LOWELL, Mass.–As the winner of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s recent promotion, member Linda Sunderland was awarded a $1,000 prize, as well as the opportunity to choose a non-profit organization to receive a $1,000 donation. Ms. Sunderland selected House of Hope and in return received a priceless gift: a room in House of Hope’s newest location named after her late mother, the credit union reported.
House of Hope is an organization dedicated to providing a safe haven for families struggling with homelessness in the Lowell area. Their services include housing and food assistance, education and employment training, medical and behavioral healthcare and more.
“Donations like this mean that we’re recognized in the community,” said Executive Director of House of Hope, Deborah Chausse. “Our success is because of the support of local businesses,” she added.
Currently, House of Hope is in the process of reopening the doors of the Merrimack River Valley House on Fletcher Street in Lowell. Once known as “The Old Ladies Home,” the building served as an assisted living facility for women before it closed in 2015. Acquired by House of Hope, the 150-year-old building will soon serve as a temporary home for 30 homeless families.
Jeanne D’Arc noted that in 2010, Ms. Sunderland’s mother, Rita Grady, was a resident of “The Old Ladies Home.” Ms. Grady, a life-long seamstress, passed away in 2012.
“I still remember where the room was that she stayed,” said Ms. Sunderland. “Her room was above the office where the girls worked.”
To turn the building into a home for the new families, House of Hope is running a program called “Adopt-A-Room,” in which generous donors can contribute funds to furnish the 30 rooms in the building.
The $1,000 donation provided to House of Hope through the promotion is just about enough to furnish one room, but not just any room. The donation will be used to furnish the room Ms. Sunderland’s mother resided in, and a plaque with Ms. Grady’s name will be displayed in the room.
“I feel so honored that my mother's memory will be displayed in this manner. She deserves every recognition in her name,” Ms. Sunderland said. “She was a very strong and hard working person her whole life. She was always looking for ways to help others. She lived in Lowell her whole life and was very proud of that fact.”
“What began as a simple donation provided through the Credit Union’s promotion, resulted in a true expression of our motto, ‘We Share A Common Thread’,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “We are thrilled to be part of this honor bestowed on Linda’s mother and to assist in the House of Hope’s mission,” he added.
During the “$1,000 For You And Your Favorite Charity” promotion, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union members who used their Jeanne D’Arc Visa Credit Card between September 1, 2016 and November 5, 2016 were entered into a drawing to win $1,000 for themselves and the chance to choose a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to also win a $1,000 donation from the Credit Union’s We Share A Common Thread Foundation.
Above, right, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union member, Linda Sunderland is the winner of the Credit Union’s recent promotion. Ms. Sunderland received a $1,000 prize for herself and the opportunity to donate an additional $1,000 to the organization of her choice. Ms. Sunderland selected House of Hope to receive the donation from the Credit Union’s We Share A Common Thread Foundation.