New Round of Giving in Southwest Detroit Brings 2020 Contributions to More Than $350,000
Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) announced several community-benefit grants to support Southwest Detroit and drive tangible community change. Recent gifts are highlighted by a donation of $45,000 to Detroit At Work’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) program.
MPC’s year-to-date contributions amount to $351,000 to a variety of Detroit-area organizations.
“It’s Marathon’s job to fuel the community, which includes being a good neighbor and supporting Southwest Detroit,” said Detroit Refinery general manager Dave Leaver. “We’re proud of the work we do with and for Detroit residents.”
The Marathon Petroleum Foundation is funding GDYT over 2 years, providing technology, and supplies for GDYT participants. Marathon’s Detroit Refinery previously established a partnership with Detroit at Work in an effort to prepare and hire more Detroiters for refinery operations roles. MPC plans to provide in-kind support by conducting information sessions, hosting resume and interview workshops, and encouraging additional Detroit resident applications during hiring processes. The youth from the GDYT program will serve as a talent pipeline for Detroit at Work job listings.
MPC recently made over $15,000 in additional contributions to organizations dedicated to the Southwest Detroit infrastructure, educational resources and basic needs. Community organizations receiving grants include:
- Alternatives for Girls: Detroit Public School students were given laptops for the transition to virtual learning. Unfortunately, the majority of Alternatives for Girls (AFG) families do not have access to or cannot afford internet, making accessing the school website and virtual classes nearly impossible. AFG received $10,240 from the Marathon Petroleum Foundation to fund the purchase of mobile hotspots for all 32 AFG families. Families will receive a mobile hotspot and a one-year subscription to accompany it. Funds will also support their distance learning platform to serve school-age girls in southwest Detroit and provide direct assistance with food security.
- The Perry Outreach Center: The Perry Outreach Center primarily serves the citizens of Southwest Detroit’s 48217 zip code. Recognizing that residents in this area often do not receive social services and do not have easily accessible government offices, police stations or grocery stores, the Perry Outreach Center is a resource center for those in need. MPC donated $4,500 to support food, health, secure living places, education and social enrichment programs through the Center.
- Friends of the Rouge: Received $1,000 to support environmental conservation projects from MPC.
Additionally, refinery employees are participating in MPC’s matching gift program, which matches employee donations. This allows employees to support qualifying non-profit organizations in which they personally believe. To date, more than $87,000 has been donated to organizations that have an impact on the Southwest Detroit Community by employees.
MPC and its employees are active supporters of Southwest Detroit, a community we have been a part of for more than 60 years.