SANTA ANA, Calif. – Oct. 26, 2020 – Orange County’s Credit Union, a Santa Ana-based financial services provider with more than 117,000 Members, is the recipient of a 2020 AHEAD Grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco for $37,500. The grant funds will be used to support the COVID-19 relief efforts of Orange County, California-based pediatric healthcare system, CHOC Children’s.
CHOC has been tirelessly committed to the highest quality medical care for children since 1964. The dedicated and highly trained staff are relentless in their mission to nurture, advance, and protect the health and well-being of children.
Among the pandemic impacts is a drop in reportable cases of child abuse and neglect in the region and nationally. There’s wide recognition that the problem hasn’t gone away; experts believe that it’s hidden because many at-risk children are less visible to daycare providers, teachers, counselors, pediatricians, and extended family who typically report their concerns. The AHEAD Grant will support expansion of social work hours. CHOC’s social workers will assess and assist patients of concern in the emergency department, inpatient floors and outpatient clinics, as well as prepare for the expected surge of reported cases.
The grant also includes additional support from a social worker specifically trained in child protection to provide more consistent care and continuity of care if children are given to Child Protective Services for investigations. These funds also provide greater accessibility to social workers (in-person and via telehealth) for stressed parents who require education and resources.
“With all the challenges 2020 has brought, receiving this grant is a huge bright spot for our team and patients,” said Erika Jewell, Manager of Case Management & Social Services at CHOC. “This grant will allow us to serve even more people in need and have a lasting impact on the children we serve for years to come.”
As a member-owned organization, Orange County’s Credit Union has deep roots in the communities it serves and aims to put people at the heart of every decision it makes. The organization is a long-standing partner of CHOC with over $110,000 donated in 2019 alone. It selected CHOC for this grant to highlight the ways the COVID-19 crisis has impacted donations to CHOC and the health and well-being of children.
“CHOC relies on local support to provide outstanding care for the children in our community and the pandemic has undoubtedly affected donations received,” said Amber Cisneros, Chief Member Experience Officer at Orange County’s Credit Union. “CHOC holds a special place in our hearts and we’re so grateful to have been awarded the AHEAD Grant that will support CHOC’s continued efforts to advance and protect the health and well-being of our local youth.”
AHEAD grants are delivered through FHLBank San Francisco’s member financial institutions to local community organizations for projects and programs that offer benefits to lower-income and underserved communities. In response to the economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 crisis, FHLBank San Francisco increased its planned 2020 funding allocation by $2 million, for a total of $3.5 million. FHLBank San Francisco awarded $1.6 million in grants to 45 projects that will boost economic development activity and promote financial stability in communities throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada. The additional $1.9 million in funding will be used for 52 targeted pandemic relief projects providing food, clothing, rental assistance, homeless services, health services, and other support to the communities it serves.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY’S CREDIT UNION
Orange County’s Credit Union is a Santa Ana-based financial services provider established in 1938 with more than 117,000 Members. As a not-for-profit financial services provider exceeding $2 billion in assets, Orange County’s Credit Union is owned by Members, not shareholders, which means its profits are returned to Members in the form of fewer fees, lower loan rates, and enhanced products and services. Orange County’s Credit Union offers services including checking and savings, mobile banking, and retirement accounts, as well as auto, small business, and home loans with mortgage offerings including zero down and 3% down options. Ranked in the top 3% of credit unions nationwide based on assets, Orange County’s Credit Union offers Membership to anyone who lives or works in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. For more information, visit Orange County’s Credit Union’s website at orangecountyscu.org, or call (888) 354-6228.