SANTA FE, N.M.—Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU) made a contribution of $5,000 to YouthWorks! for its ShelterNow! project to house homeless young people.
DNCU said it was inspired to meet a challenge grant provided by the Kind World Foundation to the project.
“We are excited to be able to contribute to this vital project,” says DNCU CEO/President Chuck Valenti. “Visiting with homeless youth at YouthWorks! and hearing their difficult stories really impacted our staff. Our mission philanthropic focus is to improve the lives of youth in northern New Mexico, and that is what this contribution accomplishes.”
"There is great leverage when organizations and the community come together to solve social issues and meet unmet needs,” said Melynn Schuyler, YouthWorks! Executive Director. “With the generosity of Del Norte Credit Union, private citizens, the faith community and several foundations, an ongoing crisis is being solved. It is a beautiful collaboration of compassionate and driven people that has gotten this done!"
YouthWorks! is serving as the umbrella organization for this pilot project, which aligns the resources of local non-profits to tackle the homelessness of young people aged 18 to 24. In Santa Fe alone, there are an estimated several hundred homeless youth. The project also provides the regular ¡YouthWorks! “wraparound” programs during the day, including counseling, education and job training.
Above, right, Del Norte Credit Union staff present $5,000 to the ShelterNow! group. Holding big check on left is Kim Currie, VP Marketing of DNCU and on right is Melynn Schuyler of ¡YouthWorks!