PARIS, Texas, Sept. 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Representatives from Liberty National Bank, First Federal Community Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) were joined by county and state officials yesterday to award $20,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to New Hope Center of Paris.
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New Hope Center of Paris, formerly known as Models of the Maker Transitional Shelter for Women and Children, will use the funds to purchase kitchen appliances and items for laundry facilities at a shelter site in Paris that is currently being renovated. New Hope Center of Paris provides low-income housing, food, and other support services to women and children recovering from homelessness.
"This grant came at the most incredible time," said New Hope Center of Paris Executive Director Gay Ballew. "We need kitchen appliances and laundry items, and with the help of this grant we will be able to fund much of what we need."
The New Hope Center of Paris serves 130-150 women and children per year, and is the only women's transitional housing facility within 100 miles.
State Representative George Lavender commended New Hope Center of Paris and its partners for the work it has been doing in the communities it serves.
"The people of East Texas are known for their commitment to faith, family and community, and the services provided by the New Hope Center of Paris are a reflection of those values," Representative Lavender said. "I commend New Hope in their efforts to assist those who are striving to build stronger, more independent lives. I want to thank Richard Amis with First Federal Community Bank and Carl Cecil with Liberty National Bank for their financial donations to New Hope and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas for matching their donations in such a generous manner."
In 2013, FHLB Dallas awarded $225,000 in partnership grants through its member institutions. The grants provide funding for the operational needs of community-based organizations involved in affordable housing and community development. FHLB Dallas matches a member's cash contributions to a community-based organization of $500 up to $5,000 at a 3:1 ratio.
Liberty National Bank President Carl Cecil said Liberty Bank has long been a supporter of community-based organizations in his community.
"Liberty National Bank has long been committed to serving our communities," Mr. Cecil said. "Through our partnership with FHLB Dallas and First Federal Community Bank, we are able to make a viable impact on the lives of women and children. Starting over is hard, but New Hope Center of Paris gives families the support they need to make a new start, and we are proud to support that mission."
First Federal Community Bank President and CEO Richard Amis shared the sentiment.
"At First Federal, we believe in giving back to the community," he said. "Through these grants, New Hope Center will be able to stretch its tight budget and provide essential appliances for its new location. Any time we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our citizens, we seize that opportunity. Together with FHLB Dallas and Liberty National Bank, we will help New Hope Center provide a great new facility for the more than 100 women and children it serves each year."
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $32.7 billion as of June 30, 2013, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas.
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