Vermont Business Magazine VSECU, a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody in Vermont, today announced it donated $10,000 through its VGives program to the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless (BCCH), a nonprofit organization striving for sustainable solutions to end the cycle of homelessness by promoting decent, safe, fair, and affordable shelter for all through a range of programs and support services. VSECU’s donation will support BCCH’s recently expanded life skills and enrichment programs, which include supportive case management. The organization estimates this contribution will positively impact as many as 200 homeless Vermonters in the Bennington County area. These individuals will now have expanded access to programming that aims to help them secure and maintain permanent housing.
“We would not be able to do what we do without the support from our community. Our new relationship with VSECU solidifies the notion that together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need,” said Christopher Oldham, Executive Director of BCCH. “We are very grateful that VSECU recognizes the work of the Coalition and is willing to help us facilitate new beginnings for homeless families and individuals throughout our community.”
“In our efforts to empower possibilities for Vermonters, we are committed to areas of essential need, including shelter, food and financial literacy – needs that BCCH works tirelessly to provide,” said Rob Miller, CEO of VSECU. “BCCH’s work is so important, particularly in the Bennington community, and we are very happy to support its mission to end homelessness with this donation.”
Working to provide more than just a bed for its participants, BCCH offers enrichment programs such as budgeting and credit repair, nutrition/gardening and cooking workshops with a focus on healthy meal planning on a budget, and employment readiness coaching. VSECU’s donation will support these programs, in addition to BCCH’s intensive case management services. “We also owe a debt of gratitude to the co-working, collaborative space known as the Lightning Jar powered by VSECU. We are very grateful for the relationships made and the benefits of being a member. We strongly believe that the future of the Coalition depends on such collaboration and innovation,” added Oldham.
About VSECU
VSECU is a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody who lives and works in Vermont, offering a full range of affordable financial products and services to its member-owners. VSECU is committed to improving the lives of Vermonters by empowering the possibilities for greater social, environmental, and financial prosperity. For more information about VSECU, call 802/800 371-5162 or visit www.vsecu.com.
About Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless
Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless has a mission to end homelessness in Vermont through sharing information, developing resources, providing a forum for decision-making and to promote decent, safe, fair, affordable shelter for all. It operates four different types of homeless shelters in Bennington County: A day center, a singles shelter, a family shelter, and a long-term shelter for homeless families or individuals in recovery. The Coalition serves nearly fifty people on any given night.
Pictured: Janet Hollner, VSECU Board Member; Christopher H. Oldham, Executive Director Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless; and Laurie Gormley, VSECU Bennington Branch Manager.