Wells Fargo 2015 Annual Report Download - page 27

2015 Annual Report| 
Adopting a neighborhood:
Where rough streets rule,
revitalization now resides
Darnell Shields, Lisa Johnson,
and United Way's Wendy DuBoe
In one of Chicago’s most economically
challenged neighborhoods, residents
and community groups have teamed
up to change its reputation.
“As the westernmost neighborhood
of the city, Austin is the gateway
to Chicago for many,” said Darnell
Shields of the nonprofit Austin
Coming Together. “We want to live
up to the greatness of our city.”
One focus is on improving
student success in third grade, a key
indicator of educational advancement.
But instead of looking solely at student
achievement, organizers are taking
a long-term, comprehensive approach
— understanding that preparing kids
for success in school starts with
access to quality day care, economic
opportunities for family members,
and a safe neighborhood.
Wells Fargo has joined the eort,
donating $300,000 to United Way
of Metropolitan Chicago’s
Wendy DuBoe, Lisa Johnson,
and Darnell Shields
Neighborhood Network Initiative,
which supports the work of more than
60 community organizations in Austin,
led by Austin Coming Together.
“We want to make a real dierence
in Austin,” said Lisa Johnson,
Wells Fargo Commercial Banking
Midwest division manager. “Building
up this community is one way we can
bring to life everything we value
as a company.”
And aside from financial support,
Wells Fargo team members also
actively volunteer — at Austin
schools, health care providers,
food banks, job readiness programs,
and more. In fact, local team members
have selected the neighborhood
as the beneficiary of a majority
of their philanthropic and
community support eorts.
Learn more at wellsfargo.com/stories.