J. Jill Announces Compassion Fund 2010 Grant Recipients

QUINCY, Mass., July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of their ongoing commitment to partner with community-based organizations that assist women in need, specialty retailer J. Jill (www.jjill.com) today announced the Compassion Fund's 2010 grant recipients.  The grants totaling $250,000, were awarded to 21 nonprofit women's organizations, from 13 states, that directly support and empower underprivileged and homeless women across the country.

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"Compassion is at the heart of J. Jill, and we are pleased to contribute to these important organizations that work directly with women in need by providing vital support, and effecting positive change in their lives.  Through the generosity of our customers and J. Jill associates, we are able to raise funds and give back to the communities where we work and live -- a commitment we are passionate about fulfilling," said Paula Bennett, President and CEO of J. Jill.

Established in 2002, The J. Jill Compassion Fund is committed to providing support to community based nonprofit organizations that help underprivileged and homeless women become self-sufficient.  Since its inception, The Compassion Fund, which is managed by The Boston Foundation, has awarded over $2.5 million, and assisted more than 60 organizations nationwide.   The 2010 J. Jill Compassion Fund grant recipients are:

• Women's Daytime Drop-In Center, Berkeley, CA
• Stepping Stones for Women, Covina, CA
• Work Options for Women (WOW),  Denver, CO  
• Hannah House,  Washington, DC
• Housing Opportunities for Women, Chicago, IL
• The Enterprising Kitchen, Chicago, IL
• Rosie's Place, Boston, MA
• Crittenton Women's Union, Boston, MA
• Project Hope, Roxbury, MA
• Women's Resource Center, Grand Rapids, MI
• RESOURCE, Minneapolis, MN
• Ascension Place, Minneapolis, MN
• Women's Employment Network, Kansas City, MO
• Redevelopment Opportunities for Women, St. Louis, MO
• Women's Resource Center of Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
• Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, Paterson, NJ
• Rural Development Initiatives, Eugene, OR
• The Career Wardrobe, Philadelphia, PA
• Women's Community Revitalization Project, Philadelphia, PA
• Employment & Education (WWEE), Tacoma, WA
• Jubilee Women's Center, Seattle, WA

To learn more about the J. Jill Compassion Fund, our partners and this year's recipients visit www.jjill.com.

About J. Jill

Based in Quincy, Mass., J. Jill is a multi-channel retailer of women's clothing and accessories with over 220 stores nationwide.  For more information, visit www.jjill.com.

About The Compassion Fund

A donor-advised fund at the Boston Foundation, the J. Jill Compassion Fund supports community-based organizations that help disadvantaged and homeless women become self-sufficient.  The J. Jill Compassion fund was established in 2002, and has contributed more than $2.5 million in grants to over 60 non-profit organizations helping women empower themselves and change their lives.  For more information about The Compassion Fund, and our partners and recipients, visit www.jjill.com.

SOURCE J. Jill