Last year, America's Christian Credit Union initiated its overwhelmingly successful community outreach program, Live the Mission. In its first year, staff hosted or took part in ten major community events, a half-dozen run/walks for charities, and more than doubled their level of overall charitable giving. ACCU's three charities of choice – Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Neighborhood Homework House and Shepherd's Pantry – were the chief beneficiaries of the employees' financial gifts.
ACCU hosted the "Pause for Paws" pet adoption event on Valentine's Day, helping more than 15 animals find permanent homes. In May, the credit union's Home Office in Glendora was also the venue for the second annual Patriot Week festivities, which honored local veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders. In November, ACCU organized and hosted its fourth annual "Annual Day of Praying Together" (ADOPT), focusing on prayer and awareness of our country's great need for the adoption of orphans, foster children, and other at-risk kids who desperately seek a forever family to take them in.
Staff participated in additional worthy projects and fundraisers, including Empty Bowls hosted by the First Christian Church of Glendora; Occasional Angels with Neighborhood Homework House in Azusa; the Salvation Army's Christmas Angels gift program; and events benefitting Mothers Helping Others, L.A. Dream Center, and other charities and non-profit ministries. The Credit Union was noticed by many organizations in the community. Andie Alama-Smith, Director of Corporate Relations at The Dream Center exclaimed, "Your partnership has made this year an enjoyable and memorable one for the children and families amongst the Los Angeles area."
Mendell L. Thompson, America's Christian Credit Union President/CEO, explained, "Our mission is 'to Reach, Serve and Teach.' Over a year ago we set out to demonstrate that mission with our actions in the community, and I'm overwhelmed by our staff's response to our Live the Mission campaign. I'm proud of the work we've accomplished this year in our efforts to give back to this community that has given us so much. "
Live The Mission concluded the year by bestowing recognition on the team and the individual with the greatest level of giving, in terms of time spent on charitable and outreach events, dollars donated, and community events attended. For 2015, the team award went to SVP/CFO Nicki Harms and her "Team David" team members, and the individual honor went to AVP of Human Resources Richard Mathews. Both were recognized for their outstanding work at the company's staff Christmas breakfast on December 18.
*Pictured: Kristianna Torres, Khloe Carlson-Torres, Mendell L. Thompson & ACCU Staff