Thank you to those have given

What an honor to be selected as a recipient from the Wright-Patt Credit Union Sunshine Community Fund! This fund is the giving arm of the credit union. As a 501(c)(3) public foundation, the WPCU Sunshine Community Fund works closely with nonprofits that help improve, strengthen, and safeguard financial security of vulnerable populations within our community. The Sunshine Community Fund’s mission is to strengthen the financial health and wellbeing of the communities in which WPCU, its members, and parter-employees live and work. All funds given come from our employees’ fundraising efforts through their InspiRAYtion Grants. Their employees dig deep into their pockets and twice a year provide funds back into the community. Since 2009, they have given more than $2.3M to nonprofits across Dayton and Central Ohio to improve the lives of our neighbors. This gift will offset the costs of food and bunk bed ladders needed in our Men’s Recovery Housing program as well as start up seeds needed for The Greenhouse Project. From our team and those we serve, THANK YOU!

Here was our special message that accompanied our application to the WPCU employees:

“Your partnership is literally saving lives. In just six months, men have entered our doors who were suicidal, standing at a bridge contemplating death, at rock bottom points of desperation due to the disease of substance use disorder. This disease had taken over their lives and they lost hope, but somehow they found their way to Emerge. Welcomed and treated with respect and love by a trained clinical team, dozens of lives have been transformed with individualized treatment plans and the opportunity to engage in 12-step or faith-based treatment programs. Smiles return, families are reunited, relationships are strengthening thanks to those who support this mission. In addition, men are completing their GEDs on our campus, connecting to employers who will give them a second chance and vocational pathways, many in the skilled trades to help fill this important workforce need. Our program is now at capacity and able to serve 43 men who live and receive their treatment on our 45 acre campus. Your investment in our residents is guiding people to a life of self-sufficiency and purpose where they can proudly be a contributing member of society who one day, can help give someone else a second chance. Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative is rebuilding lives and restoring hope in Xenia, Ohio and creating a ripple effect of healthy communities one individual, one family at a time.”

Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent was to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.

After a presentation last month by Elaine Bonner, Director of Philanthropy, the K of C St. Leonard/Incarnation Council 10215 gathered and voted to award Emerge a gift of $500. “This will allow us to further prepare our Recovery Housing location in Yellow Springs that will accommodate 40 men by providing five new mattresses. Every gift gets us closer to our goal,” said Elaine.