ST. JOSEPH, Mo.—July 9, 2015—Johnson Controls and Hillcrest Transitional Housing announced plans for a new playground. In a ceremony at the non-profit’s Buchanan County location, Johnson Controls donated $10,000 for equipment that will benefit families facing homelessness.
“We are thrilled that this new playground will serve both the children at Hillcrest Transitional Housing and the St. Joseph community with a safe environment to play,” said Shannen White, executive director, Hillcrest Transitional Housing. “Playgrounds help with imagination, creativity and problem solving.”
Hillcrest Transitional Housing offers homeless families, singles and youth a place to stay while they go through a disciplined education program aimed at self-sufficiency within 90 days.
“Children develop a sense of self when they master a new skill and play with others,” said White. “All of these benefits from the new playground are a vital part of helping children as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency right along with their parent(s).”
The first phase of the playground is anticipated to be complete and ready for use in October. A team of local Johnson Controls employees will help install the equipment.
“Johnson Controls is proud to work with positive organizations, like Hillcrest, to help improve lives in our community, as it’s important to our employees and our company,” said Rodger Meyer, Johnson Controls plant manager in St. Joseph.
Johnson Controls employs nearly 700 people at two automotive battery plants in St. Joseph. Globally, the multi-industrial company supports arts, education, health and social services, the environment, and leadership development. In 2014, employees around the world volunteered 239,000 hours with non-profit organizations and schools.
CONTACT:
Kim Theune
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414-524-8223
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and seating components and systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2015,
Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.
About Power Solutions
Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive batteries, supplying approximately 140 million every year to automakers and aftermarket retailers. The company’s full range of lead-acid and Lithium-ion battery technology powers nearly every type of vehicle for our customers- including conventional, Start-Stop, Advanced Start-Stop, Micro Hybrid, hybrid and electric. Johnson Controls' recycling system has helped make automotive batteries the most recycled consumer product in the world. Globally, 15,000 employees develop, manufacture, distribute and recycle batteries at more than 50 locations.
About Hillcrest Transitional Housing
Hillcrest Transitional Housing offers homeless families, singles & youth a disciplined educational program within a caring, supportive environment. Unlike many organizations whose focus is one-time or emergency care, Hillcrest’s primary objective is to move clients from homelessness to self-sufficiency within 90 days by addressing the total life situation of the homeless families they serve; longer term transitional housing options may be available to clients with excessive barriers to housing. Hillcrest also provides a transitional housing program for homeless teens and young adults, ages 16-20, who have an educational goal. This unique program offers housing & supportive services for up to 24 months.