RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A $2 million challenge grant for SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals was announced today by the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation Board of Directors in a formal contract signing ceremony and reception held in downtown Raleigh. Dr. Matthew Ewend, Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at UNC Health Care and SECU Family House Board Chair, joined SECU Foundation Board Chair Jim Johnson to sign the Agreement. This grant affirms SECU members’ support for the future expansion of a new wing that will nearly double the capacity of the Chapel Hill-based hospitality house from 40 to 75 rooms, helping more adult patients and patient families being served through UNC Hospitals.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c936362b-4def-483d-9ccf-ac4d3e91ac0c
“SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals is proud to share both the State Employees’ Credit Union name and its mission to serve the people of North Carolina,” said Dr. Ewend. “The expansion of the Family House will provide, for years to come, a safe and affordable home for families and their loved ones who are suffering from illness.”
The member-funded SECU Foundation, which was established in 2004, began supporting SECU Family House as one of its first projects in 2005 with a $2 million challenge grant for its original capital campaign. Since opening in 2008, the Family House has become a valued source of outreach for Credit Union members and staff who regularly volunteer their time preparing meals, in addition to donating supplies and raising thousands of dollars in contributions through annual fundraisers. The overwhelming support and success of the initiative propelled SECU members to partner with other medical communities to replicate the SECU Family House model in Winston-Salem and Wilmington.
“It takes the collaborative efforts of many caring people to provide such extraordinary hospitality, comfort, encouragement and tangible resources to guests all under one roof,” noted Mr. Johnson. “Today’s announcement of an additional $2 million challenge grant for a new wing at SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals illustrates the tremendous impact of this project and SECU members’ commitment to help extend Family House services to an even greater number of North Carolinians in their time of need.”
About SECU and the SECU Foundation
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 79 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves 2.2 million members through 257 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org. The SECU Foundation, a 501c (3) charitable organization funded solely by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of more than $130 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.