ORRVILLE, Ohio, Jan. 23, 2020 — Building on its ongoing partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation, The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) announced a $1 million commitment toward the development of the I PROMISE School’s HomeTown Hall. Reflecting the Foundation’s “We Are Family” philosophy, the HomeTown Hall will provide a space for students’ continued development while encouraging family and community engagement.
With the positive impact that physical activity and sports can have on students’ educational performance and personal development, the new facility offers a safe, innovative space for play and learning. In addition, the HomeTown Hall will host school-wide assemblies and other I PROMISE family experiences, including a monthly dinner for I PROMISE School families celebrating the importance of shared meals and togetherness.
“The J. M. Smucker Company’s support has allowed our students and our families to thrive in ways we never dreamed possible,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “With their commitment, the HomeTown Hall will become an incredible, state-of-the-art gathering space that will bring our students and families together as we continue to help them along their journeys.”
The I PROMISE School, a public elementary school created in partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools, serves Akron’s most challenged students and their families with the care and resources they need on the path to a better future.
In support of its philosophy that education starts at home and family is foundational to the development of each student, the school also offers a Family Resource Wing dedicated to providing wraparound support. This includes opportunities for GED preparation; medical, dental and vision care; legal services; financial literacy programming; job and family services; a fully stocked food pantry; and on-site laundry facilities.
Smucker has supported the LeBron James Family Foundation and its work with the I PROMISE School since it opened, when more than 200 of the Company’s employees volunteered their time to help transform an administrative building into the innovative educational environment students now enjoy. In addition, Smucker has helped supply the school’s on-site food pantry and donated funds to the school’s library, among other efforts.
The HomeTown Hall initiative is an exciting extension of the Smucker relationship with the LeBron James Family Foundation as well as a reflection of its continued efforts to support families and children.
“Through their work at the I PROMISE School, the LeBron James Family Foundation has created an innovative and promising new model for supporting students and families who have traditionally been challenging to reach,” said Jill Penrose, Chief People and Administrative Officer, The J. M. Smucker Company. “Our passion for supporting families and children has always been a core value of our Company. And the opportunity to play a role in the continued development of this important institution, and the positive impact it has on students, families and the community; supports our purpose: Feeding Connections That Help Us Thrive – Life Tastes Better Together.”
Construction of the HomeTown Hall is tentatively scheduled to begin this year.