PEOPLE’S UNITED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $3,500 TO SAFE FUTURES

The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it awarded a $3,500 grant to Safe Futures (formerly the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut) in New London, Connecticut.

 Safe Futures addresses the needs of those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in southeastern Connecticut. Programs and services include an emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline, transitional and supportive housing, and violence prevention education programs. Funding from People’s United Community Foundation will support the Phoenix House transitional living program, which offers housing with case management and employment support for women and children who have become homeless due to domestic violence.

 “We are grateful to People’s United Community Foundation for its support of our Phoenix House transitional living program,” says Catherine Zeiner, Executive Director of Safe Futures. “The People’s United contribution will make a difference in the lives of the women at Phoenix House, helping them to gain economic independence as they create a safe future for themselves and their children.”

 “People’s United Community Foundation is pleased to support Safe Futures in its efforts to provide a protective environment where individuals can regain the confidence and skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency,” Vincent Santilli, Executive Director of People’s United Community Foundation.

 Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of 418 branches, is the largest independent bank headquartered in New England. The Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the Foundation include community development, youth development, and affordable housing.