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Opportunity Finance Network and the MassMutual Foundation Announce $25 Million Innovation Partnership to Scale the CDFI Industry

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Visionary collaboration will drive innovation, build infrastructure for scale, and transform the community development finance industry for the future

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today Opportunity Finance Network, the nation’s leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, announced a strategic, five-year partnership with the MassMutual Foundation to launch the CDFI Innovation Initiative, a new effort designed to drive innovation, scale impact, and build new infrastructure for the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) industry. The initiative will be funded by a $25 million grant from the MassMutual Foundation. The announcement came at OFN’s 40th annual conference (OFN40) in Los Angeles, California. 

“Community development finance began with an idea – that the conditions in our communities can be better,” said OFN President and CEO Harold Pettigrew. “With proven impact and gathered strength, that idea and the industry it founded have been called to address generational challenges. Meeting the moment ahead requires investing in innovation and infrastructure, accessible to small and large CDFIs alike. The MassMutual Foundation gets it, and they share our commitment to opportunity. We are thrilled to co-create systems, structures, and solutions with them, and invite other partners to join us in this work.”

CDFIs work to expand economic opportunities in low-income communities by providing access to financial services and products for local businesses and residents. 

“The MassMutual Foundation is honored to support this critically important work particularly at this pivotal moment for the CDFI industry,” said Dennis Duquette, MassMutual’s Head of Community Responsibility and President & CEO of the MassMutual Foundation. “Partnering with OFN to launch the CDFI Innovation Initiative reflects our shared commitment to further advance financial opportunity where it is truly needed through the proven, positive impact that CDFIs present to communities across the United States.” 

The years ahead will include unprecedented opportunities and unthinkable challenges for the CDFI industry. The CDFI Innovation Initiative is structured to help CDFIs meet the moment ahead with three core pillars designed to drive new strategies: 

The creation of an Innovation Advisory Council, with investments in thought leadership and data-driven insights into scalable innovations.The establishment of an Innovation Center, an action tank that will take insights and promising solutions and seed them with capital and support.The launch of an Innovation Fund, a blended capital pool that will help take innovative and promising solutions to scale.

The CDFI Innovation Initiative will be at the center of OFN’s strategic direction, and these programs will reinforce the industry’s ability to foster financial health and resilience in low-income communities, expand entrepreneurship and affordable housing, and accelerate a just, green economy.

The MassMutual Foundation partnership and innovation initiative will enable OFN to realize its strategic goals by helping CDFIs and mission-driven lenders build infrastructure that allows the industry to eagerly meet the present moment and opportunities ahead. 

OFN’s members are core to this innovation initiative. Conversations with members and partners have uncovered fundamental challenges which the initiative aims to resolve. Key focus areas include removing technological barriers, enhancing operational efficiencies, and expanding CDFIs’ capitalization structures and financing products. Addressing these challenges will equip CDFI leaders to sustain growth while delivering affordable capital to underserved communities, paving the way for a more equitable and resilient future.

About Opportunity Finance Network 

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation’s leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, managing over $1 billion in total assets and a membership of 450 community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which includes community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. Our network of CDFIs works to ensure communities underserved by mainstream finance have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services, with a deep focus on serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others – and, for 40 years, has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for all.

Since its founding in 1986, OFN members have originated over $110 billion in financing, helping to create or maintain more than 3 million jobs, start or expand more than 850,000 businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of nearly 2.4 million housing units and more than 14,000 community facility projects. 

About the MassMutual Foundation 
The MassMutual Foundation, Inc. is a dedicated corporate foundation established by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). The MassMutual Foundation fuels initiatives that increase financial resilience within communities served by the company and fosters a culture of community engagement for MassMutual’s employees as well as affiliated financial professionals. In support of this mission, the Foundation invests in programs that help people access resources needed to earn, protect, and help build their financial capability and thrive. The Foundation also supports community vitality efforts where MassMutual operates. To learn more about the MassMutual Foundation, please visit www.massmutual.com/foundation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opportunity-finance-network-and-the-massmutual-foundation-announce-25-million-innovation-partnership-to-scale-the-cdfi-industry-302283472.html

SOURCE Opportunity Finance Network

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SE Healthcare Launches PulseCheck: A Real-Time Solution for Addressing Burnout and Workforce Engagement

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The PulseCheck tool will serve as a vital supplement to SE Healthcare’s comprehensive Burnout Prevention Program®, offering organizations a quick, focused way to assess employee burnout levels between more formal, large-scale surveys. With the ability to conduct more frequent, targeted evaluations, PulseCheck empowers leaders to track trends over time and respond swiftly to emerging issues, maintaining a healthy and resilient workforce.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SE Healthcare is proud to announce the launch of PulseCheck, a groundbreaking new feature designed to provide healthcare organizations with real-time insights into workforce well-being and engagement. Available as of September 2024, PulseCheck is poised to transform how healthcare leaders monitor burnout and support staff mental health, ensuring that healthcare professionals receive the support they need when they need it most.

By providing real-time feedback via PulseCheck, SE Healthcare is equipping leaders with the data needed to understand burnout dynamics and make informed, proactive decisions that ultimately benefit both staff and patient care.

The PulseCheck tool will serve as a vital supplement to SE Healthcare’s comprehensive Burnout Prevention Program®, offering organizations a quick, focused way to assess employee burnout levels between more formal, large-scale surveys. With the ability to conduct more frequent, targeted evaluations, PulseCheck empowers leaders to track trends over time and respond swiftly to emerging issues, maintaining a healthy and resilient workforce.

“PulseCheck marks a significant step forward in how healthcare organizations can actively engage with their teams and foster a culture of well-being,” said Greg Coticchia, CEO of SE Healthcare. “By providing real-time feedback, we’re equipping leaders with the data needed to understand burnout dynamics and make informed, proactive decisions that ultimately benefit both staff and patient care.”

Key Features of PulseCheck:

Frequent Data Collection: Unlike traditional quarterly or semi-annual assessments, PulseCheck is designed for quick, frequent surveys that capture the pulse of the workforce. Configurable to trigger at specific intervals, it provides continuous, real-time data on burnout risk and staff engagement.Customizable Questions and Resources: Organizations can tailor PulseCheck to reflect their unique needs, including the integration of internal Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources or using the tool’s default external mental health resources.Engagement as a Critical Metric: Participation and engagement metrics are core indicators of PulseCheck’s effectiveness. SE Healthcare’s goal is to ensure high engagement levels before introducing additional real-time reporting capabilities, enhancing the accuracy and impact of the tool.Data-Driven Strategy Adjustments: PulseCheck’s monthly reporting and potential integration with live dashboards will enable organizations to track trends and refine their burnout prevention strategies. This data empowers leadership to make adjustments based on current insights, ensuring a proactive approach to employee wellness.

Success Stories: Measurable Impact at Leading Healthcare Centers

One of the key aspects of SE Healthcare’s Burnout Prevention Program has been its proven ability to reduce burnout and improve nurse retention across a variety of healthcare settings. Recently, at a leading pediatric center, the program achieved a 27% reduction in burnout levels within just six months. This success translated into higher nurse engagement, improved job satisfaction, and a stronger, more resilient workforce dedicated to providing exceptional care to children.

This pediatric center is just one example of how SE Healthcare’s data-driven approach can transform healthcare environments. Furthermore, across several large healthcare systems, our initiatives have demonstrated a 35% reduction in the highest levels of burnout, significantly enhancing staff well-being and reducing turnover.

“With PulseCheck, our goal is to replicate this success by providing even more immediate and actionable insights,” stated Coticchia. “The results we’ve seen—such as the 24% reduction in overall burnout presence at one of our partner hospitals—are a testament to the effectiveness of real-time data and engagement strategies.”

Why PulseCheck is a Game-Changer: PulseCheck bridges the gap between comprehensive burnout surveys by providing more frequent, lightweight monitoring tools that maintain employee engagement and offer actionable feedback. Its focus on flexibility and integration with broader burnout prevention strategies ensures that leaders have the resources they need to create a healthy, sustainable work environment.

The High Cost of Inaction: Burnout among healthcare professionals has reached critical levels, with studies indicating that burnout rates have a direct impact on patient safety and organizational costs. According to a 2023 report by SE Healthcare, hospitals implementing burnout prevention programs saw a 35% reduction in the highest levels of burnout, along with a significant decrease in nurse turnover. PulseCheck’s ability to monitor well-being in real-time addresses the urgent need for timely intervention, preventing minor issues from escalating into critical challenges.

About SE Healthcare: SE Healthcare is dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals through innovative tools and strategies that enhance well-being and foster a positive work environment. Our evidence-based programs are designed to reduce burnout, improve retention, and ensure better patient outcomes. By addressing the root causes of burnout and focusing on continuous improvement, SE Healthcare leads the way in creating healthier, more sustainable healthcare systems.

Media Contact

Jillian Tice, SE Healthcare, 1 7176693893, jillian@sehqc.com, https://www.sehealthcaresolutions.com/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/se-healthcare-launches-pulsecheck-a-real-time-solution-for-addressing-burnout-and-workforce-engagement-302283485.html

SOURCE SE Healthcare

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SEI Increases Stock Share Repurchase Program by $400 Million

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OAKS, Pa., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of SEI Investments Company approved an increase in its stock repurchase program by an additional $400 million, increasing the available authorization under the program to approximately $429 million, which includes $29 million remaining under the company existing share repurchase authorization.

About SEI®
SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) delivers technology and investment solutions that connect the financial services industry. With capabilities across investment processing, operations, and asset management, SEI works with corporations, financial institutions and professionals, and ultra-high-net-worth families to solve problems, manage change, and help protect assets—for growth today and in the future. As of June 30, 2024, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.5 trillion in assets. For more information, please visit seic.com.

Investor Relations Contact: 

Media Contact:                

Brad Burke                                              

Leslie Wojcik

SEI                                                            

SEI

+1 610-676-5350                          

+1 610-676-4191

bburke2@seic.com                                    

lwojcik@seic.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sei-increases-stock-share-repurchase-program-by-400-million-302283678.html

SOURCE SEI Investments Company

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SentriForce Marks 20 Years of Security Innovation

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Video Surveillance Provider Celebrates Milestone, Plans for Continued Growth

HOUSTON, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SentriForce, a provider of comprehensive video surveillance solutions, is proud to announce its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the Houston-based firm has led the industry with its responsive, innovative approach to evolving customer needs, shaping how competitors operate and setting new standards for security excellence.

SentriForce was founded in 2004 as a small business managed service provider. In 2008, the company pivoted to providing video surveillance as a service following the Great Recession. Throughout SentriForce’s 20-year history, the company has sought creative solutions to the unique problems faced by each of its market verticals, including the construction, single-family residential, multi-family residential, municipal infrastructure and retail industries.

SentriForce was among the first security providers to install flashing red-and-blue lights on its video surveillance units, a simple and highly effective deterrent that has since become the industry standard. Other innovations include reliable and aesthetically pleasing solar-powered equipment and the use of thermal imaging technologies that allow for easier detection of intruders.

One of the firm’s most recent innovations is LotWitness, a space-saving crime deterrent designed to enhance safety in retail parking lots. Using high-intensity strobe lights and customizable audio announcements, LotWitness reminds visitors to secure valuables before leaving their cars, ultimately reducing the risk of theft and vandalism.

Consistent efforts to raise the bar in the security industry are the leading drivers of SentriForce’s success and rank among the company’s most prized accomplishments, CEO Chris Peschang said.

“We are always looking for more effective ways to deter and detect unwanted activity on our customers’ jobsites and properties,” he said. “Ultimately, our job is to give people peace of mind.”

In addition to a record of standard-setting product and service development, SentriForce differentiates itself from competitors by monitoring its own video surveillance feeds. Defying industry trends, this approach fosters a culture of accountability within the company, ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service and support. Unlike many competitors who outsource their monitoring services, SentriForce has a vested interest in the security and well-being of its clients.

SentriForce’s ability to keep services in-house reduces response times and offers better protection of video evidence and data, Peschang added.

“It’s so important for customers to know who is monitoring their property,” he said. “We remain committed to keeping our monitoring in-house for the same reason we still offer month-to-month contracts: We believe that consistently providing high-quality service is the key to earning customer loyalty.”

Looking ahead, SentriForce plans to continue expanding its footprint throughout the country. The company already serves major cities in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida and Georgia, and plans to develop new products and services to meet the evolving needs of multiple markets, further solidifying its position as a leader in the security industry.

“As we move into new markets and regions, SentriForce will stay true to its customer-first service philosophy. I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years hold,” Peschang said. 

For more information about SentriForce, visit sentriforce.com.

ABOUT SENTRIFORCE

SentriForce is a leading provider of comprehensive video surveillance services for construction sites, residential neighborhoods, apartment communities, retail commercial properties and municipal infrastructure facilities. Its state-of-the-art video security solutions are designed to keep assets safe and mitigate risk exposure on projects or properties.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sentriforce-marks-20-years-of-security-innovation-302283689.html

SOURCE SentriForce

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