Phoenix (STN) — As nonprofit organizations in Arizona and across the country seek creative ways to stretch their budgets, a local credit union has been helping raise additional funding for almost eight years.
Originally founded with $60,000 in 2016 as part of OneAZ Credit Union, the OneAZ Community Foundation provides grants earmarked for children’s health, youth services, veteran services, food banks and financial literacy programs throughout the state.
“We know there are kids in our area in the greater Phoenix area who need this type of program and these supplies. With support like this, we can do extraordinary things.”
Aaron Parrott – Executive Director, MentorKids USA
“We know that when we support this type of work, we are also supporting the communities we serve,” said Liza Buchanan, Senior Vice President of Marketing Operations for OneAZ Credit Union. “These five pillars are the fundamentals of what truly builds a strong community.”
As part of their mission in children’s health and youth services, OneAZ Community Foundation helps fund organizations such as MentorKids USA, a program that assists school students year-round in academics, spiritual growth, and leadership development.
“We run after-school programs and summer programs,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director at MentorKids USA. “We often hear that MentorKids is like family. There’s a different feeling here. They feel loved and cared for.”
OneAZ Credit Union relies on its members’ actions to fund the grant program by using their debit cards.
“Every time one of our members swipes their debit card, a penny is donated to the foundation by the credit union itself,” Buchanan said. “That money is then reinvested in the communities we serve.”
Funding through the OneAZ Community Foundation helps MentorKids USA cover the cost of much-needed supplies.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of OneAZ Credit Union and the donation of supplies for our after-school program,” Parrott said. “We know there are kids in our area in the greater Phoenix area who need this type of program and these supplies. With support like this, we can do extraordinary things.”
Watch the video above for more information about the OneAZ Community Foundation and MentorKids USA.
