December 21, Indianapolis, IN –
CREA, LLC (CREA) is honored to partner with First Financial Bank and its Foundation to dedicate Impact Grant funds totaling $202,282 to assist local organizations that provide charitable, scientific, literary, or educational programs within Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. These funds are in direct support of organizations who contribute to enriching and developing the communities they serve, specifically those within low-income areas.
“The support we are providing through grants from the First Financial Foundation is part of our commitment to be woven into the communities we serve,” said Archie Brown, President and CEO of First Financial Bank. “We thank these organizations for working with us to make a positive difference in the lives of the people who live and work here.”
The results of this partnership, as well as the intended creation of the CREA Foundation, are examples of CREA’s efforts to expand our reach beyond affordable housing.
“Making affordable housing a reality has always been CREA’s mission,” said Jeffrey Whiting, Chairman and CEO of CREA. “But we’re now asking the question, ‘What’s next?’ By teaming up with valuable organizations and finding unique ways to use our resources, we’re able to start answering that question and make an impact with broader influence within communities.”
Through the CREA Corporate Tax Credit Fund 77, LLC, three affordable housing communities have closed, creating 182 affordable homes in Ohio and Indiana. For every affordable housing unit created, approximately $1,110 is reinvested into the surrounding community. As of December 1, 2020, Impact Grants totaling $92,500 have been disbursed to eight local organizations.
Supplied below are specific details about each grant recipient:
Columbus Area Arts Council of Columbus, IN received $7,500 to assist with their Sixth Street/Arts Alley Project
Communities in Schools of Indiana of Indianapolis received $5,500 to provide Integrated Supports for Students
Family and Children’s Place of Louisville, KY received $12,000 for Healthy Family Nights: Meal and Educational Opportunities for Under Resourced Children in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Local Initiatives Support, Corp of Indianapolis, IN received $20,000 for King Commons-Great Place
Providence Cristo Rey High School of Indianapolis, IN received $10,000 for their Corporate Work Study Program
Safe Passage of Batesville, IN received $10,000 to fund Program and Victim Services
Tradewinds Services, Inc of Merrillville, IN received $15,000 for Employment Services
Workforce, Inc of Indianapolis, IN received $12,500 to provide Financial Literacy for Returning Citizens