Autism classroom dedicated to United Federal Credit Union
ST. JOSEPH, MI (November 9, 2017) — A $30,000 gift to LOGAN from United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) will help pay for a classroom for children with autism. Officials from UFCU visited the LOGAN Autism Learning Center in Benton Harbor today and met some of the children who will benefit from their generosity.
They presented the gift to LOGAN in a hallway decorated with children’s artwork. In addition to dedicating the classroom, UFCU has been providing coloring sheets to the community as part of as their “YOU COLOR – U DONATE” campaign. More than 300 youth took the time to color a sheet to decorate the classroom.
“As I look around, I am struck by the vibrant drawings on the walls. Beautifully-colored pictures of puzzle pieces that not only symbolize the complexities of autism, but also show the love and support that people in this community, both young and old, want to show to the LOGAN Center and the children they serve,” said UFCU Midwest Market Vice President Emily Szymkiewicz. “We have long admired the work the LOGAN Center has done in the South Bend-Mishawaka area, and we could not be happier to do our part to expand their work in Southwest Michigan.”
UFCU pledged to give $10,000 a year over a three-year period to LOGAN’s “For the Kids” capital campaign. The money will be used to pay for renovations to the former Stump School, which LOGAN purchased in 2016. The building has since been transformed into a bustling autism learning center serving more than 100 families.
Included in the renovations are six classrooms for children ranging in age from 18-months to young adult. One of those classrooms – the Super Heroes Classroom – will be named the United Federal Credit Union classroom in recognition of the gift.
“We are so thankful for the gift UFCU has generously given us to help our therapists continue to change the lives of those on the autism spectrum here,” said Patrick Roemer, LOGAN Director of Development. “With branches across the country, UFCU is not only committed to philanthropy and making the world a better place, but doing so right at home in Southwest Michigan.”
UFCU is one of several community partners stepping up to help LOGAN provide much-needed autism services to families in Berrien County.
“We’re so excited to be in a community with generous business partners who care about making Southwest Michigan and Berrien County a better place for everyone who lives here,” said Roemer.
About United Federal Credit Union
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. United consists of more than 186,000 Member/owners worldwide and manages assets in excess of $3.8 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal opportunity lender. Equal housing lender. For more information visit UnitedFCU.com
About LOGAN
LOGAN, based in South Bend, Indiana, is a not-for-profit organization offering resources and opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they, and their families, may achieve their desired quality of life. Since 1950, LOGAN has reached out to friends and families with help and hope through advocacy, resources and services. For more information, visit www.LoganCenter.org.
