FCA Foundation Donates $62,000 to 17 North Central Indiana Community Groups

Grants will support programs serving youth, seniors, veterans and multi-cultural activities

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Jul 17, 2015, 10:00 ET

KOKOMO, Ind., July 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, today awarded grants totaling more than $62,000 to 17 Kokomo and Tipton-area community organizations and programs that serve youth development & education, senior citizens, veterans and multicultural activities. The announcement came during a gathering of 40 community leaders at the Indiana Transmission Plant I in Kokomo.

"We're focused on strengthening our community and the region with vital programs and services that provide support for those in need," said Bob Varsanik, General Manager - Transmission & Component Operations – FCA US LLC. "We hope by joining forces with our friends and neighbors we can help better the lives of individuals and families where we live." FCA US employs more than 8,000 people in the five plants located in north central Indiana.

The FCA Foundation awarded grants - ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 - to support the following organizations and programs:

Advantage Housing - affordable housing program for veterans and others with special needs
Boys and Girls Club of Tipton - youth development, recreation, tutoring and leadership programs for children and young adults
Family Services Association - education, prevention and crisis intervention for women and children
Encore Elderly Transportation Services - providing rides for Senior Citizens in Tipton County who are not able to drive themselves to medical and basic living services
Encore Food Pantry - serving the basic living needs of Tipton County residents
Guardian Angel Foundation - medical and educational support for terminally ill patients and grief and bereavement camp for children and families
Habitat for Humanity Kokomo - new home construction
Howard County Community Foundation - re-development and building civic responsibility
Howard County Public Library - educational and children programming to support literacy
Joe Thatcher Benefit - academic, social and emotional support and development for children
Kokomo Automotive Museum - program support to continue the heritage of Howard County
Kokomo Rescue Mission - support for the homeless, hungry, and hurting in Howard County
Kokomo Urban Outreach - support for families, including free food pantry and child development programs
Project Access - free healthcare services for uninsured and homeless
Samaritan Caregivers - volunteer support for in-home Senior Citizens not able to fully care for themselves
Special Olympics - year-round physical training and "Olympic" competition for mentally and physically challenged residents
The Crossing - alternative high school providing vocational training, job placement, emotional support and mentoring for at-risk students

"As a company, we are committed to making service to others part of our daily mission," said Jody Trapasso, Senior Vice President – External Affairs, FCA North America and President of the FCA Foundation. "Over the years, we've invested more than half a billion dollars in charitable organizations to help build strong communities, while our volunteer activities have impacted millions of lives. The result is stronger, more stable communities, both in our backyard and around the world."

About the FCA Foundation
Since 1953, the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, has invested more $500 million in charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, and build strong, viable communities. The FCA Foundation invests in programs that generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts in the following areas:

Education – programs that inspire young minds, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM);
Military – programs that support financial and basic needs of military service members, veterans and their families;
Multicultural/Diversity – programs that promote inclusion and opportunity for diverse populations; and
Youth Development – programs that help young people develop the skills and leadership qualities to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Additionally, FCA US seeks opportunities to support communities through its Motor Citizens® volunteer program. This innovative program enables FCA US salaried employees to use 18 hours of paid time each year to be an Engine for Change by investing their time and talents in community service projects.

SOURCE FCA US LLC