RALEIGH, N.C., March 04, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SECU Foundation announced support for St. Gerard House, a non-profit entity located in Henderson County which assists individuals with autism and their family members. Foundation assistance is in the form of a $40,000 Capacity Building grant to help the organization with human resources development, strategic planning, fundraising, and financial sustainability. During a special event held in Asheville NC, representatives from St. Gerard House were presented with a ceremonial check by SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell.
“St. Gerard House is thrilled to have the support of the SECU Foundation Capacity Building grant to hire our first ever human resources director,” remarked Caroline Long, Executive Director of St. Gerard House. “This was a top goal of ours so that we can position ourselves for necessary growth – we have over 75 children on the waiting list and we are committed to expanding our capacity. SECU members and the folks at SECU Foundation really understand autism and the crisis situation for families looking for help. We are so grateful to be working with them!”
St. Gerard House opened in 2010 with a mission to help individuals with autism and their families experience more joy and achieve meaningful life outcomes. The organization offers a wide array of programs and services, including a preschool, treatments and therapies, pre-vocational training and social skills classes. They also provide training and supportive services to family members and others who are caregivers and integral supporters of individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. St. Gerard House serves families from an expanded region of western NC counties and has had families relocate to the community to obtain access to these services.
“We are proud to help St. Gerard House further their mission,” said Ms. Campbell. “High quality services for the treatment of autism, as well as family support, are greatly needed in this region and we’re here to help them reach the next step – strengthening their organization and broadening their reach to children of all ages in critical need of these services.”
About SECU and the SECU Foundation
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 81 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves over 2.3 million members through 265 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of more than $154 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.
Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director
Office: 919-839-5562 | secufoundation@ncsecu.org
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa002aa6-9c6e-4705-880a-47d4297f0aa0