(Bridge youth join Astound Powered by RCN for check presentation. From left to right: Alex, Elisabeth Jackson, Bryan, Juan, Sanford Ames)

(Photo Courtesy of Astound Powered by RCN)

 Boston, MA – April 27, 2022– Astound Broadband powered by RCN, formerly known as RCN Boston, an award-winning provider of high-speed internet, TV, and phone services, announced today a $50,000 donation to Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Bridge.) Bridge is the largest nonprofit organization in Greater Boston providing a full continuum of care to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth, serving more than 2,000 annually. The donation was made at Bridge’s main location at 47 West Street, Boston.

Astound Broadband is dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities for all regardless of gender, ability, religion, orientation, socio-economic, racial, or ethnic background. Following a recent brand transition to Astound Broadband (Astound), the organization has been focusing on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, making internal changes to improve diversity and fairness and extending it to the communities it serves. As part of a company-wide effort that resulted from employee feedback and suggestions, the company has committed to supporting organizations that align with its DEI mission.

“We are committed to supporting organizations such as Bridge Over Troubled Waters, whose work strengthens our community,” said Sanford Ames, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. “Bridge Over Troubled Waters has a wide range of programs and services dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through its Street Outreach, Medical Van, Counseling, Education and Career Development, and Transitional Day and Welcome Center programs specifically, it is improving the lives of many young people experiencing homelessness.”

“At Bridge, our programs and services create access for all youth to receive the highest quality care and individualized, comprehensive support needed on the path home,” says Elisabeth Jackson, CEO of Bridge Over Troubled Waters.  “Black, brown and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by homelessness, and we are grateful to Astound for helping us continue this important equity work.”

The donation to Bridge will be used to support Bridge’s wraparound model of services to youth experiencing homelessness. Earlier this year, Astound’s regional brands (RCN, Grande, enTouch, Wave, Digital West) united under the name Astound Broadband (Astound), reflecting both the company’s evolution  and its vision for the future. Astound Broadband is at the forefront of the residential connectivity transformation, providing customers with award-winning services in eight of the top ten metro areas in the country. From volunteerism to providing affordable, reliable internet to underrepresented families through the Affordable Connectivity Program; to expanding its work with women and minority-owned businesses; to investing in hyper-local partnerships that drive economic growth, Astound is committed to doing our part to make a difference in the communities where we live, work and play.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN serves the Massachusetts communities of Allston, Arlington, Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Burlington, Charlestown, Dedham, Dorchester, Everett, Framingham, Hyde Park, Lexington, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Peabody, Revere, Roslindale, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, West Roxbury and Woburn.

About Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband (astound.com) is the sixth-largest cable operator in the U.S., providing award-winning high-speed internet, broadband communications solutions, TV, phone services and fiber optic solutions for residential and business customers across the United States. Astound Broadband is comprised of organizations formerly known as RCN, Grande Communications, Wave Broadband, and enTouch. The company services Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.

About Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Bridge Over Troubled Waters, founded in 1970, is the largest agency in Greater Boston providing a full continuum of care to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth. Each year, Bridge serves more than 2,000 youth through a comprehensive range of survival, health, educational, career, and housing programs  to encourage the formation of a healthy, productive, and fulfilling adulthood.  For more information, visit www.BridgeOTW.org.

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