Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area Awarded $15,000 Grant on Behalf of Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor
From connecting families with housing and food resources to providing valuable mentorship opportunities to local youth, Northwestern Mutual financial advisors are leading impactful change in their communities across the country. Through its Foundation, the company is recognizing these efforts through its 2019 Community Service Awards program by awarding nearly $300,000 in grants to nonprofits nationwide.
Each year, Northwestern Mutual selects 16 financial advisors nationwide to receive grants to benefit a nonprofit of their choice as part of the program. Local resident Mark Rizzo, a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual, has been chosen as a 2019 recipient of the award, receiving a $15,000 grant for the Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area.
Rizzo has been involved with the organization for over 25 years, serving as a board member, fund development chairperson and past board president. A survivor of the Our Lady of Angels School fire in 1958, he has dedicated his time and support to helping the Family Service Association continue to provide children and families with quality, accessible holistic behavioral services.
"As a result of my experience in the Our Lady of Angels School fire, I realized that counseling can have a strong impact on whether a child's mind is affected positively or negatively regarding different events," said Rizzo. "Children are the future of our world, and I bring my passion for this belief to my support of the Family Service Association."
Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area is a United Way agency offering services to children, adolescents and adults of all ages. The organization seeks to strengthen individuals and families so they can meet the challenges of modern life in positive and constructive ways. The funds from this grant will be used for both family and childhood psychiatric counseling.
"Every year I'm amazed by the enthusiasm our advisors exhibit for nonprofit support in their communities," said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "Giving back is such an integral piece of our company culture, and our Community Service Award winners truly embody this through the meaningful work they're accomplishing."
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Community Service Awards program. Since the program's inception, the Foundation has donated nearly $6 million to nonprofits on behalf of program winners. The 2019 winners were announced at the company's regional meetings earlier this year, with grants presented to nonprofits at local events throughout the country.