The Green Bay Packers announced today that the organization is donating five Social Justice Grants of $50,000 each, totaling $250,000, to several nonprofits as part of the team's ongoing pledge to support social justice and racial equality in Wisconsin communities.
"We're honored to award these Social Justice Grants to nonprofit organizations that are working to effect meaningful change," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We are proud to provide our support to organizations that have been identified by our players as worthy organizations who are working each day to empower youth, create economic opportunity and provide resources to those in need."
The nonprofits include:
- Better Days Mentoring in Green Bay, which offers 1-on-1 intensive mentoring and appropriate peer relationship skills through group interactions that work to help clients find the best of themselves. By offering support, guidance and advice, they work with individuals to address troubled decision-making and problem behaviors.
- House of Hope in Green Bay provides a safe and supportive place where young parents and children experiencing homelessness will become confident, independent, and successful members of our community. House of Hope programming eliminates barriers to success and helps create healthy families who will go on to live and succeed in a nurturing and stable environment. Their vision is for every youth to know what feels like to have a home.
- Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund Inc., in Madison, which supports the efforts of Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare Legal Aid and Disability Rights Wisconsin. Since its inception in 1997, Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund, Inc. has raised over $7.2 million for pro bono civil legal aid in Wisconsin for people with disabilities, the elderly, and Wisconsin families.
- Legal Action of Wisconsin is the state's largest nonprofit law firm with its largest office located in Milwaukee. Legal Action provides free civil legal help and representation to low-income people focusing on helping people maintain safe and affordable housing; remove legal barriers to employment; resolve consumer finance issues; access and maintain public benefits; address children and family law matters; secure victim support and protection; and provide services to special populations like veterans, older adults, domestic violence survivors, and those recently released from prison.
- Convoy of Hope's Gratitude for Green Bay Resource Fair, hosted at Lambeau Field in November thanks to the support of Packers kicker Mason Crosby and his family, as well as several participating Packers players and staff members. Convoy of Hope, an international nonprofit organization, helps athletes to utilize their platforms to serve working-class and impoverished families by transforming the venues in which they compete into centers of hope for those who need it most.
This is the fifth straight year the Packers have financially supported the ongoing effort to improve their communities through programs that work to effect change in the areas of racism, oppression, injustice and inequality. In recent years the team's players have provided their input to help support initiatives that reduce barriers to opportunity, through education and economic advancement, criminal justice reform and programs to improve police-community relations.
Quotes from each organization are listed below and photos for media coverage purposes are available at https://packers.files.com/f/52695241a71b819c
Quotes from Wisconsin nonprofits:
- Better Days Mentoring: "Coming from similar situations and environmental barriers as the youth we serve, it is important for me to inspire those who don't always have a voice or belief in themselves," said Better Days Mentoring CEO/Founder Eddie Boyce. "I reiterate to the youth I interact with that you cannot base your potential and outcome of your life from what everyone around you is not. My motivation has always been my desire to create a spark in the youth, so that they know and believe they have a chance and for them to hold onto their vision."
- House of Hope: "The services provided at House of Hope offer our clients a safe and supportive environment to build a solid foundation towards independence." said House of Hope Executive Director Shannon Wienandt. "We are grateful for the support from the Packers that allow us to continue offering these crucial services in our community." Packers RB AJ Dillon and his wife Gabrielle hosted House of Hope's annual Touchdowns for Hope gala in 2022, raising over $250K for the organization. "We are so appreciative of the Packers alumni, players, and organization for their continued support of House of Hope."
- Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund: "WEJF is grateful for the wonderful support from the Green Bay Packers for civil legal aid services for low-income Wisconsinites," said Aly Lynch, Executive Director for Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund. "Folks rely on these crucial services to help them with various legal issues like removing barriers to gainful employment, avoiding homelessness, and ending domestic violence. This partnership with the Packers allows for more people to get the help they need, ensuring them brighter futures."
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: "We are honored by the support of the Green Bay Packers for the second time. Your support provides a legal voice for people who would otherwise face their legal problem alone," said Deedee Peterson, Legal Action's Executive Director. "That makes our justice system fairer. But it does so much more. Having access to an advocate gives our clients a sense of relief and hope during the most vulnerable times in their lives. By supporting our work, you are saying to our clients that you support them too. That they deserve a fair shot in court regardless of their income. That their rights deserve protecting. Thank you being supporters of equal justice."
