BLACK BOARD INT'L, STATE FARM AND UNITED WAY GTA LAUNCH SOMA COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Black Business Helps Youth Gain Grounding In African Heritage
Program will help stimulate young minds

News Release

BLACK BOARD INTERNATIONAL, STATE FARM AND UNITED WAY OF GREATER TORONTO LAUNCH SOMA COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Toronto, February 10, 2006 öState Farm Insurance, Black Board International and United Way of Greater Toronto launched today the SOMA Community Initiative project, an education program to help raise awareness about Black history and culture.

State Farm is providing funding that will allow 11 United Way-supported agencies located throughout Torontoâs neighbourhoods to receive licences to use Black Board Internationalâs Ashaware Afrocentric Software. This neighbourhood-based initiative, which is focused on children and youth aged 3 to 18, is aimed at improving reading and computer literacy skills while building self-esteem through awareness of Black culture and history. 

ãState Farm is proud to support this community initiative aimed at local children and youth,ä said State Farm Vice President-Operations, Barbara Bellissimo. ãWe have a longstanding tradition of supporting our communities with safety and education programs. Being a good neighbour means actively supporting and improving our communities; by focusing on our children and youth we are building on the future.ä

ãItâs appropriate to launch the SOMA Community Initiative during Black History Month because the foundation of the software content within the software is Black history," said Warren Salmon, CEO of Black Board International, creator of the software.ä I applaud State Farm and United Way for recognizing the value of our software, which has been designed to address many of the challenges facing Toronto through its emphasis on positive role models and history-related content.ä 

ãOur work with youth is at the core of United Wayâs commitment to making real change in our city, particularly in neighbourhoods in the inner suburbs,ä said Earl Miller, board member, United Way of Greater Toronto, and chair of its African Canadian Committee. ãWe hope the fruits of this partnership will engage African Canadian youth in their rich heritage and encourage them to further explore the important contributions of Black people.ä

Since 1990, Toronto-based Black Board International has provided culturally related educational software and services for use at home and in educational and learning institutes. Their line of software includes programs in many different areas for children and adults. The programs have been matched with various Provincial and State curriculum standards, and have received recommendation for use in the home and at all school levels by a number of educators in a variety of school and home based applications.

State Farm is the second largest auto insurer in Ontario and the fourth largest in Canada. State Farm is also the third largest property and casualty insurer in Ontario and fifth Canada. State Farm has been serving Canadians since 1938. State Farmâs 460 Canadian agents currently provide insurance and financial services from mutual funds and life insurance to vehicle loans, home and auto insurance in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. For more information, please visit StateFarm.ca.

United Way of Greater Toronto works to create sustainable change in the lives of Torontonians. Through research, partnerships with government, volunteers, labour and business, and by funding a network of 200 health and social agencies, United Way identifies needs and takes action to support people and develop strong communities.

                                                                                         -30-
Contact:
Warren Salmon ö CEO
Black Board International
Box 114, 123 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON M5H 3M9
(416) 441-0792
www.ashaware.com

Sharleen Mascoll
State Farm Insurance Companies
(905) 750-4737
www.statefarm.ca

Doug Kerr
United Way of Greater Toronto
26 Wellington St. E. 11th Floor
Toronto, ON M5E1W9
(416) 777-1444 ext 386
www.unitedwaytoronto.com