NORFOLK, Va.– The We Promise Foundation, the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union, provided funding for 16 children and young adults to attend Camp Horizon, a program of The Up Center.
Chartway’s We Promise Foundation continued its five-year support of St. Mary’s with a $25,000 gift, its largest thus far, to send children and young adults with severe disabilities to camp.
Participants went on field trips and participated in therapeutic recreation and education programs, including working on art projects, listening to music and playing sports.
We Promise Foundation Chairman John Blum said Chartway’s foundation once again was honored to provide full financial funding to support children and young adults who live at St. Mary’s.
“Our employees are deeply dedicated to supporting and strengthening our communities,” said Blum. “Having been a proud supporter for so many years, we have been changed and uplifted to see the ways this summer program allows children and young adults to make meaningful connections and experience quality, spirit-lifting activities designed to help each person reach his or her fullest potential.”
Since 2011, Chartway’s We Promise Foundation has donated $97,400 to provide children and young adults at St. Mary’s the opportunity to attend Camp Horizon.
Above, right, back row, from left: Jen Saunders, director, We Promise Foundation Board; Beth K. O’Toole, former vice chair, We Promise Foundation; Karen Lane, executive director, We Promise Foundation; Brandi Calica, events manager, We Promise Foundation.
Front row, from left: Ferhat Kakouche, assistant director, Camp Horizon; Isaiah, 15, who lives at St. Mary’s Home and has been attending Camp Horizon for about a decade; Ilse Turner, Camp Horizon staff; Michael Mingo-Dabney, Camp Horizon staff; Kenneth Freeman, Camp Horizon staff; Jorge,15, who lives at St. Mary’s Home.