The Hartford Awards YMCA of the USA $300,000 Grant to Support Youth Education Initiatives Nationwide

Gift designated to local YMCAs is in honor of The Hartford's bicentennial

CHICAGO, July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the resource office for the nation's YMCAs, has received a grant for $300,000 from The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. to enhance educational opportunities at 29 YMCAs in the communities in which The Hartford's employees and agents live and work. The gift was made in recognition of The Hartford's bicentennial.

Each YMCA will receive $10,000 to support local youth education programs, including financial literacy, college access support, leadership development and family enrichment.

"Dedication to community has always been an integral part of The Hartford's culture," said Juan Andrade, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Hartford's property and casualty operations. "The YMCA's national impact and strategic focus on youth development provides an opportunity to deepen our commitment to local communities and enhance educational value not only to children, but to their families as well."

As part of its bicentennial, The Hartford is recognizing the contributions of its valued partners, including its longest-tenured agents with 50 or more years of service. "We are making each contribution to a local YMCA on behalf of agents in that community," Andrade said.

Examples of YMCA programs being supported by The Hartford's grant include:

• YMCA Money Matters, a program offered by the YMCA of Greater Houston that provides the basics of money management to children enrolled in YMCA afterschool programs. The program also offers separate financial planning and education classes for adults. Its purpose is to empower individuals and families with the skills they need to better manage their finances.
• Y Scholars, offered by the YMCA of Greater New York, designed to help more middle and high-school students make higher education a real and attainable option. YMCA staff work with students and their families to provide strong academic, social and emotional support such as coaching, access to and support with the high school applications process, and college-preparation activities.
• The Community Learning Center (CLC), offered by the Tampa (FL) Metropolitan Area YMCA, strengthens connections between schools and neighborhoods by leveraging school facilities in low-income areas as "hubs" for community services, programs and enhancements. Through the CLC, the YMCA engages the business community, residents and other social service partners in generative dialogue to create organic, sustainable solutions to community issues.

"The YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen," said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. "The Hartford's generous donation is helping YMCAs teach kids the important skills that they need to thrive and succeed."

About YMCA of the USA: YMCA of the USA is the resource office for the nation's 2,687 YMCAs, which serve 21 million people each year, including nearly 10 million children under the age of 18.  YMCAs respond to critical social needs by drawing on their collective strength as one of America's largest not-for-profit community service organizations.  Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening, and health and well-being for all, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels.  From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America's communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.

About The Hartford: Celebrating 200 years of helping its customers achieve what's ahead, The Hartford is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially.  Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ.  These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

CONTACT:  Diane Hurles, Donor Relations Manager, YMCA of the USA, 312-419-8374, [email protected]

SOURCE YMCA of the USA