America's Christian Credit Union (ACCU), a faith-based financial institution, celebrated National Foster Care Month with gusto. While sponsoring events in line with its call to Missional Banking, the credit union also reinforced its core value of Building Stronger Families.
On Saturday, May 18, ACCU’s premier foster care partner, Olive Crest, hosted a Foster Champions breakfast at Eagle Rock Baptist Church. The gathering included about fifty champions from all over Los Angeles County, representing churches, nonprofits, and individuals passionate about this ministry. The keynote speaker was Jason Johnson, a prolific blogger and mobilizer who has been spearheading foster care ministries across the country.
“We need to aim for long-term sustainability,” said Johnson. “Sustainability is built on the back of ministry.” He shared insights and strategies, and suggested ways in which everyone can do something, even those who cannot commit to bringing a child into their household.
The following Saturday, May 25, ACCU participated in the 12th Annual Foster Youth Townhall, keynoted by state senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge). About 60 foster youth, group home parents, and sponsoring agencies gathered for the townhall at Pasadena City College. ACCU was honored with a certificate of recognition from the State Senate, in recognition of service to foster youth.
“Through America’s Christian Credit Union’s investment in the community and partnerships,” said Sen. Portantino, “you have assisted families who have opened their own hearts to young children and foster youth. Your support will go a long way in ensuring foster youth have the support they need to finish high school, apply for college and pay for college.”
ACCU President/CEO Mendell Thompson reiterated the credit union’s commitment to helping foster youth become financially literate and increase their chance for greater success in independent living. To this end, VP/Chief Development Officer Fawn Imboden shared three initiatives being offered by the credit union: a 3-week financial literacy program; internships for qualifying foster youth; and a mentorship program run by ACCU staff.
Last but certainly not least, three ACCU staff took time on a Sunday afternoon to attend an adoption meeting at Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church, Irvine, CA. Hosted by Zero by 2020 Vision, the meeting was being held to spread the word about foster adoption to some 20,000 Christian congregations in Orange County, CA. Pastor Max McGhee of Saddleback Church, Zero by 2020 leader and himself an adoptive father of a Rwandan son, mentioned ACCU's Adoption Loan services, which have helped over 1,850 families responding to the call to adopt.
The nation has more than 440,000 children in the foster system, and 35,000 of them are in Los Angeles County alone. This crisis demands that the church seek ways to realize the promise in Psalm 68:6, that God sets the lonely in families. Even though National Foster Care Month is over, the need remains. Will you join us in this important mission to ensure that the foster children in our midst have a family to call their own?