MAHWAH, N.J., May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ascena Foundation is proud to announce that the Third Annual Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards nomination period is open and is looking to empower, and provide much needed support to everyday heroes in communities across the United States. Nominations can be submitted online at www.JaffeAwards.com or via a mail-in form through June 15, 2016.

The Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards (the "Awards") launched in 2014 in recognition of the lifelong contributions of Roslyn S. Jaffe, co-founder of the first dressbarn store in 1962 and Director Emeritus of ascena retail group, inc. The Awards recognizes the creators and founders of social impact organizations that are improving the lives of women and children, specifically in the areas of health, education, social reform and self-esteem.

"There is great need in our communities today, especially facing women and children, and through the Awards, we can celebrate those who are making the world a better place and driving lasting impact," says Mrs. Jaffe. "While we are proud to provide our support through grant money, it is these individuals who are the true heroes and the people making a difference. I'm so excited to announce our third year of support, and can't wait to hear the wonderful stories of this year's nominees."

Each year, Roslyn Jaffe, Elise Jaffe and an esteemed Selection Committee with expertise in women's causes, public affairs, health and education selects the Awards winners who receive financial grants. As a result of the Awards, winners are able to increase exposure, credibility, funding opportunities, and often the potential for expanded programming, collaborations and partnerships with other peer organizations. The 2015 Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards winners included:


    --  Connecticut-based All Our Kin, which trains and supports community
        childcare providers to ensure that children and families have the
        foundation they need to succeed in school and in life. (Grand Prize
        Recipient, $100,000)
    --  St. Louis-based VolunTEEN Nation, which connects young people with
        organizations, service projects and resources in low-income areas to
        learn new skills that will impact their communities. (Grant Recipient,
        $25,000)
    --  Chicago-based Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, which provides
        low-income, inner-city girls with the opportunity to learn effective
        communication in preparation for personal and professional endeavors.
        (Grant Recipient, $25,000)

"Because of the grant money we received from the Jaffe Awards, we've been able to raise the quality of care and education for our family care providers," said Jessica Sager, co-founder and executive director at All Our Kin. "With the support of the Jaffe Awards, in 2016 we'll reach nearly 450 caregivers, with the capacity to serve over 2,600 children. We've also begun to attract national attention; in just the past few months, our work has been highlighted by leaders in the field ranging from the Stanford Social Innovation Review, to the New America Foundation, to the Federal Office of Child Care. Cities and states across the country are looking to All Our Kin as a model, and are thinking of ways they can better support family care providers in their own communities; we have big plans for growth."

The 2016 Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards will once again grant $100,000 to a Grand Prize Winner and $25,000 to two runner-up awardees. Deadline for entry is June 15, 2016. Winners will be announced at the end of September and will be honored at the Third Annual Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards Luncheon in October, hosted by acclaimed journalist and philanthropist Soledad O'Brien.

To submit a nomination online, visit www.jaffeawards.com/jaffe/nominate.aspx.

About Roslyn S. Jaffe
 Roslyn S. Jaffe co-founded the first dressbarn store in 1962 and is Director Emeritus of ascena retail group, inc. She is a graduate of Simmons College, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree in management from Simmons College in 2011.

In 1962, Roslyn S. Jaffe was a working mother who, with her husband Elliott, saw a need and had a brilliant business idea - a one-stop-shop that offered the convenience of a value-based, yet, fashion forward "work" wardrobe solution for busy women, like herself. Roslyn and Elliot seized the opportunity and opened a small store named dressbarn in Stamford, CT and helped it grow into the successful, $7.4 billion, eight-brands specialty retail empire it is today (ascena retail group, inc.). A true trailblazer and entrepreneur, Mrs. Jaffe credits her success to strength, determination and a can-do attitude. But, most of all, she credits the company's success to a strong team of family, friends and associates.

Understanding the needs of her co-workers, who were also "working moms," Roslyn Jaffe encouraged a close-knit community where associates could rely on each other. In addition, Mrs. Jaffe supported like-minded organizations in the community and was an early advocate for Dress for Success®, an organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. This "take care of your own" camaraderie is what inspired the company years later to establish ascena Cares, the company's group of charitable organizations.

About ascena Foundation
 Ascena, through the ascena Foundation, is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The ascena Foundation supports ascena's family of purpose-driven brands that focus their charitable giving for the benefit of women and children, and the causes most important to them. The ascena Foundation and other charitable programs have been established as part of our ascena Cares (www.ascenacares.com) program.

About ascena retail group, inc.
 ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA) is a leading national specialty retailer offering clothing, shoes, and accessories for missy and plus-size women under the Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, Cacique, maurices, dressbarn, and Catherines brands, and for tween girls under the Justice brand. ascena retail group, inc. operates, through its 100% owned subsidiaries, ecommerce operations and over 4,900 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

For more information about ascena retail group, visit ascenaretail.com, AnnTaylor.com, LOFT.com, louandgrey.com, lanebryant.com, cacique.com, maurices.com, dressbarn.com, catherines.com, and shopjustice.com.

CONTACT:
Diana Hitzig
MSLGROUP
(646) 500-7686
diana.hitzig@mslgroup.com

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SOURCE ascena retail group, inc.