Hampton Roads Workforce Council Receives SunTrust Award and Grant

NORFOLK

The Hampton Roads Workforce Council (formerly Opportunity Inc.) was awarded a 2018 Lighting the Way Award and $75,000 grant by the SunTrust Foundation.

The SunTrust Foundation’s Lighting the Way Awards recognizes select nonprofit organizations that strengthen their local communities through programs that help people better their circumstances and gain financial confidence.

“We’re committed to building stronger communities, and our nonprofit partners are addressing community needs in innovative and very meaningful ways,” said Stan Little, president of the SunTrust Foundation. “The Hampton Roads Workforce Council is improving the lives of many people, and we applaud their mission, long-term service and the impact they’re making where it’s most needed.” 

“Working with our partners, such as the City of Norfolk, we have made significant progress, in terms of improving opportunities for the Hampton Roads community,” said Shawn Avery, President and CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council. “This grant underscores our commitment to facilitating meaningful employment opportunities; and will assist us in our continued efforts to build a vibrant regional economy where businesses thrive, and people desire to live and work.”

“Securing this grant will advance the City of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s work to inspire, encourage and provide resources to local entrepreneurs,” said Mayor Kenny Alexander, City of Norfolk.

To date, the SunTrust Foundation has awarded more than $140 million in grants to organizations across the United States.

The Hampton Roads Workforce Development Board, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (formerly Opportunity Inc.) oversees federally funded workforce development programs for South and Western Hampton Roads.