JBS gifts $150,000 to GI Literacy Council

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - As part of their Hometown Strong Initiative, JBS USA awarded a $150,000 check to the Literacy Council of Grand Island on Thursday.

“We’re looking at projects that are long-term sustainable projects that will be here, be visible, and be providing help for people many years down the road,” JBS Grand Island General Manager Zack Ireland said.

The Literacy Council serves 695 people from 35 different countries in the Grand Island area. In fact, they’ve been a long time partner with JBS, and have helped many of its employees learn English.

“They actually have reached out to us a few years ago regarding direct instruction or one-on-one tutoring for a lot of their supervisors to improve their English literacy skills and just help them to become better more successful employees at JBS.” Literacy Council Executive Director Karla McGeorge said. “We also have so many students who are employed at JBS, and so working with them to, also maybe develop group classes on-site out at JBS or provide additional things.”

Recently, the council moved into a new building to help grow the organization, and this donation from JBS will help pay the bills and provide services for years to come.

“It is the best feeling. We are beyond grateful. This year 2020 and especially with COVID-19 has certainly been unprecedented times for all of us which also includes: it might impact donor dollars, and it might impact funding that we can receive,” McGeorge said.

JBS is investing $3.5 million dollars on various projects in Grand Island to help strengthen its employees’ communities. They still have money left over, and plan to fund more projects in the future.

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