Great Falls, MT—Dec. 18, 2020— After witnessing the immense toll COVID-19 has had in the Great Falls region, Embark Credit Union (Embark) stepped up to provide relief by donating $5,000 to Toby’s House Crisis Nursery and $5,000 to United Way of Cascade County, two organizations working to offer ongoing vital services to the community.

In early October, Toby’s House Crisis Nursery (Toby’s House) announced delays for opening due to insufficient funding. The crisis nursery is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing immediate refuge and safety for children and would be the first of its kind in Montana. Embark recognized the significant need for this nursery in the area and made the donation to help close the funding gap. With this contribution and continued support from the community, Toby’s House is anticipated to open December 28, 2020.

Another nonprofit in the area, United Way of Cascade County, has been offering essential funds to COVID-impacted families through its program called Essential Funds for Essential Needs. Recently, the organization asked the community to match a $50,000 donation from a private family foundation. Embark jumped at the opportunity and provided $5,000 toward the needed match. In turn, hundreds of local families will be helped with these funds as childcare, food, and housing expenses will be fulfilled.

“The pandemic has been hard on Great Falls,” said Erin Townsend, Vice President of Member Services at Embark. “Local business and employee hours have been cut, people have been laid off and our non-profits that provide essential services have been significantly impacted. Acting on the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ we were eager to recognize these areas of need and offer our support to ensure these essential institutions can operate and serve our community. It is our goal to continue to seek out ways to give back to those that give so much to us.”

About Embark Credit Union

Embark Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution owned by their members, serving five counties in Montana. Embark Credit Union serves all who live, work, worship, attend school or own a business in Cascade, Chouteau, Teton, Pondera, and Judith Basin counties. The credit union promotes the "once a member, always a member" philosophy. To learn more about Embark Credit Union, visit www.embarkcu.com.