Fibre Federal Credit Union Honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a $40,000 Gift to the Emergency Support Shelter

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on November 8, 2024

One day of volunteerism this September set off a chain reaction of giving for Fibre Federal Credit Union. Angie Shipman, FFCU’s SVP Chief Experience Officer, joined fellow Fibre Family volunteers for a United Way Day of Caring project at the Emergency Support Shelter (ESS) in Longview, Wash. As she worked, she listened to ESS staff comments about the need for improvements around the facility and the lack of resources to fund them. This planted a seed that grew into an exciting opportunity to give and help change lives.

(Left to right): Felina Gonzalez, ESS Operations Manager; Nuie Ingram, FFCU Graphic Designer; Chelsea Eddington, FFCU Marketing Specialist; Angie Shipman, FFCU SVP Chief Experience Officer; Heather Snyder, FFCU AVP Marketing; and Sarah Hancock, ESS Executive Director.

After Angie’s inspirational experience, Fibre Federal combined Visa grant funds with a triple match opportunity from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Member Impact Fund, resulting in a $40,000 donation to the Emergency Support Shelter. The funds will be instrumental in enhancing ESS’s ability to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through two critical facility improvements: a rejuvenated relaxation space for staff to decompress and a safer outdoor play area for children staying at the shelter. These upgrades will significantly bolster ESS’s capacity to provide safety, support, and healing to their vulnerable residents while also supporting their dedicated staff.

Another impressive act of giving was spurred by Fibre Family volunteerism at Day of Caring. Tracy Heltemes, FFCU’s Digital Experience Systems Manager, joined Angie at the Day of Caring project and similarly left inspired to give back. Tracy organized a staff donation drive for ESS’s most needed supplies and presented a wagonload of donations to the organization in mid-October.

While these recent donations come appropriately timed during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fibre Federal has maintained a strong, longstanding partnership with ESS for years. Since 2016, the credit union has donated more than $11,000, and employees have contributed nearly 100 volunteer hours for ESS support. Fibre Federal’s enduring partnership with ESS reflects their shared dedication to the betterment of their communities, supporting those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault through advocacy education, emergency housing, health resources, and comprehensive well-being services.

Posted in Community Impact, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington.