Security Service Charitable Foundation has donated $10,000 to The Christmas Box International, an organization that provides short-term emergency children’s shelters for youth who are awaiting foster care placement. In 2017, 10,000 children and teens who were victims of abuse, neglect or homelessness were served by the organization throughout Utah.
Security Service’s $10,000 donation will go towards purchasing a van for The Christmas Box International’s program, JourneyUP Mentor Project (JUMP). JUMP targets youth ages 14-24 who are at risk for aging out of the foster care system and have not solidified a permanent family. Studies show that having an adult who cares about a child is a key factor in success. The JUMP program pairs an adult volunteer mentor with a child to help them as they move into adult living. The van will be used to take children to meetings with mentors and to activities that assist in this transition such as job interviews.
“We believe every child deserves a childhood, but we also know that part of childhood is preparation for adulthood,” said Lisa McDonald, executive director for The Christmas Box International. “That’s why it is critical we walk with children who are aging out of foster care, helping them as they begin to make their own way as adults. Security Service’s $10,000 will play a critical role in this mission.”
“Ensuring that future generations have every opportunity to succeed is one of the most important things we can do as an organization,” said Ben Wiseman, vice president of member service for Security Service Federal Credit Union – Mountain West Region. “The Christmas Box International’s mentorship program for older youth transitioning out of foster care helps to create a bridge of care and compassion for these young adults as they embark upon new journeys. We are honored to play a small role in their mission through this donation.”
The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further Security Service Federal Credit Union’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union’s market areas.
Keeley Bierwolf, JUMP director at The Christmas Box International; Stephani Zind, JUMP manager at The Christmas Box International; Ben Wiseman, vice president of member service for Security Service Federal Credit Union – Mountain West Region; and Lisa McDonald, executive director of fundraising for The Christmas Box International.