Columbia, MO, July 24, 2013 – OATS, Inc. today received a $50,000 contribution, which will aid transportation-disadvantaged Missourians gain access to employment. The grant – which was given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will provide transportation to work for more than 200 Missouri residents. The Walmart Foundation funding will benefit primarily low-income and disabled persons in OATS' service regions in Missouri. In past years, OATS has applied for and received federal funding allowing them to provide work transportation. As federal budget cuts loom, those funding streams are going away causing the organization to seeking alternative funds to aid individuals in getting to work.
“In many Missouri counties, we are the only provider to take rural residents to work,” said Dorothy Yeager, OATS Executive Director. “Many people can get transportation services when they live in urban areas, but not in rural Missouri,” added Yeager. OATS currently provides transportation to work to many employers across the state.
The grant was presented to OATS, Inc. during a check presentation ceremony held today at its headquarters in Columbia. During the ceremony, Columbia Walmart Store Manager’s Dustin Graham (Conley Road Store) Trisha Cowan (Broadway Store) and Sara Bak (Grindstone Store), along with Market Manager Steve Maloney and LaTonya Annoor from the area office, presented the check to OATS Executive Director Dorothy Yeager and OATS Directors.
“The Walmart Foundation is very pleased to be supporting OATS and are committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” said Steve Maloney, Walmart Market Manager. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that residents in the state of Missouri will have access to transportation not just for their jobs but for their everyday needs.”
The contribution to OATS was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Missouri State Giving Program. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S. Last year in Missouri, Walmart, Sam’s Club locations and the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $31million to local organizations.
To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.