Sullivan Centered Honored by United Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Malika White, 404.527.7206, mwhite@unitedwayatlanta.org

United Way recognizes John Rice, John Somerhalder II and The Sullivan Center for contributions to community United Way Tocqueville Society Annual Awards Reception

ATLANTA (July 10, 2008) - The United Way Tocqueville Society held its annual awards reception on Monday, July 7, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, to honor the contributions its members have made to the community. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Metropolitan Atlanta Tocqueville Society, the largest in the country since 1999. LIVE UNITED, the new United Way brand, sounds a three-part call to action, encouraging people to give, advocate and volunteer to advance the common good. The three awards presented echoed that same message, honoring those who give, advocate and volunteer in the community.

John Rice, vice chairman of GE and president and CEO of GE Infrastructure, was presented with the Chairman's Award, for his contributions to increasing Tocqueville Society membership. Rice, an active advocate for United Way, assisted in recruiting 16 new Tocqueville Society members during his tenure at GE.

"Finding time is hard," Rice said, "but we all make time for the things we think are important. A person who has been blessed as I have has an obligation to do things for people who are less fortunate and to help in areas where people need that help."

Milton J. Little, Jr., president of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, presented The Sullivan Center with the O'Connell Community Impact Award, which is given to a United Way community partner that has made significant strides in impacting the community. The award was accepted by Sister Marie Sullivan, executive director. "The Sullivan Center is a leader in the movement to change philosophies and practices of emergency assistance in metro Atlanta," said Little. "Through the Regional Commission on Homelessness, United Way is committed to helping the most vulnerable populations including the homeless. Because of Sister Sullivan and her staff, we have made significant strides in our efforts to help individuals overcome their bout with homelessness. We are proud of our partnership with The Sullivan Center."

The final award of the evening, the Tocqueville Society Award, honored John Somerhalder II, president, CEO and chairman of AGL Resources. Under his leadership in 2007, AGL Resources' employees gave more than 22,200 hours of community service. He will serve as chair of the 2009 United Way campaign. "John is an outstanding example of the spirit of volunteerism. In addition to his personal contributions, he's inspired so many others around him to share in his commitment to service and give of their time and talent," Little said.

WHOM WE SERVE

The Sullivan Center, Inc. offers an array of services to individuals seeking financial assistance, food and employment support. A summary of our core services are:

Financial Assistance for rent, mortgage or a utility bill is available for residents of Fulton County and DeKalb County. Applications for financial assistance are accepted the first Tuesday of each month that funds are available.

Food Pantry serves individuals and families living within zip codes 30310, 30311 and 30315. Operational hours are 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays).

Employment Outreach Services are available by appointment every weekday to any individual 18 years of age or older. On–going employment support is offered to individuals selected to receive financial assistance through the Center.

Employment Workshops are conducted the second Wednesday of each month and the third Monday and third Thursday of each month at the Fulton County Jail with continuous individual support upon the release of an inmate.