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Five local non-profits awarded funds by VSECU members

$50,000 in funding directed to Vermont charities through VSECU’s We Care 2 giving program

MONTPELIER, VT (April 5, 2022) — VSECU, a member-owned cooperative and not-for-profit credit union for all Vermonters, is donating a total of $50,000 to five Vermont non-profits through its member-directed giving program, We Care 2. The awards, ranging from $7,800 to $12,700, will help these organizations continue to help Vermonters and support communities, with a particular focus in the areas of food, shelter, and financial education. Since the inception of the We Care 2 giving program in 2013, VSECU members have used their votes to direct $311,000 to non-profit organizations working to improve the quality of life for all Vermonters.

Each year, We Care 2 funds are distributed based on the percentage of votes received by each charitable organization in VSECU’s Annual Elections. This year, VSECU members cast 4,497 votes, each amounting to a direct donation to their preferred non-profit.

“We still see the ripple effects of the pandemic on our friends and neighbors throughout Vermont,” said Simeon Chapin, community impact officer at VSECU. “This year’s We Care 2 finalists are doing the demanding work to keep Vermonters housed, fed, and on their feet during difficult times. It’s wonderful to see our members get involved and vote in support of the causes and organizations that resonate with them the most.”

COVER Home Repair will receive an award of $10,809.

“We are so grateful to VSECU and its members for voting for COVER Home Repair,” said Executive Director Helen Hong. “As housing prices and the cost of other essential goods continue to rise, lower-income Vermonters are less able to pay for home repair and modifications. The $10,809 that COVER has been awarded will enable us to build five new roofs and ramps for our neighbors in need. Thank you for your support!”

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) will receive an award of $10,626.

“As Vermonters continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, we have had record demand for our Farm Share program this year,” said Local Food Access Programs Director Helen Rortvedt. “This program provides half-priced CSA shares to limited-income Vermonters while ensuring that the farms are paid the full value of the share. These funds will help us to meet the demand for this program that supports both nutrition security and farm viability.”

Pathways Vermont will receive an award of $7,824.

“These funds will help us to provide permanent housing and ongoing support for people who have been struggling to find shelter,” said Director of Development Maria Moore. “We’re very grateful to have been a part of this year’s We Care 2 program.”

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCA VT) will receive an award of $12,700.

“All of us at Prevent Child Abuse Vermont are grateful for the generous support of VSECU members! We are honored to get so many votes,” said Executive Director Linda Johnson. “Your gift will make a great difference for hundreds of vulnerable children who are helped through our Family Support Programs. Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart.”

Recovery Partners of Vermont, formerly known as Vermont Recovery Network, will receive an award of $8,041.

“The Recovery Partners of Vermont and its members are so grateful to VSECU members for voting for our mission to support Vermonters in recovery from an alcohol/substance use disorder,” said Executive Director Gary De Carolis. “We are all heartened by your support and will continue to do all we can to help our members reach and sustain recovery.”

Each year, the We Care 2 program receives applications from qualifying charities across the state. Finalists for We Care 2 program, as well as all recipients of VSECU giving, are selected based on their positive and direct impact on issues of food, shelter, heat, environment, or financial education for Vermonters.

To learn more about VSECU’s member-directed giving program and this year’s award recipients, visit the We Care 2 web page.

About VSECU

VSECU, a division of New England Federal Credit Union, is a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody who lives or 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 possibilities for greater social, environmental, and financial prosperity. For more information about VSECU, call 802/800 371-5162 or visit www.vsecu.com.