Fulton Bank, a subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation, recently presented a $10,000 check to the Bench Mark Program, a strength-based family of mentors based in Lancaster who use weight lifting, academics and career coaching to propel at-risk youths toward success. The donation was made as part of the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.

Smokey Glover, director of fair and responsible banking at Fulton Bank, presented the check to Bench Mark representatives Terrence Mercado; Lydia Castaneda; Ayanda McGill-Jefferson, director of programs; and Will Kiefer, founder and executive director.

Fulton Bank's Fulton Forward initiative is focused on building vibrant communities with programs, products and services focused on four key areas: affordable housing and home ownership; job training and workforce development; financial education and economic empowerment; and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Organizations seeking funding from Fulton Bank can visit http://www.FultonBank.com/FultonForward for more information, including gift criteria. 

Founded in 2014 as a fitness-based mentoring program, Bench Mark is a continuum of care that supports at-risk youths throughout their journey in the juvenile justice and child dependency systems. The organization focuses on long-term mentorship and evidence-based, trauma-informed mentoring practices. Since its launch, the organization has served more than 900 students, and it recently completed its first Women's Strength and Fitness Center to further expand its positive impact on at-risk young women in the community. For more information, visit http://www.benchmarkprogram.org.