RALEIGH, N.C.–– State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU), in conjunction with credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina, has announced its support of Victory Junction’s REACH program. Several members from SECU’s area branch management team recently presented Victory Junction representatives with a $125,000 check for the camp’s outreach program.
Victory Junction, located in Randleman, N.C., has long been supported by SECU and its staff since the Camp’s inception in June 2004. The Camp provides children with disease, illness or disability the opportunity for life-changing experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family.
In 2011, Victory Junction staff began the REACH program – working with pediatric hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses to enhance and support existing patient and family-centered care with specialized camp-style programming. The REACH team’s hands-on approach includes room-to-room visits and a “camp day,” with an activity aimed at meeting each child’s needs and abilities. More than 8,000 children have been served by the program, which is primarily supported by credit unions via the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.
In acknowledging SECU’s support, Chad Coltrane, Victory Junction President and CEO, stated, “Thanks to State Employees’ Credit Union, staff and members for strengthening Victory Junction’s REACH program. REACH allows us to take camp-like experiences to children in hospitals across North and South Carolina. With the support of credit unions, we have seen a 140% increase in the amount of kids served by Victory Junction’s program.”
SECU District Senior Vice President Kendra Adams added, “State Employees’ Credit Union members and staff have been ardent supporters of Victory Junction for many years. Extending that support to the REACH program is a natural fit for the Credit Union, as the outreach program and its mission of serving those in need embodies SECU’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ mission and the credit union industry’s ‘People Helping People®’ philosophy. Both Victory Junction and REACH are making a positive difference in the lives of children in both of the Carolinas and we appreciate their efforts!”