Telecommunications firm gives Kalispell nonprofit a $50K boost
From left, Lemar Cullum, Revitalization Partner; Jodie Cross, United Way; Wayne Appl, A Ray of Hope; Rep. Amy Regier; Emmanuel Omokaro, Spectrum; Dave McLean, A Ray of Hope; Kyler Nerison, Spectrum. (Courtesy photo)
Kalispell-based nonprofit A Ray of Hope received $50,000 through the Spectrum Community Center Assist earlier this month.
The program, an initiative of the telecommunication giant's $30 million philanthropic effort to boost community centers and invest in job training programs in underserved neighborhoods. Company officials formalized the partnership with A Ray of Hope at a Sept. 13 event at the Gateway Community Center that also featured state Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell.
A Ray of Hope provides shelter, food, clothing and job training to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or facing difficult life challenges with a mission to promote stability and self-sufficiency.
A Ray of Hope will use the funds to offer workforce development classes and expand the programs they provide to the reach more people in the community.
“This investment from Spectrum will directly help people in Kalispell who are working to get back on their feet,” said Regier in a statement. “By expanding workforce development programs at A Ray of Hope, more residents will gain the skills and support they need to succeed. Partnerships like this make a real difference for individuals and for our community as a whole.”
“The long-term partnership we are creating with A Ray of Hope will make a real difference in the lives of local residents by giving them the skills, tools and updated facilities they need to improve their economic situation,” said Rahman Khan, group vice president, Community Impact for Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity services. “Thousands of people around the country have participated in [Spectrum Community Center Assist] in the neighborhoods we serve, and we look forward to working with A Ray of Hope to provide essential job training in a safe and revitalized space.”
Spectrum also donated 10 new laptops and a smartboard to support the organization’s training and technology programs. Because broadband is a critical component of a community center’s infrastructure, Spectrum is providing A Ray of Hope its advanced 1 gigabit-per-second internet service, for the life of the program.
“A Ray of Hope is grateful to partner with Spectrum to expand educational opportunities that strengthen individuals and, in turn, our entire community,” said Wayne Appl, outreach and fundraising coordinator, A Ray of Hope. “This support helps us live out our mission of offering a hand up, not a handout, so that more of our neighbors can move toward stability and independence.”