Celebrating Everyday Heroes: ascena Foundation Announces Winners of the 2019 Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards

ascena Foundation presents $150,000 in grants to those making the world a better place for women and children across the country

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ascena Foundation

Oct 08, 2019, 08:00 ET

MAHWAH, N.J., Oct. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ascena Foundation is proud to announce the 2019 winners of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards. The program, now proudly in its sixth year, aims to bolster and provide financial support to grassroots organizations who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children, specifically in the areas of health, education, social reform and self-esteem.

This year's winners include:

Amber Scott of Leap Year ($100,000 Grand Prize Grant Recipient)
Based in Atlanta, GA, Leap Year prepares first generation students to succeed in college and become leaders in their communities through a paid community service gap year program. During Leap Year's yearlong full-time program, their "Fellows" spend 20 hours per week focused on college readiness preparation, while the other 20 hours per week Fellows serve as part-time second-grade reading coaches at local elementary schools. Their mission is to prepare young, talented students to reach their academic and leadership potential by attending college and breaking the cycle of poverty.

Fiona Jensen of Calmer Choice ($25,000 Grant Recipient)
Cultivating Awareness. Living Mindfully. Enhancing Resilience. That's Calmer Choice's mission. They teach young people and community members to effectively and safely manage stress and resolve conflict so that they live happy, healthy and successful lives. As an evidence-based prevention program, the goal of Calmer Choice is to provide skills that will diminish the risk of violence, substance abuse, and other self-destructive behaviors. By collaborating with schools and community programs, they not only provide direct service to thousands of young people each year but also provide support and resources for teachers and for families, many of whom are facing their own socio-economic, substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Jamila Larson of Homeless Children's Playtime Project ($25,000 Grant Recipient)
The Homeless Children's Playtime Project cultivates resilience in children experiencing family homelessness by providing and expanding access to transformative play experiences. They collaborate with transitional housing and emergency shelters across Washington, D.C., where they create safe and fun play spaces inside shelters where children live. More than 120 weekly volunteers dedicate their time, serving as playmates and mentors to children from 6 months to 12 years old.

ascena Foundation, a charitable organization established by ascena retail group inc., is built on making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The Foundation created the awards program to honor the lifelong contributions of Roslyn S. Jaffe, Co-Founder & Director Emeritus for Life of ascena retail group, inc., a trailblazing female entrepreneur dedicated to giving back to the community.

"Lifting up and honoring women has always been at the heart of everything I've done," said Roslyn S. Jaffe. "Through the [Roslyn S. Jaffe] awards, we're able to recognize incredible women who are leading organizations that are committed to improving the lives of other women and children, both in their communities and nationwide. I'm thrilled to be able to give back to this year's winners and support their missions."

Winners of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards also receive access to professional development and networking opportunities to help support them on their changemaking journeys. For additional information about the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards and this year's winners, please visit www.JaffeAwards.com.

Jaffe Awards Media Contact:
Kucerak + Co
Lauren Kucerak – [email protected] / Kelly Cormier – [email protected]
212.510.8590

About ascena Foundation:
ascena Foundation, established by ascena retail group, inc., is a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. ascena Foundation supports ascena's purpose-driven brands that focus their charitable giving on supporting women and children, and the causes most important to them.

About the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards:
ascena Foundation's Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards Program celebrates everyday heroes who make the world a better place for women and/or children through innovative and entrepreneurial social reform, specifically in the areas of health, education, leadership development, and self-esteem.

2019 marks the sixth year of The Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards Program, through which ascena Foundation has donated over $935,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations led by women. To date, the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards Program has positively impacted 23 organizations.

About ascena retail group, inc.
ascena retail group, inc. (Nasdaq: ASNA) is a national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes, and accessories for women under the Premium Fashion (Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey), Plus Fashion (Lane Bryant, Catherines and Cacique), and Value Fashion (Dressbarn) segments, and for tween girls under the Kids Fashion segment (Justice). ascena retail group, inc. through its retail brands operates ecommerce websites and approximately 3,400 stores throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.