VACU and Member One Aid Organizations’ Efforts to Reach and Support Youth in Richmond and Roanoke

Virginia Credit Union and its Member One division continue to expand our youth-focused community engagement initiatives through programs, volunteerism and financial support.

To support programs for youth in Richmond and Roanoke, VACU provided $15,000 for an initiative that pairs college-aged mentors from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Developing Men of Color (DMC) organization with students at two Richmond City elementary schools and one middle school, while Member One donated $5,000 to the Roanoke-based West End Center for Youth, which offers a safe, nurturing after-school program for students.

“We’re committed to building stronger, more vibrant communities through our engagement initiatives and community service,” said Member One Market President Tim Rowe, “and we’re proud to support the good work of organizations that are making a difference in the lives of our communities’ young people. Helping those we serve achieve greater success and develop confidence are at the core of our mission, and these programs are impactful extensions of that mission.”

VACU has a long-standing partnership with DMC, an organization committed to helping men of color thrive at VCU through mentorship, networking, and academic support. VACU has contributed $40,000 to the organization during the past four years. As part of its programming, more than 60 DMC members are mentoring students at Richmond City schools. VACU’s donation supports the DMC organization and underwrites costs associated with the mentorship program, including state-required background checks for mentors. VACU also hosts a special event that brings together credit union staff and community leaders to network with student members of DMC, share their career journeys, and offer guidance on navigating today’s workplace.

As part of DMC’s mentorship program, elementary and middle school students have the opportunity to participate in College Day, which brings students to the VCU campus for a tour of campus labs and facilities, lunch, and games. Shadow Day pairs DMC members with inner-city high school students, offering them the opportunity to attend classes for the day, eat in the dining hall, and attend DMC meetings when possible. VACU's funding is providing support for both programs.

The mentorship program has proven beneficial for mentors and mentees, noted Dr. Carlton Goode, the driving force behind VCU’s decade-old DMC organization, which is part of the larger Men of Color Initiative at VCU designed to improve enrollment, student success, and post-graduation outcomes for Black and Latino men.

“It’s a mutually empowering relationship,” said Goode. “For our VCU students, it’s about making a difference in our community and serving as a role model for pre-teens and younger teens, perhaps serving as that role model our VCU students wish they had at that age. As for our mentees, the school system is identifying students most likely to benefit from support of their social and emotional development. Our goal is to use a healthy mentor-mentee relationship to build self-esteem and confidence, and to foster an appreciation for school and for education.”

The West End Center serves more than 130 students each year, working directly with schools and parents to help guide students toward academic success and overall wellness. This coming year, Member One will be the West End Center’s School Year Sponsor, providing support for academic programming, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) programs, reading and literacy programs, and the after-school tutoring program. This sponsorship also supports enrichment programming focused on physical fitness, as well as mental and emotional wellness.

“Member One has been a valued partner for many years — leading school supply drives, supporting our fundraisers, and planning and staffing workdays at our center,” said West End Center Executive Director Karen Pillis. “By being our school year sponsor, Member One’s impact will be amplified and provide critical assistance as West End works with our families and students to meet their needs. Many families require affordable after-school care, and our students have a variety of academic needs. All our children can benefit from the holistic programming offered through our center and the positive adult role models that this funding supports.”