Philadelphia, PA. — After a decade of work focused on strengthening opportunities and development for children and families, Vanguard announced a new phase of its community impact strategy while bringing its Strong Start for Kids program to a close.
The announcement was made October 1 during “A Decade of Impact: A Future of Possibility,” held at Esperanza Arts Center in North Philadelphia. The event brought together members of Vanguard’s community impact and leadership teams, along with representatives from nonprofit organizations that have collaborated with the initiative.
Over the past 10 years, Vanguard has invested more than $104 million in grants supporting early childhood development programs.
The company also outlined the next phase of its community investment strategy, focused on helping children build stronger futures through initiatives aimed at asset and wealth creation and financial stability.
As part of its new Foundations and Futures program, Vanguard will match 530 child investment accounts for children under 18 who live in high-need ZIP codes. The accounts can support goals such as education, homeownership and other future needs. The program will also provide financial education to help families better understand investing and develop tools to strengthen their financial stability.
The gathering brought together representatives from organizations that share a commitment to improving the lives of children and families from the earliest years.
Aldustus (A.J.) Jordan, Head of Community Stewardship at Vanguard and President of Vanguard Group Foundation, said the choice of Esperanza Arts Center as the event venue also reflected the company’s commitment to local communities by investing in local vendors. This event “is not simply a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together over the past decade. It is an invitation to imagine what is possible over the next decade,» said A.J. Jordan.
Other speakers included Christine Nieves, Executive Vice President of Esperanza; Chinwe Onyekere, Vanguard Philanthropy Specialist; Carol Austin, First Up Executive Director; Meridith Egan, CHOP Executive Director, Foundation Relations; Mai Miksic, Children First Executive Director; Sharon Mullings Neilson, Reinvestment Fund Senior Program Manager, Early Childhood Education; and Rashanda Perryman, Vanguard Senior Manager of Philanthropy and Community Stewardship.
The conclusion of Strong Start for Kids marks the end of a decade of investment and collaboration, but also the beginning of new efforts aimed at strengthening economic opportunities for families.
As community organizations and early learning programs await more details about how the new initiatives will take shape, Vanguard said it will continue building on the experience gained over the past decade.
The company said its next phase will “build on a decade of learning, relationships, and impact” while continuing to listen, adapt and invest alongside the communities it serves.