Baton Rouge General Names ‘The Way to Work’ Division the 2018 Community Enhancement Award Winner

Baton Rouge, La. – Today, Baton Rouge General (BRG) named HOPE Ministries’ The Way to Work Sustainable Workforce SOLUTIONS (TWTW) division as the recipient of its 2018 Community Enhancement Award (CEA). BRG will invest $50,000 into the program each year, for up to three years.

The CEA is a new program launched by BRG this year as a way to focus its sponsorship efforts in the community. In previous years, the hospital supported up to 200 events and organizations with sponsorships ranging from $100 to $2,500. BRG developed the CEA program to consolidate its resources and make a larger impact on fewer organizations.

“We put a lot of thought into this award because we want to invest in improving the region’s overall health in a long-term, measurable and sustainable way,” said Edgardo Tenreiro, President and CEO of BRG. “When lower-income residents stay employed, companies’ high turnover rates go down and vulnerable populations can achieve financial stability. The result is a healthier, more reliable workforce and a stronger economy – the kind of change we want and need in all areas of Baton Rouge.”

The Way to Work division was selected as the first award recipient for its work educating both employers and potential and existing employees on the relationship between life skills, job retention and advancement. With more than 25% of Baton Rouge residents living at poverty level and only a third of the state’s high school graduates considered employable, HOPE Ministries’ TWTW division is an important part of overcoming some of the barriers facing many of Baton Rouge’s residents. TWTW has helped thousands in Baton Rouge maintain economic stability by partnering with companies to retain low-to-moderate income employees. BRG’s investment will allow TWTW expand its capacity, adding a new coach and increasing available training space.

“As a major employer in Mid City, we understand not only the importance of retaining our team members and keeping them healthy and stable, but also helping the area thrive economically,” said Tenreiro. “This partnership will lead to job opportunities and improve Baton Rouge’s quality of place, transforming it into the type of healthy, thriving city where companies want to grow and where residents enjoy living and working. Ultimately, this program can change lives, and I’m proud that BRG can play a part in investing in the future of the people of Baton Rouge.”

“This award will help guide more low-income employees to financial stability and increase retention rates through training and coaching,” said Janet Simmons, President and CEO of HOPE Ministries. “It’s an honor to have our program recognized for its long-term impact, and we look forward to partnering with Baton Rouge General to create a productive and dependable workforce.”

BRG plans to award a new three-year grant each year. Applications will be accepted for the 2019 CEA beginning next Spring.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. Established in 1970, Baton Rouge General's Regional Burn Center is one of only 125 burn centers in the U.S. verified by the American Burn Association and plays an integral role in supporting other Gulf Coast states when the need arises. Baton Rouge General has been an accredited teaching hospital since 1991, with medical education programs including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.