Financial Wellness
“Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.” —Warren Buffet
This is especially true with personal finances. The AGB Foundation piloted a new Virtual Financial Wellness Workshop Series that will run throughout 2021. This program is a direct response to the youth in our community and their desire to accumulate wealth. At the AGB Foundation we are invested in providing sound financial advice to our participants. We are blessed with the financial acumen of Les Goldstein, a financial advisor to AGB who has over 30 years of experience in the investment world. It’s never too early or late to learn about financial wealth management. Over three weeks, Les presented workshops addressing the following topics: retirement, investments, digital currency, inflation, stocks & bonds, mutual funds, savings, & managing credit card debt. We invite you to take our financial wellness course by completing a brief survey. You do not want to miss out!
Community Day of Service
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
We have done it again and every year, it gets better! On our most recent Community Day of Service we were fortunate to provide our surrounding communities with 300 care packages. The packages went to the following organizations: St. Sabina Church Food Pantry, Sheldon Heights Church Food Pantry, Ujima Village, Margaret’s Village, and The Olive Branch Mission. These organizations are located in the Auburn Gresham, Englewood and West Pullman neighborhoods, which are often underserved.
La Forice Nealy, president and CEO of the Olive Branch Mission, told our staff, “I didn’t realize it has been nearly three years that you have been in partnership with us, donating and volunteering your time, making a difference in hundreds of precious people’s lives.”
Thanks to AGB Investigative Services for their financial support in purchasing the contents of the care packages, to Bank of America for donating the face masks and hand sanitizers, and to AGB employees for donating their time and additional items, as well.
2021 Interns
“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” —Swami Sivananda
Our summer interns are coming! This year, we expanded our summer internship program to include employment readiness. Our interns in training have been attending Saturday workshops since November in preparation for their summer placement. They have learned how to send professional emails, conduct conference calls, dress for a professional setting, time management, and so much more!
This summer will be the first time our interns will have to interview for their summer intern position. But don’t worry, we are teaching them critical interviewing skills and the importance of having a resume. We hope this experience prepares them for future interviews when they are ready to dive into the workforce. You do not want to miss their transformation.
Training Future Leaders & Awarding Scholarships—It’s What We Do
AGB Business Internship Updates
Over the past seven months, our AGB interns completed an extensive training course in Workforce Development led by Sara Martinez, AGB Program Manager for the Foundation. The goal was to prepare them for employment and to teach them about the different departments within a thriving business like AGB Investigative Services. We introduced them to the AGB Leadership Team, and the interns learned about their specific job duties. The following departments participated in this exercise: HR, IT, Operations, Marketing, Finance and Procurement.
In addition to this exposure, our crop of interns learned critical professional skills, including how to dress, respond to emails, and communicate with their colleagues. They were trained in resume writing and also learned interviewing skills, which they used in meetings with AGB departmental leaders. As a final highlight, we were pleased to provide 11 business suits for our female interns and nine suits for our male interns, courtesy of the Tom James Company.
Our interns completed all this training during Saturday workshops in preparation for the opportunity to work in house at AGB Innovative Security Solutions this summer. We will be announcing those summer placements very soon!
Expansion of Programs
We are excited to announce that the AGB Foundation was recently awarded the NBC5 Project Innovation Grant for $40,000. This award will be used to expand the scholarship program and provide holistic support to our scholars through mentorship, social and emotional support, and post-graduation employment. The enhancements of the program include care packages to the Scholars during mid terms and finals, professional headshots, resumes, and professional clothing.
The program initially provided 1 year of support to our scholars but with this new grant and expansion of services, we can provide 4 years of services and critical mentorship to guide them towards their academic achievements and post graduate goals.
Ringing in Spring with Care Packages & Wealth-Building Workshops
Financial Wellness
“Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.” —Warren Buffet
This is especially true with personal finances. The AGB Foundation piloted a new Virtual Financial Wellness Workshop Series that will run throughout 2021. This program is a direct response to the youth in our community and their desire to accumulate wealth. At the AGB Foundation we are invested in providing sound financial advice to our participants. We are blessed with the financial acumen of Les Goldstein, a financial advisor to AGB who has over 30 years of experience in the investment world. It’s never too early or late to learn about financial wealth management. Over three weeks, Les presented workshops addressing the following topics: retirement, investments, digital currency, inflation, stocks & bonds, mutual funds, savings, & managing credit card debt. We invite you to take our financial wellness course by completing a brief survey. You do not want to miss out!
Community Day of Service
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
We have done it again and every year, it gets better! On our most recent Community Day of Service we were fortunate to provide our surrounding communities with 300 care packages. The packages went to the following organizations: St. Sabina Church Food Pantry, Sheldon Heights Church Food Pantry, Ujima Village, Margaret’s Village, and The Olive Branch Mission. These organizations are located in the Auburn Gresham, Englewood and West Pullman neighborhoods, which are often underserved.
La Forice Nealy, president and CEO of the Olive Branch Mission, told our staff, “I didn’t realize it has been nearly three years that you have been in partnership with us, donating and volunteering your time, making a difference in hundreds of precious people’s lives.”
Thanks to AGB Investigative Services for their financial support in purchasing the contents of the care packages, to Bank of America for donating the face masks and hand sanitizers, and to AGB employees for donating their time and additional items, as well.
2021 Interns
“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” —Swami Sivananda
Our summer interns are coming! This year, we expanded our summer internship program to include employment readiness. Our interns in training have been attending Saturday workshops since November in preparation for their summer placement. They have learned how to send professional emails, conduct conference calls, dress for a professional setting, time management, and so much more!
This summer will be the first time our interns will have to interview for their summer intern position. But don’t worry, we are teaching them critical interviewing skills and the importance of having a resume. We hope this experience prepares them for future interviews when they are ready to dive into the workforce. You do not want to miss their transformation.
April Newsletter
It is time to Celebrate!
It’s time for a grandiose celebration folks! AGB Investigative Services turns 20! Can you believe that it all started in the basement of the Griffin Family home? Fast forward to 20 years later and they are THE largest Black owned security company in the nation! They employ over 1200 individuals and are located in 17 states across the nation. AGB is also in the midst of opening up a new Cyber Security Office. It will be located on the South Side of Chicago where AGB will provide high paying technical jobs in one of the fastest growing Industries.
“The Man who has no imagination has no wings.” Muhammad Ali
The Mission Continues
The AGB Foundation is celebrating AGB’s 20th year by continuing the annual Community Day of Service that will take place on Monday April 12th. This year, we will support 5 community organizations by providing care packages filled with the essentials. Some of the essentials include; soap, feminine products, hair brushes, PPE, and a few other items packed with love and support by the AGB Staff.
The 5 community organizations that we are supporting this year are: Margaret’s Village, Sheldon Heights Church Food Pantry, Ujima Village Overnight Shelter, and St. Sabina Food Pantry. We will deliver 300 care packages for our homeless and less fortunate residents in the south side of Chicago. It is our ministry to continue to help and uplift our community and fulfill our mission of disrupting the cycle of poverty through workforce development, financial wellness and philanthropy.
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else”. Booker T. Washington
Access and Opportunity
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This is why we continue to create access and opportunity for our Chicago youth who attend a 2 year college or 4 year university through our Scholars Program. Our Scholarship not only provides financial support, but an array of services that include giving our scholars a professional resume, professional headshot, and an updated LinkedIn profile. The total amount of U.S. student debt has reached over 1.5 trillion. This makes student loans the second largest source of consumer debt behind mortgage debt. We want to alleviate some of the costs to 5 wonderful students. If you know of any high school seniors in Chicago who are about to embark on their higher educational journey, please have them apply for our AGB scholarship today!
March Newsletter
Piecing it Together
The Always Giving Back Foundation is a place where Chicago minority youth can build their confidence. We provide social and emotional support throughout their college journey. We are a safe space for them to be themselves as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. There is nothing more powerful than seeing youth piece together their perspective on the world and how they see themselves.
The rate of college enrollment has increased in the last decade because of the economy and labor market. Research shows that 16 million undergraduate students enrolled in Fall of 2018 but only 13% of them were African American students. Those same students are underrepresented on predominantly white campuses. We are providing resources to rising undergraduates, one student at a time.
Last year we surprised five deserving youth with scholarships. See here: https://youtu.be/OiW9bOD3c50 Our scholars blossom into leaders and advance in their careers post college. We will share the AGB Scholarship with you Stay close to your email. Applications will open soon!
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Let’s Celebrate
This women’s month we celebrate our cofounder Dr. Denitra Griffin. She stands next to John Griffin Jr. as they run the largest black owned security firm in the nation, AGB Investigative Services, while actively serving on several boards. Her wealth of knowledge is vast and her heart seeks to make the Chicago community a better place to live.
Have you heard her story? or why the foundation exists today? Better yet, how she manages to do it all, such as keeping the family together, running a successful business, and owning her womanhood? “There are times you have to be both a lion and a lamb.” Lean in and tune to the Secure Podcast.
Harness Your Power!
Did you know that 14% of the world’s millllionaires are people of color?! That is exciting news. But while it is a wonderful stat many nonprofit organizations have failed to diversify their donor portfolio. Dr. Denitra Griffin the co-founder of the Always Giving Back Foundation will discuss this topic on Feburary 25, 2021 with Chronicle Philanthropy.
Racial inequality still peaks its head through when an organizations are looking for their ideal donor. They forget about the C-Suite members of the Fortune 500 companies. Nonprofit leaders often focus on white supporters, that is a costly mistake.
To learn more register right now!
February Newsletter: Black Heroes
Culturally, we often associate Black History Month to the trailblazers of the past who are no longer with us. But why can’t we acknowledge and honor those who are still among us? The Black heroes in our communities, families, and every day lives.
It is one decision that can set the tone for the next generation in your family. At the Always Giving Back Foundation we honor Dr. Denitra Griffin’s great grandmother’s choice to move from Clarksdale Mississippi to Chicago Illinois. She is the reason we exist today. Her journey to the north gave her daughter access to a greater life beyond Clarksdale Mississippi. That transition brought about a woman (Dr. Denitra Griffin) who married a man (John Griffin Jr.) with her same passion. This is the why behind the work we do: https://youtu.be/gaaarNOkUI4
To alleviate the pressures of work and life the Griffin’s often encourage their employees to serve their community. Research shows those who volunteer live a longer happier life. The act of volunteering releases endorphins in your body resulting in smiling more often and the desire to help more people. The better you feel the better the more likely you are to accomplish your goals.
Determine how you too can be a hero in your family and/or community. It can be as simple as donating to the Always Giving Back Foundation or volunteering when the opportunity presents itself.
Take time to reflect and be radically honest with yourself about the change you want to see and do it. You still have time to put your best foot forward this year.
January Newsletter
If 2020 was a movie what would you title it? We think it should be called “We Made It”.
We have to find the blessing in everything this past year brought us. Life is always happening for us, not to us. This year you don’t have to take on New Year resolutions but instead, find the good. Reflect on all the lessons and gifts from 2020 to implement in 2021.
Your Gift to the Community!
Naazneen Vhora, UIC
With your help, we raised $15,000 in 2020. This assisted with the expansion of our programs.
AGB Investigative Services employees traditionally celebrate the anniversary of the company by volunteering and gifting care packages to organizations selected by AGB officers. Due to the pandemic, we were unable to go out to our partners. Instead, we gifted those in the Auburn Gresham community!
All while hosting our AGB Business Internship and awarding 5 amazing scholars.
Summer of 2020, AGB interns completely transformed. We took a moment to analyze the need of our Chicago youth and decided to expand the program to year-round. We are so happy to have received the Illinois State Grant to provide tangible resources and workshops to help 25 youth excel.
The work doesn’t stop there. We had 1,000 applicants apply to our scholarship program and we were able to gift 5 youth $2000 to continue their academic journey. Naazneen Vhora, a former AGB Scholar graduated in December 2020 and will join the AGB team this year.
You can still join us in changing the narrative of Chicago for our youth and community by donating at agbfd.org/donate
“Hey Alexa, play Secure Podcast”
According to the U.S Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 33.7 million small businesses were accounted for in 2020. So many took the leap of faith to start their business as the economy changed. As successful owners of a medium-size business, that is black-owned the Griffins felt the need this season to dive deeper into entrepreneurship. Here are some of our favorites this season:
December Newsletter
Hey you! Thank you for taking the first step in opening our December Newsletter. Boy, has a lot happened. We gave away 100 BIKES, the Griffins have closed out Season 3 of Secure Podcast and you still have the opportunity to make an impact!
Oh, what joy it is to spread some holiday cheer. In 2020 Auburn-Gresham has seen a 30% unemployment rate, gang warfare & the highest rate of COVID infection in both the city and state. The Always Giving Back Foundation gave away 100 bikes to families on the Southside of Chicago. Thank you to Walmart who assembled and delivered bikes to our location. It is the smiles on the young people’s faces that made it all worth it! Take a look: https://youtu.be/n_wYesUB5YA
If you want to volunteer at our next event click here.
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They Get Each Other
Go watch the new episode of Secure Podcast, “We Get Each Other”. As a G-Tribe member, you can anticipate new tips and tricks you can apply in your business. This season the Griffins have unpacked entrepreneurship and we don’t want you to miss it! They have created a workplace that allows their employees to relish in self-identification and invest in their development as professionals. This episode expounds on setting boundaries around your business and marriage. As the Griffin’s have grown their business, they too have grown in their relationship.
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We recently started the year-round AGB Business Internship program. Youth are exposed to the value of teamwork and networking. Leaving with the understanding that the connections they make today will position them for tomorrow.
We provide a safe space for our youth to be proud of who they are. We hope to build their confidence and remove self-fear of “what if people don’t like me” or “what if people will fear me”.
Help us reach our goal of $10,000 by donating at agbfd.org/donate
Remember AGB on GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday, December 1, 2020, is a day of online giving to support nonprofits all over the world. The Always Giving Back Foundation humbly asks for your support, so that we can continue our mission of disrupting the cycle of poverty and closing the racial wealth gap in our society.
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
When you support the Always Giving Back Foundation, you’ll help us continue the successful programs that have provided critical assistance to hundreds of needy families; internships and educational seminars for young minorities; and more than $55,000 in scholarships to deserving young Chicagoans.
How to Support Us on GivingTuesday
Give & Match
Give any gift of your choice, and request your company to match.
Smile & Shop
As you purchase your holiday gifts, consider us in your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping as your foundation choice through Amazon Smile.
Share the Journey
Copy and paste one of the following “Reasons to give” images and share it on your social media. You’ll be spreading the word about the Foundation’s work and encouraging your friends to give!
November Newsletter
Let’s Do This!
Oh, how 2020 has passed by! We have had some lows and some highs this year.
The Always Giving Back Foundation has always understood the importance of representation in the workplace. Who would have thought in this decade we would see a woman in the White House? We are super elated to see the FIRST woman, BLACK woman, INDIAN woman to serve in the seat of Vice President of the United States of America. We hope to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders who too will be the FIRST.
The AGB Business Internship has expanded from a six-week summer program to a year-round program. (See 2020 Summer Business Internship here.) This weekend 25 young people came together virtually. They left with a greater understanding of why the Griffins started the AGB Foundation. Their commitment to the community is what sets the tone for the culture of AGB Innovative Security Solutions and its charitable arm.
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Giving the AGB Way
Last year around this time we gave away turkeys to families across Chicago. This year we will gift bikes to the community, so stay tuned. If you ever want to volunteer your time, please fill out the following form.
AGB’s great work doesn’t stop there! Have you watched this season of Secure Podcast? Entrepreneurs will find tips to build their business, data that encourages them to continue forward as they learn about the Griffins’ journey.
We want to be a part of your holiday plans. Please help us continue our mission of disrupting the cycle of poverty through workforce development, financial wellness, and philanthropy. Support us on Giving Tuesday, December 1, one of three ways:
Give any gift of your choice, and request your company to match, at agbfd.org/donate.
As you purchase your holiday gifts, consider us in your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping as your foundation choice through AMAZON SMILE.
Take a picture with one of the following “Reasons to give” images and share it on your social media. You’ll be spreading the word about the Foundation’s work and encouraging your friends to give!