The Work of Opportunity
Updates
Sep 29, 2025
As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, we are reflecting on America’s founding ideals—and asking whether the promise of opportunity still holds true today.
Featured
Media
Aug 23, 2020
Longmont LEAD program helping people, reducing recidivism per city report
A Colorado outlet applauds Studio @ Blue Meridian participant LEAD, whose pre-arrest, pre-booking diversion program has assisted people with behavioral health issues in the city.
Media
Aug 11, 2020
As COVID Leaves Millions Unemployed, Here’s How Workforce Funders Are Evolving
Inside Philanthropy reports on how workforce development organizations like Year Up are expanding economic opportunity in underserved communities & helping ensure an equitable recovery, in the wake of COVID-19.
Media
Aug 5, 2020
Nonprofits offer stimulus to Detroiters returning home from prison, jail during COVID-19
A Detroit newspaper highlights the positive impact that the Center for Employment Opportunity’s Returning Citizen Stimulus has had on formerly incarcerated Detroiters who are returning home during the COVID-19 crisis.
Media
Jul 29, 2020
Amid pandemic, NC women need better healthcare access
In an article for the Charlotte Observer, leaders from Upstream North Carolina reaffirm their commitment to ensuring equity in the state’s reproductive healthcare system and increasing contraceptive access for women amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Media
Jul 28, 2020
Kentucky launches new program for young people transitioning from foster care
A Kentucky news outlet shares how the expansion of Youth Villages’ Lifeset program will assist young Kentuckians who are transitioning out of the state’s foster care system.
Media
Jul 26, 2020
Delaware transformed its health care system for women — here’s how | Opinion
Dr. Kara Odom Walker, former Cabinet Secretary of Delaware’s Department of Health & Human Services, highlights Upstream USA as a major contributor to the dramatic reduction of unplanned pregnancies in the state.
Media
Jul 23, 2020
The Long and the Short of Emergency Cash Grants
Philanthropy Roundtable highlights Family Independence Initiative as one of the more effective strategies for moving financial resources quickly to those who need them.
Media
Jul 22, 2020
Here’s how Bank of America is trying to improve economic opportunity in Charlotte
The Charlotte Observer highlights how a partnership between Charlotte-based Bank of America and Blue Meridian investee Year Up is boosting economic mobility in the city.
Media
Jul 21, 2020
Latest Effort to “Decolonize Wealth” Moves Cash to Hard-Hit Native Communities
Inside Philanthropy explains how direct cash transfer programs – such as the Native American Community Response Fund, a program of Decolonizing Wealth – are supporting disproportionately impacted Native American communities across the country.
Media
Jul 21, 2020
‘It really helps’: This program gives cash amid coronavirus to formerly incarcerated in New Orleans
A local New Orleans news outlet reports on how the Center for Employment Opportunity’s Returning Citizen Stimulus is supporting formerly incarcerated New Orleanians who are returning home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.