BNY Mellon supports Help USA’s work with homeless New Yorkers

15:53PM on August 16 2010

Regina Watts of Corporate Affairs, BNY Mellon; Dr. Cynthia Wynn, Executive Director of Help USA's Supportive Employment Center; and a formerly unemployed client.

A well-known proverb says, "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." That's the philosophy of Help USA, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless people become - and remain - self-reliant.

BNY Mellon has provided funding to support Help USA's mission of helping those in need obtain employment training and job placement. A plaque that was recently installed at Help USA's Supportive Employment Center (SEC) on Ward's Island, New York, cites BNY Mellon's charitable giving focus:

"Powering Potential, BNY Mellon's philanthropic and charitable giving focus, is designed to help others. Our investments in job training, education and skills development prepare individuals and communities for the future. Throughout its history, BNY Mellon and its people have always strived to make a difference to the world and in the lives of others."

Help USA's SEC provides shelters for homeless men and women and works with each client to help him or her become self-sufficient and capable of maintaining employment and housing. Two programs are offered - a security program that enables clients to obtain work as safety monitors or security guards, and a culinary arts program that prepares clients for employment in the food services industry.

"During my visit to the Supportive Employment Center, two formerly homeless individuals who completed the program and are now employed made a point to express their thanks to BNY Mellon for funding the programs," said Regina Watts, Corporate Affairs.