‘Intervening’ To Make An Impact

West Virginia Credit Unions collaborated to fund the School Intervention Program at WVU Medicine Children’s.

Providing the best care to any child who needs it and building healthier futures for children is the mission of WVU Medicine Children’s. The hospital strives to care for each child’s physical, mental and emotional health. Missing out on normal happenings such as outdoor activities, daily routines and especially school work can contribute to poorer mental and physical health for a child. Back in 2018, WVU Medicine Children’s started the School Intervention Program, a program to keep children who are experiencing an extended stay at the hospital up with school work. Funding for the School Intervention Program was provided by Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), a nonprofit collaboration of credit unions across the country engaged in fundraising activities to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals).

“When a child spends time in the hospital we want to focus on their entire well being and that includes their education. Missing school can be detrimental and add another hurdle to a child’s recovery,” said Amy Bush, Chief Administrative Officer. “Through the tremendous support of the entire West Virginia Credit Union League, we are able to help lighten that burden, through the Credit Union Learning school intervention program. Their dedication is helping produce positive outcomes that will benefit these children far after they leave the hospital”, stated Bush.

Fairmont Federal Credit Union

At the beginning of a wonderful partnership between West Virginia credit unions and WVU Medicine Children’s was Fairmont Federal Credit Union, who donated $6,000 to kick off the fundraising. Since their founding in 1939, Fairmont Federal has been committed to the credit union philosophy of people helping people. With 5 of the counties they serve surrounding the children’s hospital, being able to give back to the community by donating to the School Intervention Program has been rewarding and fulfilling for both employees and community members. Through the initial seed money, Fairmont Federal provided iPads and other materials to help the children get started with the continued education. Members of the credit union have come to expect involvement with CU4Kids and CMN Hospitals through past campaigns such as change jars in branches, the Chain of Hearts campaign, balloon sales and more.

West Virginia Central Credit Union

Another West Virginia credit union who is no stranger to CU4Kids and the School Intervention Program is West Virginia Central Credit Union (WVCCU). Each year, WVCCU sets a goal of fundraising anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 for CU4Kids. Through unique fundraisers such as color runs, t-shirt sales and balloon sales, WVCCU was able to give a large sum to the new addition at WVU Children’s Medicine where kids can do their reading and schoolwork, recognizing the importance of not getting behind on materials. Cindy Turner, Senior Vice President at WVCCU cites the continued support of their communities to be driving factor in successful fundraising efforts.

Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union

Karon Sebar, Outreach Coordinator at Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union (Bayer HFCU), stated their their credit union is proud to be part of an organization that gives to children who are undergoing treatment. In 2018, Bayer HFCU donated $1,000 of seed money to get the School Intervention Program up and running and pledged and impressive $50,000 for a Family Consultation room on the 6th floor of the new WVU Medicine Children’s building. The new building was completed in September of 2022.

Bayer HFCU doesn’t stop their fundraising efforts with WVU Medicine Children’s. Sebar says, “The credit union has 10 branch offices in 5 states. Since 2008 the credit union has raised $578,140.00 for CMN Hospitals. When we send money to CU4Kids, the funds raised are divided to go to the children’s hospital near each branch location. The credit union makes a positive impact in multiple communities, allowing children to get the care they need at their local children’s hospital.” These funds have been raised through employee payroll deduction, jeans days, golf scrambles, steak fries, skip a pay processing fees, misc. raffles, employee luncheons and raffle baskets.

West Virginia Credit Union League

Aside from the tremendous support from Fairmont Federal Credit Union, West Virginia Central Credit Union and Bayer HFCU, the School Intervention Program would not be successful without the continued support of credit unions throughout the state of West Virginia. “Our longtime affiliation with CMN Hospitals and Credit Unions For Kids has been one that has seen many West Virginia kids treated over the years by the caring hands of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. Since 1996, our League member credit unions have aligned themselves with CMN Hospitals which helps to foster hope, healing, and happiness for children and their families”, stated Rich Schaeffer, CEO of the West Virginia Credit Union League. “Our Credit Unions For Kids CU Learning initiative launched with the hospital several years ago, has created a physical space and learning environment where kids can keep up with their schoolwork while receiving medical care at WVU Medicine Children’s. This has aligned with the credit union mission of people-helping-people. In this new era of medical care at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, Credit Unions For Kids intends to continue our tradition of helping the hospital fulfill their mission of providing medical care to children without regard to their financial status. Supporting CMN and Credit Unions for Kids has grown beyond a sponsorship. It’s a commitment to building healthier, stronger communities in West Virginia.”

5-Year School Intervention Update

Courtney Cook, the School Intervention Specialist at UWV Medicine Children’s gave an update on the programs success. “School intervention is going really well! In June, a summer program started with hands-on learning activities pertaining to the ocean. We have sensory boxes, books, and other fun things. In July we will start learning about outer space, then the jungle in August. Back in May, patients had the opportunity to participate in a book walk around the hospital. Book walks became popular during COVID in parks and libraries. Children could walk outside following a path to read a book page by page. I set up something similar around the floors of the hospital to encourage patients to get out of their rooms and read. I think keeping education going while hospitalized is so important. It is so easy to fall behind with schoolwork for older patients. That can add more stress to an already stressful time in their lives. Younger patients can miss so many learning opportunities that are crucial in early development. I’m happy I can help everyone stay on track with their education journey!”

Learn more about how you can get involved with Credit Unions for Kids by visiting cu4kids.org.