MISHAWAKA, Ind. – July 28, 2020 - United Federal Credit Union (United) is excited to announce it has donated $5,000 to the Big Brothers Big Sisters—Southern Lake Michigan Region.

As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through young adulthood in communities across the country.

United’s donation will help fund programs to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters—Southern Lake Michigan Region’s mission of providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

It will also support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fundraising effort, The Big Event, which is scheduled for October 15. Each year, the event helps raise a significant portion of the organization’s annual budget through community sponsorships, ticket sales, auction items, and more.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud of our partnership with United Federal Credit Union,” said Bill Carnegie, Regional Chief Executive Officer. “Our mentoring program for at-risk youth depends on support of local businesses and due to the generosity of United, hundreds of local children have been able to realize their potential and help our community advance. We are especially thankful for this latest investment from United during the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

United mortgage advisor Pam Ender has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 20 years. She has helped with numerous fundraisers throughout the years and has formed lasting relationships with many “Littles” and “Bigs”.

“I have been so proud to represent United Federal Credit Union since they have a desire to financially help out Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as encourage employees to get involved,” said Ender. “It shows that we are both sincere and serious about the Michiana community, and that we believe in this organization and what they stand for. Children are our future and they could be future members or employees.”

For Ender, the connection with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is personal and goes back many years to the time when her late nephew was a Little, and continues today with three of her grandchildren having served as mentors and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“Over the years, I have seen so many matches and to see the sparkle in these young kids’ eyes is so special,” she said. “Volunteering is a very humbling activity. I am just one person, but when you add many more to the volunteer effort, you see the positive impact of what can be achieved with a team of good people.”

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters—Southern Lake Michigan Region, visit https://becomeabig.com/.

“You will not regret getting involved,” Ender said. “Why not consider being a Big? Right now, there are about 60 unmatched children in our area. There are a number of other volunteer opportunities open too, so reach out to Big Brothers and Big Sisters to see what they’re all about.”

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About United

United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. United consists of more than 177,000 Member/owners worldwide and manages assets in excess of $3 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal opportunity lender. Equal housing lender. For more information visit www.unitedfcu.com

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About the Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters—Southern Lake Michigan Region’s mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through young adulthood in communities across the country. For more information visit https://becomeabig.com/