Meredith Corporation/Rebuilding Together Host "Give Back Day" For New York City

NEW YORK, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rebuilding Together, in partnership with The Meredith Corporation, publisher of such well-known brands as Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal and Family Circle magazines, are holding their second annual "Give Back Day" in New York City on May 10^th.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090421/REBUILDINGLOGO)

On "Give Back Day," over 60 Meredith employees will volunteer to rehabilitate the Esperanza House in New York City, a substance-abuse residential facility from Palladia, Inc., located at 107^th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City. Esperanza is a community residence providing temporary housing, case management and substance abuse services to local area men. The house is committed to helping the residents develop their independent living skills, sobriety and improving their mental health. In addition, Esperanza helps its residents find affordable, permanent housing, as part of their transition to productive members of the community.

This community house serves a vital need in the New York City community, and helps to contribute to positive growth of its citizens and surrounding neighborhoods. Esperanza is also in need of critical renovations, to ensure that its programmatic operations can continue safely and efficiently.

"Our company focuses on providing families with information that helps them live healthier lives," says Steve Lacy, Chairman and CEO, Meredith. "We believe it is important to support organizations such as Rebuilding Together which focus on creating healthy and safe home environments." Lacy along with other senior executives from Meredith will be working alongside their colleagues on this community service program. "Our employees are always excited to have the opportunity to make a difference by volunteering their time and energy in the community."

Volunteers from Meredith will spend the day working on a number of critical improvements needed for Esperanza. Among their renovations will be upgrading electrical systems, installing accessibility modifications, upgrading bathroom amenities, and exterior and interior painting.

"Rebuilding Together is thrilled to partner with Meredith Corporation to assist this important community program," said Gary A. Officer president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "Esperanza is just that – it gives hope, shelter and a new life to countless New York residents every year. We will make sure that it remains a livable and safe haven for those who need it most."

Following the renovations, Rebuilding Together and Meredith will welcome local neighborhood vendors and the surrounding neighbors to take part in a community engagement fair, to celebrate the future of Esperanza House.

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER

Rebuilding Together believes in a safe and healthy home for every person. Rebuilding Together provides critical repairs to an existing home, addressing both structural issues and those that affect the health of the homeowners. House by house, block by block, we work with our nearly 200 affiliates, 200,000 volunteers, who are skilled tradespersons, corporate partners and everyday citizens, to repair homes, to stabilize and revitalize communities. For nearly 25 years, we have seen the benefits when people remain in their homes: lives are improved and communities are revived. See the difference we make at www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether.

About Meredith Corporation

Meredith Corporation is the leading media and marketing company serving American women.  Meredith features multiple well-known national brands – including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Allrecipes.com, Family Circle, Ladies' Home Journal, Fitness, More, American Baby, FamilyFun and EveryDay with Rachael Ray – along with local television brands in fast-growing markets.  Meredith is the industry leader in creating content in key consumer interest areas such as home, family, health and wellness and self-development. Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms – including print, television, online, mobile, tablets, and video – to give consumers content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners.

Additionally, Meredith uses its many assets to create powerful custom marketing solutions for many of the nation's top brands and companies. Meredith Xcelerated Marketing has significantly added to its capabilities in recent years through the acquisition of cutting-edge companies in digital, mobile, social, healthcare, database, and international marketing.  Most recently, Meredith made a strategic investment in London-based Iris Worldwide, a leader in experiential marketing.

A hallmark of Meredith's business model and financial profile is its ability to consistently generate substantial free cash flow by leveraging the strength of its multi-platform portfolio.  Meredith is committed to increasing Total Shareholder Return through dividend payments, share repurchases and strategic business investments.  Meredith has paid a dividend for 64 straight years and increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years. 

About Palladia:

Palladia is one of the largest not-for-profit, multi-service agencies of its kind in New York.  With more than 40 years of experience, Palladia has successfully and creatively worked towards achieving its mission, serving largely Urban, Low Income, individuals and families. Palladia is nationally recognized for its innovative service delivery in the fields of substance abuse, housing, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, trauma, domestic violence, criminal justice services, and family services. Palladia offers its wide range of services along a continuum of care – from outreach, prevention and treatment through supportive, permanent housing. These services are designed to promote independence and responsible living. Palladia pursues its mission by working in partnership with government, communities, academic institutions and the private sector.   

SOURCE Rebuilding Together