The Green Family and City Year Philadelphia: A 23 Year Partnership

The Green family and Firstrust Bank have been strong and committed supporters of City Year since its expansion to Philadelphia in 1997. City Year was founded in 1988 as a national service program to unite young adults from diverse backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service. It is a well-established, public-private partnership whose focus on minimizing educational inequity has become even more relevant and critical over the past three decades. During this time, multiple members of the Green family and Firstrust community have served in volunteer leadership roles, and Firstrust has served as both a Team Sponsor and Event Sponsor.  

“The Idea Was to Start Investing in Young Philadelphians and Get People Active in the Community.”

-Laurie Backall, Managing Director of Development, City Year Philadelphia

After realizing its positive impact on Boston’s students, schools and communities, prominent Philadelphians Joe Banner,David L. Cohen, and Phil Behr were champions of expanding City Year into Philadelphia’s school system. Upon this expansion in 1997, they introduced City Year to Richard Green. Richard immediately recognized the power and potential of City Year and the possibility of leveraging Firstrust’s human, social, and financial resources into a fruitful partnership. For many years, Firstrust AssociateCounsel Maureen Sparks has effectively served as the liaison dedicated to continuously bolster this partnership through creating opportunities for employee engagement and collaboration between the two organizations.

“The Green Family Foundation Has Worked to Make Us Better and Stronger Through Leadership and Funding.”

-Darryl Bundrige, Executive Director, CityYear Philadelphia

In addition to its financial commitment (treasure), the Green family and Firstrust have dedicated its human and social capital (time, talent and ties) to the partnership. Firstrust Bank has sponsored multiple events including the AnnualRed Jacket Gala (formerly known as the Tribute Dinner), the Women’s Leadership Luncheon, and young professional events. Richard Green was honored as CityYear’s Idealist of the Year at the 2002 Tribute Dinner, and Arlin Green has served on the City Year Philadelphia board since 2017, currently as its Board Chair.

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