Press
Credit union CEO presented Angel in Adoption Award by Congress
GLENDORA, CA, (September 23, 2014) — On September 16, 2014, America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) President and CEO, Mendell L. Thompson was presented with the Angel in Adoption™ award by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), after being selected by Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, for his outstanding advocacy of defending the cause of the fatherless.
Wicker, a strong advocate for adoption said, “Mr. Thompson’s influential work in lending to churches and families provides a wonderful example for other credit unions and financial institutions to follow. I commend Mr. Thompson for his assistance in facilitating the adoption process of so many children.”
The Pin Ceremony was followed by a gala on September 17. Chairman of the Board for ACCU, Norm Sauvé, fellow Board member, Dr. Kevin Mannoia, City of Glendora Council Member, Doug Tessitor, and President of New Beginnings International Children’s and Family Services, Tom Velie, joined Thompson at the celebration in support of this momentous event. Chuck Johnson, President and CEO of the National Council for Adoption who was also in attendance exclaimed, “We’re thrilled for Mendell and ACCU! This recognition is well deserved.”
America’s Christian CU’s adoption ministry began in 2009 under Thompson’s visionary leadership. Since then, ACCU has helped unite over 1,100 children with their forever families through the award-winning Adoption Loan Program. In response to the news of receiving this award Thompson said, “This is indeed an honor, blessing and statement of God’s hand on our mission. We believe that every child deserves a forever family and will work every day to advance the cause of the orphan.” More than 100,000 children nationwide are in need of a loving family and ACCU is honored to assist in making adoption possible for couples.
In an official statement on the Congressional Record, Senator Mary Landrieu, Co-Chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, remarked, “I wanted to give a shout out to Senator Wicker’s Angel, Mr. Mendell Thompson and his board of directors at America’s Christian Credit Union in California and thank them for believing that every child deserves a forever family and for taking an active role in crafting an affordable solution for America’s adoptive families. He’s got a passionate heart for the miracle of adoption and continues to promote this in California and around the country.”
Many friends of Thompson and ACCU offered their commendations. Joseph Santoro, City of Glendora Councilmember, said, “I know your efforts are an act of true love and concern for those who have little if any voice in this world.” David Busic, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene wrote “Your advocacy on behalf of orphans is just one of the Christ-like attributes we have come to appreciate about you.” Commissioner David Jeffrey of The Salvation Army commented, “What an impact you are making in the lives of children and families.”
The Angels in Adoption™ program is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad. Each year, more than 140 Angels are honored through the Angels in Adoption™ program.
About The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a 501©3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes through adoption. For more information, visit www.ccainstitute.org or www.angelsinadoption.org.
About America’s Christian Credit Union
America’s Christian CU provides a broad range of financial solutions to individuals and ministries that empower them to reach their stewardship goals while expanding God’s Kingdom. Founded in 1958 and currently managing nearly $500 million in assets, ACCU serves the financial needs of its individual, family, ministry and business members. Funds entrusted to the credit union are reinvested in Kingdom purposes, supporting the Church worldwide. For additional information, visitwww.AmericasChristianCU.com.