The CARE House of Florence Receives Credit Union Foundation Grant

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) is pleased to announce it is awarding nearly $15,000 in Micro Community Grant funding to the Child Abuse Resource & Evaluation (CARE) House of Florence.  The funds will be used to purchase medical and other equipment in order for the agency to better serve their young clients.

The CARE House is a child advocacy center that provides direct services (physical exams, forensic reviews, counseling, multidisciplinary team decision making and follow up referrals) for maltreated children and their families. Since opening in 2006, the CARE House has assessed more than 1,000 children in Florence County who have been physically or sexually abused.

The grant funds will be used to purchase medical equipment for the examination room, plus computer equipment in order to help CARE House better assess the children being served by the agency. “CARE House is doing some exceptional work with some kids who really need someone who cares about them,” noted CCUF President/CEO John Slack. 

Girl Scouts of Eastern SC Receives Credit Union Foundation Grant

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) is pleased to announce it is awarding a $10,200 Micro Community Grant to The Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina.  The funds will be used to purchase two docks and other water equipment for the Sandy Ridge Camp located in Bennettsville.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern SC, which serves 21 Low Country counties, is dedicated to helping girls build character and skills for success in the real world in an accepting and nurturing environment. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives-like strong values, a social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

The grant funds will be used to replace two docks that have deteriorated at the Sandy Ridge Camp. These docks allow the girls to participate in fun water activities such as canoeing and fishing. “The foundation grant is also funding the purchase of two kayaks, two paddle boats and 24 personal floatation devices,” said CCUF President/CEO John Slack.

Family Care Center of Catawba County Receives Credit Union Foundation Grant

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) is pleased to announce it is awarding a $9,605 Micro Community Grant to Family Care Center of Catawba County. The funds will be used to purchase security and other types of equipment for the housing and administrative units of the facility.

Founded in 1988, Family Care Center serves homeless families with dependent children through an emergency and transitional residential program. The agency offers physical, emotional, social and educational services to assist families in the transition to becoming self-sufficient. The Center ministers to all persons without discrimination.

“Family Care Center is doing some remarkable work in Catawba County,” noted CCUF President/CEO John Slack. “They’re a key agency that homeless families in Catawba County look to for guidance and support as they make the journey from homelessness to independence.” 

The Family Care Center is currently involved in a $600,000 capital campaign to build a new administrative facility and open additional housing units. The grant funds will be used to purchase surveillance equipment in order to maintain security at the housing units, as well as equipment that will be used in education programs … including important financial education programs for the center’s clients.

Boys & Girls Homes Receives Credit Union Foundation Grant

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) is pleased to announce it is awarding a $18,000 Micro Community Grant to The Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc. in Lake Waccamaw.  The funds will be used to renovate and expand the portion of the Lang Center that houses the Family Foster Care and Adoption Program.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina’s is to provide residential and foster care/adoption programs for neglected, abused and hurting children that emphasize academic and Christian education to address their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs in a homelike, Christian setting.

The children placed in the Family Foster Care Program range in age from birth to twenty-one. By expanding to Family Foster Care, Boys and Girls Homes serves a population of children who need a less restrictive out-of-home placement than residential care.

The grant funds will be used to renovate the downstairs portion of the Lang Center to include a play area for the children, a counseling room, a small kitchen area, a lobby and some small offices. The funds will also be used to renovate the heating system. “It is our privilege to help the Family Foster Care program as it provides vital help to kids and foster families who are facing some difficult times,” noted CCUF President/CEO John Slack. 

Children’s Attention Home

The Children’s Attention Home consists of three residence facilities and a new administration building. There is a boy’s dormitory, girl’s dormitory and a long-term foster facility which houses children who have not been reclaimed by parents or family members. The facilities are staffed at all times.

“Like many foster care facilities we have helped, the Children’s Attention Home struggles with providing clothing for the children,” noted CCUF President/CEO John Slack. “Some of these kids arrive in the middle of the night with little more than the clothes on their backs. These grant funds will help the home’s newest residents have a smoother transition,” Slack added. Despite a limited budget, the Children’s Attention Home staff takes the children shopping for basic necessities as soon as possible after they arrive.

The Rock Hill agency originally requested $10,000 for clothing, which was approved. In addition, the CCUF allocated an additional $3,000 for the home to purchase duffle bags and pajamasfor the children.

Credit Union Representatives from Sharonview FCU, Founders FCU, Family Trust FCU and 1^st

Patriots FCU present the Micro Community Grant check to Libby Sweatt-Lambert, Executive

Director of Children’s Attention Home in Rock Hill, SC.

Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry

The Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry was recently awarded a grant from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. A check in the amount of $10,000 was presented at CCM on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Among those present were N.C. State Rep. Mark Hilton and Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright.

The money will be used by CCM to purchase donor database software and a digital security system.

“We are extremely pleased to be receiving funding from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation,” said Roger D. Baker, Ed.D., CCM Executive Director, “We are pleased the foundation saw our need and approved our request for funding. The security system will allow CCM staff to manage loss prevention and client safety by providing state-of-the-art cameras inside and outside the ministry.”

“The donor database software will greatly enhance our ability to manage its financial resources as we seek critical support from area businesses, individuals and foundations,” said Kim Gilliland, CCM’s Director of Development and Public Relations. “As we are in the midst of a three-year endowment campaign, the ability to obtain this critical software package couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Greenville’s Homes of Hope Receives $15,500 Credit Union Foundation Grant

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) is pleased to announce it is awarding a $15,500 Micro Community Grant to Homes of Hope in Greenville, South Carolina. The funds will be used to refurbish two modular homes, as well as provide partial funding for a planned Spring Information Fair.

Founded in 1998, Homes of Hope provides safe, affordable housing for homeless and lower-income families and individuals, while also providing job skill training and mentoring for men overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. Since it was founded, Homes of Hope has built or developed 228 homes, and provided job training and mentoring for 171 men. 

“Homes of Hope is doing terrific work in Greenville County,” noted CCUF President/CEO John Slack. He added that credit unions in Greenville County had been very supportive of the agency in the past. “Credit unions care about the communities in which they operate, and the Foundation is pleased to further their commitment to Homes of Hope through this grant.”

The grant funds will be used to help refurbish two modular homes to be used in transitional housing in the agency’s Samaritan Village. Interns in the Overcomers Program will complete the refurbishment of these homes. The funds will also help to underwrite a Spring Information Fair, which will provide educational sessions on topics such as budgeting, credit repair, preparing for a mortgage, healthy meal preparation, and creating a neighborhood watch.   

Micro Community Grants allow credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina to partner with local non profit agencies to bring community benefit. The Homes of Hope grant proposal was put together with the help and cooperation of the Piedmont Chapter of Credit Unions and Community 1 Federal Credit Union. Community1 is also providing volunteers for the Spring Information Fair. “They’ve been very involved with Homes of Hope over the years,” said Slack. “They believe in the mission and work of this wonderful agency.”

Channel 4 News in Greenville, SC watches as Rick Leonardi, CEO of Community 1 FCU presents Don Oglesby, Executive Director of Homes of Hope, with the Micro Community Grant Check. Alan Berry, Piedmont Chapter President and CEO of Greenville Heritage FCU was also in attendance.

The Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry was recently awarded a grant from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. A check in the amount of $10,000 was presented at CCM on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Among those present were N.C. State Rep. Mark Hilton and Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright.

The foundation’s Micro Community Grant program allows credit unions in North and South Carolina to partner with local nonprofit agencies. The grant proposal was put together with the help and cooperation of the Foothills Chapter of the N.C. Credit Union League.Since the program began in late 2005, more than $400,000 has been awarded to agencies throughout the Carolinas.

“Credit unions care about the communities in which they operate,” said CCUF Board Member John Radebaugh. “The Cooperative Christian Ministry reminds us that communities are really about people.”

The money will be used by CCM to purchase donor database software and a digital security system.

“We are extremely pleased to be receiving funding from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation,” said Roger D. Baker, Ed.D., CCM Executive Director, “We are pleased the foundation saw our need and approved our request for funding. The security system will allow CCM staff to manage loss prevention and client safety by providing state-of-the-art cameras inside and outside the ministry.”

“The donor database software will greatly enhance our ability to manage its financial resources as we seek critical support from area businesses, individuals and foundations,” said Kim Gilliland, CCM’s Director of Development and Public Relations. “As we are in the midst of a three-year endowment campaign, the ability to obtain this critical software package couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Grant to construct a children’s area that will provide positive experiences to young people and a safe place for parents to leave their children while they volunteer or even pursue their high school graduate equivalency degrees (GEDs)

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a $20,000 Micro Community Grant to the Fusion Warehouse in Anderson, SC. The funds will be used to construct a children’s area that will provide positive experiences to young people and a safe place for parents to leave their children while they volunteer or even pursue their high school graduate equivalency degrees (GEDs).

Located in a former Wal Mart in Anderson, the Fusion Warehouse is the result of the visionary leadership and commitment of founders Randall and Joy Brown. The Browns created Fusion Warehouse, which is a social meeting place and gang alternative for young people in Anderson. “The Browns are visionaries. Their charismatic leadership with the help of many great people in the community has ushered this wonderful facility into existence,” said CCUF Executive Director John Slack.

The Warehouse is a truly unique gathering place for Anderson young people. The facility includes a pool hall, recording studio, game room, restaurant, two movie theatres, and a laser tag room among many other offerings. “Keeping kids off the streets and giving them a safe, structured place to socialize and learn is a wonderful idea,” says Donna Metz, President of Upstate Federal Credit Union. The Fusion Warehouse also has classrooms where students can get information on financial education, drug prevention and awareness, and anti-gang messages.

The children’s area will allow for the very young to be in a positive, safe environment while their parents volunteer or study at the GED classes offered at Fusion. “This is such a wonderful resource for the community,” Slack noted, “since we are part of the community it makes sense for credit unions to be involved.”

Micro Community Grants allow credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina to partner with local non profit agencies to bring community benefit. The Fusion Warehouse grant proposal was put together with the help and cooperation of the Anderson County Credit Unions including Anderson FCU, AnMed FCU, Anderson Educators FCU, Anderson City EFCU and Upstate FCU as well as the Piedmont Chapter of the South Carolina Credit Union League. Slack noted that local credit unions have been involved with Fusion Warehouse in the past, including a donation by Upstate Federal Credit Union that partially funded the construction of the laser tag room.

Grant to purchase furniture and other needed equipment to furnish the facility

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded an $11,500 Micro Community Grant to Serenity Chapel in Newberry. Serenity Chapel will use the funds to purchase furniture and other needed equipment to furnish the facility.  

Serenity Chapel is a non-denominational facility open for hosting meetings and functions for recovery groups and small civic organizations. Serenity Chapel came into being through the efforts of George Burk, a retired US Army sergeant major. “George Burk has invested a lot of effort and sweat equity to create Serenity Chapel,” noted CCUF Executive Director John Slack, who toured the facility. “Inspired by his vision, many others in Newberry have joined in to bring the Chapel to life. On behalf of credit unions in the Carolinas, it’s the Foundation’s pleasure to assist the community in this effort.”

The Serenity Chapel building has been renovated, but the agency is in need of new furniture and other equipment to make the surroundings comfortable for the people and groups who utilize it. The grant will provide the necessary funds to purchase this equipment. 

Grant to purchase a variety of needed equipment to serve the more than 400 children with various disabilities

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a $20,000 Micro Community Grant to the Allegro Foundation in Charlotte. The funds will be used by Allegro to purchase a variety of needed equipment in order for the agency to serve the more than 400 children who rely on the Foundation each week.

The Allegro Foundation serves children with a wide range of medical and cognitive issues, including Down Syndrome, orthopedic challenges, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, learning disabilities, visual & hearing impairments, as well as at-risk children and children with cancer. They combine cognitive and muscle memory exercises designed to stimulate learning, problem solving skills & communication, increased physical coordination as well as producing emotional and physiological changes in the body.

Each week Allegro serves more than 400 children in Mecklenburg County. During these classes the instructors and nearly 600 volunteers rely heavily on music, props and costumes to reinforce the learning process and improve the fine & gross motor skills. The CCUF grant will provide funds for sewing equipment, costume maintenance equipment, music, props, educational materials and a specialized ramp to assist with getting the children to the performance venues.

Micro Community Grants allow credit unions in North and South Carolina to partner with local non profit agencies to bring community benefit. The Allegro Foundation proposal was put together with the help and cooperation of the Piedmont Chapter of the NC Credit Union League. “The Piedmont Chapter has enthusiastically supported the Allegro Foundation for a number of years, providing both volunteer and monetary support,” Slack noted. “It’s our pleasure to assist this wonderful agency as it continues working miracles in the lives of Charlotte-area kids.”

Grant will complete ADA compliant residence room for domestic abuse victims

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a $12,000 Micro Community Grant to Mary’s House, a domestic violence shelter for women in Pickens. Mary’s House, which is currently under construction, will use the funds to outfit a room for use by women who are physically disabled.

CCUF Executive Director John Slack spoke with representatives of Mary’s House, who took him on a tour of the planned facility. Mary’s House employees and board members noted that South Carolina consistently ranks in the top 10 states for domestic abuse and Pickens ranks very high in the State’s county rankings.

Statistics point out that the chances of being a victim of domestic violence increase when a woman becomes disabled. The Foundation will fund the construction of a room which complies with the standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. A small portion of the grant funds will also be used to furnish an entertainment room for children staying at the shelter.   

Foundation grant to provide duffle bags and basic essentials for foster children

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a $10,000 Micro Community Grant to Fostering Hope in Conway. The funds will be used to purchase duffle bags and personal items for the foster children who utilize Fostering Hope’s services. .

Fostering Hope receives donated slightly used clothing, basic essentials and provides a store front for foster kids to come shop just like other kids. The store is set up like a retail operation without the cash register in front. The operation is available to foster families in Horry County and the items are provided free of charge.

“Fostering Hope provides an outstanding service to children and teens in Horry County who are encountering very difficult times,” said CCUF Executive Director John Slack, who recently toured the Fostering Hope store with its Executive Director, Tabby Shelton. “These personal effects and duffle bags represent a small but important part of the transition foster children make, and we are grateful to be in a position to help.”

Shelton related to Slack that some kids would show up at Fostering Hope with their personal effects in trash bags, if they had any personal effects at all. “These kids have experienced things that no child should have to endure,” said Slack, “and it’s empowering to them to have a duffle bag to store their clothing and other items.”

Foundation Grant to Provide School Supplies for at-risk youth in Winston Salem

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a $5,000 Micro Community Grant to the Winston Salem Street School in Winston Salem. The funds will be used to provide school supplies including science lab equipment, art supplies and computers.

The Winston Salem Street School provides a highly interactive learning environment to help at-risk youth in Winston Salem get a quality education with a moral code and tools for self-sufficiency.

“The dropout rate around the nation and Forsyth County specifically is alarming,” said CCUF Executive Director John Slack. “David Morgan and his staff at the Winston Salem Street School are dedicated to giving these kids every opportunity to get a thorough education, which is a cornerstone for success.”

Micro Community Grants allow credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina to partner with local non profit agencies to bring community benefit. The Winston Salem Street School proposal was put together with the help and cooperation of the Northwest Chapter of the NC Credit Union League.

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a $10,000 Micro Community Grant to the Alamance County Community Services Agency (ACCSA) in Burlington. The funds will be used for the agency’s Hope in Housing program.

The ACCSA’s mission is to move people from poverty to economic self sufficiency and improve the quality of life of people in need through the provision of informational, technical and support services. The Hope in Housing program moves people from poverty to self sufficiency through financial counseling, education and planning.

The ultimate goal for many of the Hope in Housing participants is to become a homeowner. Along the way many are counseled on how to develop and execute long term financial plans which may include formal education, skills training, growing savings/investments, or even starting a business.

“Hope in Housing is a perfect example of the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” remarked CCUF Executive Director John Slack. “It is the Foundation’s pleasure to support a program that helps hard-working people of modest means learn financial principles that unlock the door to self-sufficiency and success.”

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) is pleased to announce it has awarded the Free Clinic of Reidsville & Rockingham County a Micro Community Grant. The grant funds will be used to upgrade the clinic’s phone system, and renovate and refurbish the clinic’s dental equipment.

The Free Clinic of Reidsville & Rockingham County is a free medical, dental clinic and pharmacy addressing the critical dental and healthcare needs of low-income, uninsured residents of Rockingham County. “The clinic provides a wonderful service to residents of Rockingham County who do not have medical insurance and may otherwise do without care,” said CCUF Executive Director John Slack.

The clinic’s phone message “system” is currently a $30 off-the-shelf answering machine. The Foundation grant will provide funds for the clinic to upgrade to a modern voicemail system. “This new system will allow the clinic to provide more effective and efficient service to its clients,” remarked Slack.
 
The Foundation also agreed to provide funds for the clinic to refurbish and renovate its dental equipment. These funds will help the clinic meet the high demand for dental services.     

Micro Community Grants allow credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina to partner with local non profit agencies to bring community benefit. The clinic grant proposal was put together with the help and cooperation of the North Piedmont Chapter of the NC Credit Union League. Dorinda Edwards and Stephanie Wilson of American Partners FCU were instrumental in working with the clinic to secure the Foundation grant. “Dorinda and Stephanie both volunteer at the clinic, along with other American Partners employees,” Slack noted “so they see firsthand the terrific job the clinic does.”

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a Micro Community Grant to the Helping Hands Clinic in Lenoir. The funds will be used to purchase a new phone system, and to help upgrade the computer system in clinic’s pharmacy.

The Helping Hands Clinic is a free medical clinic and pharmacy addressing the critical healthcare needs of low-income, uninsured residents of Caldwell County. This organization is founded on the belief that inability to pay should not prevent people from receiving quality healthcare.

The grant includes funds to upgrade the phone system in the clinic. “This will allow each staff member to have voicemail accounts, and help the clinic serve its patients much more efficiently,” said CCUF Executive Director John Slack.

The Foundation provided additional funds to help fund a new computer system in the clinic’s pharmacy. The updated computer system in the pharmacy will allow for expanded access to allow patients to refill their prescriptions anytime. It will also allow for a better system of tracking inventory and laser-generated labels. The CCUF is committing 60% of the funds needed to upgrade the pharmacy computer system, with the remainder of the funding to be provided by Caldwell County funding agencies.

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a $12,000 Micro Community Grant to the Recovering Sight Foundation in Sumter. The funds will be used to provide computer equipment and training that will assist eight Sumter-area blind people.

The Recovering Sight Foundation purchases a computer and specialized software for each blind student accepted, teaches them how to operate the computer/software, and provides them the computer/software at no charge. Recovering Sight is an all-volunteer organization.

“During the grant process, I had the great privilege of meeting Mr. Neil Towery of Recovering Sight,” said CCUF Executive Director John Slack. “Mr. Towery, who is himself blind, truly inspires with his commitment to helping restore independence, dignity and confidence in sight impaired people by opening up a new and exciting avenue for interacting with the world.”

Towery, who progressively lost his own sight over a 30 year period, provides computer equipment, software and training to blind people in the Sumter area. As a result of Towery’s efforts, blind people are able to “read” the newspaper daily, communicate with friends and family via email, compose letters and write papers.

The computer equipment and training costs $1,500 per person. The grant total of will allow eight people to receive the computer equipment and training.

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) announced today it has awarded a Micro Community Grant to the Timmonsville Boys & Girls Club in Florence County. The funds will be used to assist the fledgling agency in building a teen center.

The Timmonsville Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to providing structured activities for the youth in Timmonsville, SC. This organization is in its infancy and is receiving support from the Florence Boys & Girls Club. Timmonsville, like many small communities in SC, has been hit hard by job losses in the past several years.

“The Foundation is pleased to assist this agency in providing structured activities for young people,” said CCUF Executive Director John Slack. “Job losses and the lack of opportunity hit communities hard, and agencies like the Boys & Girls Club can often provide the kind of support that kids in these kind of situations need.”

The grant funds will come in two stages. The Foundation will provide funds to renovate a room in the old school building that is home to the club. After the renovation is complete and other improvements to the facility are made, the Foundation will provide additional funds to purchase equipment and items to stock the teen center.