BOSTON, January 7, 2013 — In recognition of the company's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, BNY Mellon has been named the 2012 Champion of Inclusion by Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization that creates one-to-one friendships and integrated employment opportunities for people with intellectual differences.

"When I first began as the State Director of Best Buddies Massachusetts, our Jobs Program served 28 participants throughout Boston and now, just four short years later, we are serving more than 70.  None of this would have been possible without the support of BNY Mellon," said Craig Welton, State Director of Best Buddies Massachusetts.  "BNY Mellon was the first private funder of our Jobs Program in Massachusetts, and with their investment, we've been able to substantially expand each year.  There is no doubt that our affiliation with BNY Mellon lends immediate credibility to our programs and has allowed us to attract other sizeable investments and support for our very important mission." 

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies helps people with intellectual and development disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders and make lifelong friendships.  It engages participants in each of the 50 United States and in 50 countries around the world.  Best Buddies' eight formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies, Jobs, Ambassadors and Promoters – positively impact nearly 700,000 individuals with and without disabilities worldwide.

"Integrated employment significantly contributes to the development of an inclusive environment that benefits individuals with special needs, and Best Buddies is leading the way in providing employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental differences," said Joanne Jaxtimer, regional executive for New England at BNY Mellon. "Advancing workforce development opportunities is one of our corporate priorities, and we are proud that our funding has helped their Jobs Program grow."

Powering Potential, BNY Mellon's philanthropic focus, helps to make local communities better places to live and work by targeting organizations that concentrate on workforce development or the provision of basic needs. Learn more about Powering Potential or the company's world-wide commitment to social responsibility at www.bnymellon.com/csr.

BNY Mellon is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets.  BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, offering superior investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team.  It has $27.9 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.4 trillion in assets under management, services $11.6 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.4 trillion per day.  BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK).  Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com or follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon.