Here's what some of our donors have to say....

Frank E. Bolden,

Journalist

"The Frank E. Bolden Scholarship Fund provides funds for Special Education applicants.  I established this fund with POISE  because of Bernie Jones' commitment to helping people achieve.  The return on my investment is seeing that students of all races receive funds to further their education and improve their lives.  It is important to give back to the community.  Help the person next to you.  Take someone's hand, grab on and pull collectively for the betterment of society."

Harvey Adams, Jr.,

Retired Former President of the NAACP, Pittsburgh Branch

"The Harvey Adams, Jr. Scholarship Fund was started three years ago in memory of my father, Harvey Adams, Sr.  I chose to open a fund with POISE Foundation because it is a financially sound organization that is very well-run by founder and personal friend Bernie Jones.  It's satisfying to know that funds are being handled appropriately.  These funds will help youths get a good education and provide a decent living for their families.  It is almost a must to donate to POISE if you are in a position to do it.  It's a way to give back to the community and provide economic opportunities for youths."

John Christian,

Retired Television and Radio Personality, WPXI TV and WAMO Radio

"The John Christian Charity Trust Fund has been successful in providing assistance to social and community agencies committed to promoting self-help and betterment for the total community.  POISE has been good to us and good to the community for 13 years.  I have entrusted funds for the John Christian Charity Trust Fund to POISE Foundation, because it serves as a catalyst for helping others and a means for offering assistance to the needy."

Rev. James Robinson,

Executive Director,

Manchester Youth Development Center

"The Rev. James and Dr. Betty Robinson Educational Fund helps kids who want to further their education.  We operate a school called the Manchester Youth Development Center which includes a preschool, a charter school and an after-school program.  We decided to open a fund through POISE because of the results we saw with people who had similar endowments.  We saw an elderly man (who had very little) put money into POISE.  When we saw the benefits of the interest that came out of that fund, it was very easy for us to open a fund.  Whether it's for education, business, or some other area, investing in POISE works.  Just a little bit can grow and be helpful for any endeavor."

Rev. Michael W.  Golphin, Sr.,

Pastor,

Deliverance Baptist Church

"The Deliverance Baptist Church Fund was established so that those who take on the responsibilities of the church after us will be covered.  The fund was also started to provide scholarships for the youth of Deliverance Baptist Church.  I encourage others to open a fund with POISE Foundation, because God would have us be good stewards over what He has given us.  Furthermore, it is important for us to support one another."

Rev. Thomas Smith,

Pastor,

Monumental Baptist Church

"I have established three funds to benefit our community:  THe HEP Winston Educational Scholarship Fund, The Monumental Baptist Church Endowment Fund and The Passion Week Scholarship Fund.  I would advise others to realize the importance of leveraging every dollar we are able to raise in the community.  POISE Foundation provides sound investment management of your dollars to receive the highest possible return for the benefit of our community."

Terri Gould,

Retired Former Director of Human Services and Community Affairs,

Action Housing, Inc.

"I chose to open the Terri Frank Gould Homeless Scholarship Fund.  I opened it through POISE Foundation because of Director Bernard Jones' integrity and the Foundation's mission to assist those whose educational needs are not being met by private resources.  I'm delighted about how POISE is handling the investment.  The first year we raised a few thousand dollars and gave one scholarship.  The second year we raised over $8,000 and presented three scholarships!  I strongly encourage others to open a fund through POISE - a reliable foundation operated by well-known, trustworthy people and proving throughout the years that its mission is indeed to help people!"

Councilwoman

Valerie A. McDonald,

Pittsburgh City Council

"I established the Bubby Hairston Fund which will award an individual pursuing higher education.  My father, though successful as an adult, had to drop out of school to support his family.  Yet he insisted that his children achieve academic excellence and go to college.  I wanted to honor my father, Euzell 'Bubby' Hairston, by being a part of that process that encourages others to pursue higher education.  For those who may be interested in opening a fund through POISE, I emphasize that it is not just about giving.  It is about how we as African Americans build up one another.  It is about 'walking the walk' with our dollars."

Honorable William R. Robinson,

State Representative,

Pennsylvania

"I had the opportunity to establish two funds:  the Honorable William R. Robinson Trust Fund (active for nearly 20 years) and the Sergeant William H. Carney Scholarship Fund (for students pursuing higher education).  I find satisfaction in being able to do something that I always should do - provide some of the material resources that God has blessed me with to help others.  This is your chance to make a long-term and worthwhile investment in the future of the African American community."