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Schenectady, N.Y. – The leaders of Proctors and the Schenectady City Mission announced today that MVP Health Care has pledged to donate $100,000 to support the Downtown Schenectady Ambassadors Program, which employs mission clients to guide visitors through downtown and to and from the theater. The sponsorship funds will support the program over the next five years.
“With this very generous donation, MVP is helping to ensure the future of the ambassador program,” said Proctors CEO Philip Morris. “The ambassadors play an important role in helping those who come to Schenectady for a performance at Proctors navigate the downtown area and feel welcomed to the city. Our guests often tell us how warmly they are greeted by the ambassadors.”
“Schenectady is very fortunate to have this collaborative program in place, providing visitors with friendly help as they move throughout the downtown area, but, more importantly, providing job training and employment opportunities to men and women served by the city mission,” said MVP Health Care Director of Community Engagement Ellen Sax. “MVP is proud to support the program with a five-year commitment to its continued success.”
Participants are identified and selected through the mission’s training and are referred by other human services organizations. Currently, about 15 individuals participate in the program, and another 12 have already moved on to full-time employment outside the program. The mission operates the program and oversees the ambassadors. The Ambassadors Program is intended to provide temporary employment for participants and to give them training in the hospitality industry with a goal of helping them find a job within the industry.
“The Ambassadors program has helped promote revitalization in Downtown Schenectady and in people’s lives,” said Schenectady City Mission Executive Director/CEO Michael Saccocio. “The generous donation from MVP Health Care will enable us to make an even greater impact in the days ahead. This is an exciting partnership!
In addition to the donation, MVP Health Care is supplying the ambassadors with jackets, hats and gloves branded with the program logo so they will be easily recognizable by those needing assistance.
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