The Standard Charitable Foundation Grants $15,000 to Cincinnati Works

Grant supports job training and employment assistance for impoverished individuals and families

PORTLAND, Ore.--()--The Standard Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Standard Insurance Company (“The Standard”), has announced a $15,000 grant to Cincinnati Works, a nonprofit whose model is designed to assist people with job readiness, job search, management of barriers to stability, job retention and advancement in the workplace. Cincinnati Works’ programs offer a path from poverty to stability by connecting impoverished job seekers with full-time employment opportunities, while offering services and support to increase self-sufficiency and self-esteem.

“The Standard Charitable Foundation’s support of Cincinnati Works illustrates a commitment to helping empower our communities, citizens and families to break the cycle of poverty,” said Peggy Zink, president of Cincinnati Works. “With the generous support of organizations like The Standard, we can continue to build a community of strong, self-sufficient families through employment and management of the barriers to stability.”

The grant will aid Cincinnati Works in its ongoing efforts to fight poverty by providing the skills to obtain a job and employment counseling. Cincinnati Works has achieved notable success, with 84 percent of its members staying employed one year or more compared with an average of 25 percent for similar programs around the nation. In the past three years alone, Cincinnati Works has brought $25 million in wages to more than 1,500 families in the Cincinnati area through a network of job services and employer partnerships.

“The Standard Charitable Foundation is proud to support such a highly regarded nonprofit whose efforts align so closely with our own goal of supporting programs that increase employment opportunities and strengthen job skills,” said Greg Ness, president of The Standard Charitable Foundation and president and CEO at The Standard. “By helping impoverished community members overcome the significant barriers to finding and retaining jobs, Cincinnati Works is fostering a stronger and more self-sufficient community.”

For more information about The Standard Charitable Foundation, please visit www.standard.com/foundation.

About The Standard Charitable Foundation

The Standard Charitable Foundation is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of The Standard. Founded in 2006, the Foundation’s mission is to make a positive difference in communities by supporting community development, education, disability and health organizations. While the Foundation has a broad goal of making a positive difference in communities, it places special emphasis on helping individuals and families who have experienced a loss or setback such as a major disability or the loss of a loved one. Since 2006, The Standard, its employees and The Standard Charitable Foundation have contributed more than $8 million in grants and social investments.

About The Standard

The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services. The company serves approximately 7.6 million customers nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2010, with group and individual disability insurance, group life, AD&D, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans products and services, individual annuities and investment advice. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com.

The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

About Cincinnati Works

Cincinnati Works is a privately funded nonprofit organization committed to moving people from poverty to self-sufficiency through employment. Partnering with more than 50 core employers in Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Works has been recognized as a national model in efficiency, best practices and results.

Contacts

The Standard
General Media
Bob Speltz, Director, Public Affairs, 971-321-3162
bob.speltz@standard.com
or
Investor Relations and Financial Media
Jeff Hallin, Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations
971-321-6127
jeff.hallin@standard.com

Release Summary

The Standard Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Standard Insurance Company (“The Standard”), has announced a $15,000 grant to Cincinnati Works.

Contacts

The Standard
General Media
Bob Speltz, Director, Public Affairs, 971-321-3162
bob.speltz@standard.com
or
Investor Relations and Financial Media
Jeff Hallin, Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations
971-321-6127
jeff.hallin@standard.com