SPOKANE, Wash.–More than 100 volunteers from 18 different credit unions gave of their time on International Credit Union Day to help renovate Thrive International.
Thrive provides transitional housing, empowerment programs, and support to more than 100 refugee families.
“With unprecedented numbers of people fleeing wars and persecution around the world, Spokane has stepped up to welcome thousands of refugees annually,” said Mark Finney, Thrive International executive director. “Thrive International is proud to partner with our local credit unions to empower these new neighbors to rebuild their lives and dream new dreams — making a stronger, more vibrant community for us all.”
Tje 100 credit union volunteers cleaned and restored Thrive’s interior and exterior spaces. The credit unions also donated essential home and cleaning supplies to Thrive families.
The credit unions said they were inspired to come alongside Thrive’s work with refugees like the Skliarenko family. Denis and Liudmyla Skliarenko, with their three children, found safety at Thrive after fleeing Ukraine earlier this year. Thrive assisted the family with employment assistance, social services, medical insurance, and more.
“Here we are given a chance,” said Denis Skliarenko. “It is like a home here. We have support in word and deed. This is a warm and loving environment.”
This year’s 18 participating credit unions included: Avista Credit Union, BECU, Canopy Credit Union, Cheney Federal Credit Union, Gesa Credit Union, Global Credit Union, Horizon Credit Union, Idaho Central Credit Union, Numerica Credit Union, PrimeSource Credit Union, Progressions Credit Union, Responders Emergency Services Credit Union, Safeway Employees Federal Credit Union, Spokane City Credit Union, Spokane Firefighters Credit Union, Spokane Media Federal Credit Union, STCU and WSECU.