Waterloo, IA
- - - Two non-profit organizations in Cedar Rapids and Waterloo were awarded funding from Veridian Credit Union as part of their Inclusive Community Grant. Funds are awarded to programs that work to create meaningful two-way relationships between traditionally segregated populations and their peers. The grant is targeted toward three groups: individuals with disabilities, persons of modest means or low income and Latino immigrants.
The Arc of East Central Iowa, located in Cedar Rapids, received funding for their program Children That Learn Together, Learn To Live Together. Funding will allow children and teens with disabilities to attend theater classes alongside their peers who do not have disabilities. The Arc will be partnering with Theatre Cedar Rapids to make the program possible. "It has been our experience that friendships are formed between children…these friendships last a lifetime and provide lifelong lessons for each group of kids," said Jody Bridgewater, planned giving officer/director of mission advancement for The Arc of East Central Iowa.
Additional funding was awarded to Waterloo-based Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois for their T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) Camp program. The goal of the program is to enhance community inclusion by giving girls with and without disabilities a glimpse of traditional Girl Scout programming. Through activities like crafts, scavenger hunts, swimming, horseback riding, singing and archery, participants will learn team-building skills, create a positive self-image, learn about each other and themselves and meet new friends. The organization will partner with the YMCA's Together We Play program, Waterloo Community Schools, EPI and Lutheran Social Services. "Through these partnerships we can reach a diverse population of girls and provide a truly inclusive experience," said Joanne Wzontek, regional vice president for the Girl Scouts.
Veridian Credit Union, founded in 1934 in Waterloo, Iowa, is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. The credit union offers a full range of consumer financial services and employs more than 500 Iowans throughout 24 branches. For more information, visit www.veridiancu.org or call (800) 235-3228.
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For Immediate Release
February 18, 2010
Photos Available:
Photo A: The Arc of East Central Iowa is a recipient of Veridian Credit Union's Inclusive Community Grant. Pictured (left to right) are Tina Hogan, regional manager at Veridian and the Arc's Jody Bridgewater.
Photo B: The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois were awarded Inclusive Community Grant funding from Veridian Credit Union. Representing the Girl Scouts (left to right) are Joanne Wzontek and Jamie Harrington alongside Joanne Koweil, branch supervisor for Veridian.
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