Here at P&G, we’re all about the little ampersand that helps make up our name. Ampersands symbolize connection — the bringing together of a string of independent people, thoughts, organizations and causes, creating a common thread.
As we reflect on 2021 and the lessons it has taught us, we realize our “&” is more than just part of a logo. It’s our edge, a phrase we live by or something we’ve learned. It’s why we do what we do.
Our clients represent this perfectly. The opportunity to partner with organizations making a measurable impact in health care, education, social justice and more is invaluable to our team. Watching the projects and initiatives of our clients come to life drove our work and pushed us forward in another unconventional year. Our clients are truly the epitome of why we do what we do. Their impact, their mission, their work — that’s our &.
This holiday season, we’re highlighting just a few of our amazing clients and their & — why they do what they do.
& equitable health care
While we’re far from a country with accessible health care for all, there are organizations working to make that a reality. As we work to understand the obstacles marginalized groups face in health care, we feel honored to work alongside organizations such as MPHI, a Michigan-based and nationally engaged nonprofit public health institute, and the Ingham County Health Department. Together, we’re working to amplify these disparities and advocate for the historically underrepresented, and we’re helping to create healthier communities, people and health care organizations in a time when public health is at the forefront of nearly every conversation.
The Michigan ACE Initiative educates and trains the community to better identify signs of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in children and help create community-based interventions. With a passion for health care and community involvement — things we also value deeply — we’re grateful to partner with MI-ACEs and help bring awareness to the impact of adverse childhood experiences.
Access to health care and equity are crucial. We can't stress this enough. In an effort to improve access to health care for historically marginalized groups, another organization we’re proud to work with is American Indian Health and Family Services. As a provider of culturally based health and family services, AIFHS supports the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, families, and other underserved populations in Southeast Michigan. P&G partnered with AIHFS to help update their visual brand identity to stay true to their roots but add a modern twist to reach new audiences and donors.
& accessible education
Knowledge is power, and we believe everyone should have access to that power. At the intersection of access to education and social justice is Youth Solutions, a client near and dear to our hearts. The organization works with Michigan’s youth and inspires them to achieve their fullest potential in education and employment to build the future they deserve.
The P&G team has a lot of pride for our alma maters, and knows a college degree is a stepping stone to career success. Everyone should have the opportunity to access higher education, and the Michigan College Access Network is working to make that happen. We partner with MCAN to help them do the research, connect students with resources and work with agents of change to make college an option for everyone.
The American College Application Campaign is another organization fighting for equity in education and seeking to create a world where everyone can discover and fulfill their full potential. With a goal of helping everyone become successful in their education and careers, ACAC is working to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing higher education. In order to support educators and learners in all stages of their journey, ACAC breaks down the application process and meets students where they are. We’re proud to partner with ACAC to help them communicate to underserved students the importance of attending college and navigate the unique obstacles they face in the application process.
& talent development
As a woman-owned and managed small business, we understand the value of entrepreneurship and opportunities to cultivate a budding business idea. LEAP One&All is a kick-ass program built to help increase successful business ownership among historically marginalized populations who also fall below the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold, often known as the “working poor” (a term we won’t even start to get into here). In an effort to mitigate the unique entrepreneurial obstacles these entrepreneurs face, the program offers business and communication training, as well as mentorship, a professional network and financial assistance. More about our passion for the program can be found in P&G’s Lessons from our peers: A reflection on the One&All program blog.
Whether it be through reliable transportation, accessible and quality childcare, equity in getting an education or access to good-paying jobs, we’re passionate about clients who are working to make their communities a better place. With a goal of strengthening Michigan’s workforce, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Michigan Works Southwest and Michigan Works! West Central work with businesses in Michigan to develop job recruiting and retention strategies, and they help job seekers with improved access to training, education and career opportunities.
& social justice
The criminal justice system has historically been a complete shitshow from mass incaceration to the predatory cash bond system, but that’s not news … which is a problem. It’s our job to bring attention to the issue, and to reframe the perception. With over 44,000 people confined or detained, Michigan’s jails and prisons contribute to the larger problem of mass incarceration in the United States. The Michigan Collaboration to End Mass Incarceration is working to end mass incarceration in Michigan through efforts and movements addressing systemic inequality. Their focuses include reducing prison admissions and prison stays, preparing those released from prisons for success, reducing the stigmas preventing formerly incarcerated individuals from finding housing and employment, and incorporating more community based alternatives to incarceration.
& thank you
It’s clear all these organizations are doing incredible work. We’re constantly uplifted — and often personally affected — by the work our clients do, and we never fail to be grateful for the opportunity to partner with them. To every single P&G client, thank you. We appreciate you. We value the work that you do. We respect your teams. We see your tireless work. We commit to helping amplify your impact. & for that, we thank you.
