Vice President of Education & Training, Flint & Genesee Chamber. “Their support allows us to continue providing quality afterschool programming through YouthQuest and pre-employment training through TeenQuest.”

On the economic development side, the funding will benefit business retention and attraction activities led by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, according to Janice Karcher, Vice President of Economic Development.
“We are very grateful for the financial support of these organizations,” said Janice Karcher, Vice President of Economic Development. “This allows us to help existing and future businesses secure financial packaging, identify talent and training resources, pursue client base expansion and more.”

To learn more about the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, visit www.flintandgenesee.org.