WASHINGTON, DC – The Jack and Jill Foundation received a $133,000 donation from Natural Grocers to help eliminate debt for students at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas and Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, TX as part of the Jack and Jill College Graduate Assistance Program (JJ College GAP). This initiative, in its inaugural year, was created with a singular, long-term goal of distributing $2M over the next ten years to students at historically black colleges and universities facing financial hardship.
“We are grateful for this partnership with Natural Grocers and the Jack and Jill Foundation to provide students with the opportunity to eliminate debt and graduate without the worry of how they will complete their college education,” said Danielle Brown, National President, Jack, and Jill of America, Inc. “With so many lives impacted by this global pandemic, financial assistance is more critical than ever. We remain committed to supporting HBCUs now and in the future.”
Each year, small unpaid bills force college students across the country off their campuses with high student loan debt but, without a degree. JJ College GAP seeks to address this disparity by taking immediate action with an alternative approach and a simple prerequisite. Eligible students are only required to complete their classes, and their remaining balance will be paid in full.
“Advancing the education of young people is core to the mission of Jack and Jill,” said Charles W. Noble III, President, Jack and Jill Foundation. “As we seek to transform African American communities, our young people deserve the opportunity to excel beyond their greatest potential – without financial barriers. Thank you, Natural Grocers and Isely Family, for your deep commitment to the community.”
Natural Grocers is the first corporate partner of JJ College GAP. Funds were raised through an innovative collaboration of corporate funds and generous, in-store donations from customers, which exceeded the expected goal. Natural Grocers has committed to supporting this initiative annually by providing on-going, sales-based giveback programs in select markets. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and its members will continue to support Natural Grocers’ stores across the country.
“We are thrilled our founding principle, “Commitment to Communities” has led us to this memorable partnership with Jack and Jill of America,” said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers’ Co-President. “We can think of no better way to honor that commitment than to see the funds we donated directly impacting young people in our communities by making sure they can graduate college.”
Join the Jack and Jill Foundation and Natural Grocers in closing the financial gap and making college degrees possible for HBCU students, today. CLICK HERE, to donate or text, “CloseTheGap” to 44321.
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Jack and Jill Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, a historic African American organization with a mission to address issues affecting African American children and families, by investing in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term. Our Vision is to transform African American communities, one child at a time.
For more information on Jack and Jill Foundation, please visit www.jackandjillfoundation.org and follow the Foundation on Twitter @jjafoundation, Facebook @jackjillfound Instagram @jackjillfound
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. The national theme is The Power to Make a Difference, We Can Do More. Twitter @jackandjillinc and Facebook @Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is an expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices, and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has more than 3,500 employees and operates 157 stores in 20 states.
Natural Grocers PR Contact:
Pam Lipshitz | Director of Public Relations plipshitz@naturalgrocers.com
