Credit Union Spotlight, presented by CUInsight, features credit unions taking action and changing their local communities. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the important work these credit unions do to bring their mission to life.
Education has been part of Addition Financial Credit Union’s DNA since its founding by a small group of Orange County educators in 1937. Over the years, both the organization and its membership have expanded, but their commitment to supporting students, teachers, and schools remains a fundamental part of their mission.
To further this commitment, Addition Financial launched the Renovate to Educate program seven years ago, providing "dream makeovers" for teachers' classrooms. This year, they evolved the program to better address the changing needs of their community by transforming “needs spaces” at local schools to support unhoused and low-income students and their families.
Addition Financial Credit Union recognizes that basic needs must be met before students can focus on their education. They are taking action and sharing their story below:
The story:
This year, the Addition Financial Foundation is refining the focus of its program to better meet the broader needs of their community. They are shifting their efforts from individual classroom renovations and focusing on enhancing the overall needs spaces within schools.
A "Needs Space" serves as a centralized resource area, providing food, clothing, and personal care items for unhoused or low-income students and their families. By supporting and improving these essential spaces—such as school pantries and clothing closets—the Addition Financial Foundation seeks to foster a more inclusive, supportive environment that benefits the entire student body.
"Our Foundation board is proud of the work the Renovate to Educate program has done transforming teachers’ classrooms over the years, but we believe we can make an even deeper impact now for more students and families by helping them meet some truly fundamental needs,” said Cristina Lehman, Executive Director of the Addition Financial Foundation. “By focusing on 'needs spaces,' we aim to support the entire school community and ensure that every student has access to essential resources."
“Engelwood Elementary feels blessed to have been the selected school for this year’s Renovation project,” said Danielle Spooney, Engelwood Elementary School Principal. “We know the renovation of our Cardinal Store will help us increase the assistance and support what is offered to our students and families. Helping our students and families with their essential needs will transfer to our students being able to focus on their academics and ultimately lead them to success.”
The renovations will take place over the summer, with Addition Financial Credit Union teaming up with Interior Design interns from Seminole State College to transform and organize these vital spaces. The Addition Financial Foundation will also fully stock the rooms with food and supplies. The goal is to have the new 'needs spaces' ready for the start of the 2025-2026 school year, providing a fresh and supportive environment for students and families in need.
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