GREATER PHILADELPHIA URBAN AFFAIRS COALITION CHANGES NAME

The Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, a nonprofit organization committed to solving urban issues through partnerships with government, community and business will change its name to the Urban Affairs Coalition effective September 1, 2010.  The name change includes a new brand identity and the launch of a new website www.uac.org.  

"Our work has expanded beyond the region," said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, president and CEO.  "We are now working in New Jersey, Delaware, and Baltimore and our new name reflects that.  It is imperative at this critical time of economic challenges and funding cuts to have a strong focused organization with a strong focused brand. Though we are changing our name, we are committed to continuing to deliver the same quality services to grassroots organizations and communities that we have been providing for over 40 years."

The Urban Affairs Coalition operates and manages a wide range of programs, services, and public policy initiatives that serve nearly 85,000 people each year.  The Coalition  drives change from the ground up by supporting a network of grassroots organizations, shaping public policy issues, and delivering programs that respond to urgent community needs. 

As one of the region's premier fiscal sponsors, the Coalition provides administrative, financial, and supportive services for more than 80 program partners, so that they can focus on what they do best; solving problems and transforming lives.  Now celebrating 40 years, the Coalition strengthens nonprofit organizations through fiscal sponsorship, capacity building, and program evaluation; improves life chances for youth and young adults with education and job opportunities; and assists families and minority-owned businesses by providing access to economic opportunities. 

History
In 1969, an historic partnership between business and community leaders was formed, resulting in the formation of the Philadelphia Urban Coalition. Nicknamed 'The Urb,' its purpose was "to eliminate poverty, discrimination and civic unrest, and to secure human and civil rights." Through the 1980s, alliances grew with the founding of the Urban Affairs Partnership, an organization created to improve the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia Region.  In 1991, the Urban Affairs Partnership and the Philadelphia Urban Coalition merged to create the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC). On September 1, 2010, the organization changed its name to the Urban Affairs Coalition.

Visit us online at www.uac.org  or follow us on Facebook at ww.facebook.com/urbanaffairscoalition