NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Estates (NYSE, NASDAQ: AEC), a real estate investment trust (REIT) with more than 13,000 apartment units throughout the United States, today announced a dynamic partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), a non-profit  organization founded in 2011 by Gary Sinise.  GSF provides a variety of support services to our nation's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.  Associated Estates' commitment includes responding to GSF's unique veteran-specific requests and bringing more awareness to GSF.

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The announcement of the partnership coincides with Veterans Day and Associated Estates' 20^th anniversary of its listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).  Representatives from Associated Estates and the Gary Sinise Foundation celebrated the partnership by ringing the NYSE Closing Bell today.  Wall Street continues to recognize and honor those who serve our country.  Listed companies aligned with GSF participated in both the NASDAQ Opening Bell and NYSE Closing Bell ceremonies.  After decades of humanitarian work by Sinise, GSF has become a go-to organization for those looking to support our veterans.

"As part of our Associated Estates Cares initiative, we are committed to addressing health, hunger and education," said Jeffrey I. Friedman, chairman, president and CEO of Associated Estates.  "Wounded United States veterans are often challenged with adjusting to post-service life back home.  Through our partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, we can better enhance their quality of life and give back to these women and men who have contributed so much to protect our freedom."

The increasing number of service members who need support as they transition into civilian life is an important issue that requires our country's attention.  GSF and Associated Estates recognize the incredible need that exists among wounded U.S. veterans in particular. 

"America's military is comprised of less than two percent of our population, and most people live their lives without ever interacting with the military community," said Gary Sinise, Founder of his namesake foundation.  "Over the past 30 years, giving back to our defenders has become my life's work, and our partnership with Associated Estates will help bring more attention to the needs of United States veterans and demonstrate why it's so critical that we give back to our service men and women."

"As citizens, we must ensure our defenders get the support they need, and creating greater awareness is just one way we can show our gratitude," said Stacy Taylor, development director for GSF.  "We are already working with Associated Estates to fulfill the critical needs of our veterans, and we encourage those across the country to take action today by assisting a veteran in their own community.  Helping those who defend our nation is a duty we must share, each and every day."

About the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF)

GSF serves the nation by honoring its defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities.  These include its R.I.S.E. Outreach (Restoring Independence and Supporting Empowerment), whose flagship initiative is a custom Smart Home building project for severely wounded veterans.  Each Smart Home is customized to ease their daily challenges and help restore independence with features like retractable cook tops, cabinets and shelving, elevators and more, all accessible via an iPad.  Other programs include Relief & Resiliency Outreach, Invincible Spirit Festivals, Serving Heroes and Arts & Entertainment Outreach.  GSF has also partnered with General Electric on their Get Skills to Work program to help veterans translate military skills into advanced manufacturing jobs while empowering employers with tools to recruit, onboard and mentor veterans.  For more information, please visit GarySiniseFoundation.org .

About Associated Estates

Associated Estates is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and is a member of the S&P 600, Russell 2000 and the MSCI US REIT Indices.  The Company is headquartered in Richmond Heights, Ohio.  Associated Estates' portfolio consists of 53 properties containing 13,618 units located in ten states.  For more information about the Company, please visit its website at www.AssociatedEstates.com.

CONTACT:John Lytell  Associated Estates (216) 797-8718jlytell@associatedestates.com

Staci WolfeGary Sinise Foundation(323) 939-7535staci_wolfe@polarispr.com

SOURCE Associated Estates

RELATED LINKShttp://www.associatedestates.com