American Eagle Federal Credit Union Awards Grant to The Bridge

The American Eagle Federal Credit Union Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving awarded a $5,000 grant to The Bridge Family Center, Inc. in West Hartford. This grant was presented at the Credit Union’s West Hartford branch open house on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012.

Margaret Hann, executive director of The Bridge Family Center, Inc. accepted the grant from William J. Dokas, president and chief executive officer at American Eagle Federal Credit Union, Jennifer Valenches, American Eagle’s West Hartford branch manager, and Maggie Willard, senior donor services officer at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

“We are very grateful for the American Eagle’s generous support, which will truly make a difference for the teens in crisis who come to our safe, nurturing shelters,” said Ms. Hann. “This grant will provide basic needs for children and teens ages 11 to 18 at The Bridge’s three Youth Shelters/Short-Term Assessment and Respite (STAR) homes located in Greater Hartford.

According to Martha L. Rennie, director of development at The Bridge Family Center, Inc., the STAR Homes provide a safe, caring, and nurturing haven for teens who have suffered trauma, violence, and abuse.  “While the teens are at the temporary shelters, they participate in therapeutic counseling, group activities, and attend school,” Rennie said.  “The Bridge provides for all their needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and medical/dental care,” she added.

With this grant, The Bridge will be able to purchase more fresh produce and nutritious snacks, emergency clothing, toiletries/personal care items, and offer healthy recreational activities for these teens in crisis.

The Bridge was founded in 1969 to meet the needs of West Hartford community youth who were engaged in high-risk behavior, especially substance abuse, and who were getting into trouble with the law. The Bridge expanded its outreach efforts, opened a shelter for runaway and homeless youth, and began to work directly with schools. Today the Bridge is a comprehensive, regional nonprofit agency offering a broad range of services to children, youth, and families in the Greater Hartford area, with particular attention to serving those at risk.

American Eagle Federal Credit Union established a Donor-Advised Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to foster the Credit Union’s support for charitable giving and community outreach. The fund serves as the Credit Union’s primary source of charitable giving in the Greater Hartford area. The Fund provides grants in Hartford, Middlesex, and Tolland counties to support education and youth with an emphasis on literacy and personal finance; basic human needs including food, clothing, and shelter; and community development. The Fund enables the Credit Union to be actively involved with fundraising and charitable giving, while maximizing the expertise and experience of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

This information was provided in a news release submitted by American Eagle Federal Credit Union.