Arthur Blank Family Foundation

Atlanta, April 18, 2008 – The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation today announced it is awarding $138,000 through its Better Beginnings initiative to Seedco to enable increased numbers of Atlanta’s low-wage workers and their families to participate in its EarnBenefits program. EarnBenefits helps families to obtain financial stability and economic mobility that are critical to fostering positive outcomes for parents and young children.

A national nonprofit organization, Seedco partners with community organizations to create economic opportunities for workers who are struggling to move out of poverty. EarnBenefits uses a web-based technology tool and case management services to connect low-wage workers to a range of income-enhancing public and private benefits, such as tax credits, food stamps, health insurance, and bank accounts. The Blank Foundation grant will assist Seedco to provide EarnBenefits services at three Sheltering Arms child care centers. In addition, the grant will also help to expand the coverage of the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency Cyber Bus, enabling AWDA to reach out to new populations, including entry-level city employees and students at area technical schools. The funding will also enable Seedco to identify and incorporate additional resources into the existing tool.

"Research shows that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being," Blank Foundation president Penny McPhee said. "The EarnBenefits tool has been very effective in connecting low-income families with financial resources that will ultimately help their young children to thrive.”

For more information on Seedco, visit www.seedco.org.

Created in 2004, the Blank Foundation's Better Beginnings initiative focuses on improving the lives and opportunities of children from prenatal to age five through partnerships with nonprofit organizations committed to healthy outcomes for young children and their families. The foundation’s partners assist parents and other caregivers in promoting healthy learning environments as well as acquiring the financial resources needed to increase family assets.

Formed in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is focused on improving early childhood development, enhancing education, preserving green space, sustaining the arts and sparking collaboration among its nonprofit partners, primarily in Atlanta.

Arthur M. Blank is owner & CEO of the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Force. He co-founded The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through his generosity, the foundation, along with Blank and his wife’s personal giving, has granted over $220 million to various charitable organizations.