GLENDORA, Calif.–America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger families, communities, and futures during its 60th anniversary year as a “financial partner for cultural impact.”
“For 60 years, ACCU, through our mission – to reach, serve, and teach – has been steadfast in our commitment to improve the lives of our members. We strive to set an example as a positive change agent and as a financial partner grounded in Christian stewardship principles,” said CEO Mendell L. Thompson. “One of our proudest achievements is our premier Adoption Loan program, by which we have helped over 1,750 children find their forever family.”
Recently, America’s Christian Credit Union noted it was named as one of America’s most adoption-friendly workplaces by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
“Today we want to build upon the momentum of our adoption ministry and expand our vision to assist at-risk foster youth in our community,” said Thompson, who is also mayor of the city of Glendora, n remarks at “College Bound,” Pasadena City College’s first-ever college resource conference for foster youth.
“There is such a profound need,” observed Fawn Imboden, Vice President of America’s Christian Credit Union. “These children often have to make very adult decisions and weigh perceived short-term gains against long term benefits. The current education epidemic affecting foster youth in our nation is staggering. As it stands today, only about 50% of foster youth graduate from high school and just 2% emerging from foster care earn a degree of any kind after high school. This is a societal problem that we have a responsibility to help solve.”
In response to this clear need, America’s Christian Credit Union, along with California State Sen. Anthony Portantino, and several local churches, non-profits and agencies, helped organize the “College Bound” event, focused on encouraging and assisting high school foster youth as they look to navigate their teen years and stay on track for college. ACCU contributed to the event by hosting financial trivia and literacy workshops in addition to bestowing six scholarships and special bonuses to college-bound attendees who complete financial aid applications.
“ACCU’s support of this event will go a long way in ensuring that foster youth have the support