From CU Times
The Fire Family Foundation worked with Mendo Lake Credit Union, Redwood Credit Union, along with the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues �and local Lake County leaders to identify the greatest needs of Lake County fire survivors, who continue to rebuild thier lives and community.
As a result of the valuable input, the survivors�will benefit from a generous donation of nearly $60,000 from Fire Family Foundation.
Combined with a previous donation of $80,000, a total of $140,000 has been provided by the Foundation to provide care, counseling, housing and community support to assist children and families in recovering from last falls devastating fires in Lake County.
As the charitable hand of Firefighters First Credit Union, Fire Family Foundation responds when tragedy strikes, offering compassion and financial assistance to firefighters and fire survivors in need.
In 2015, the Foundation provided more than $175,000 in immediate assistance to firefighters and their families, fire survivors, fire departments and charities.
"Last fall we watched as hundreds of families evacuated their homes, while many of our firefighters were on the front lines battling the fires. The Foundation, committed to helping after such disasters, strongly believes in offering a helping hand. Helping children, families, and schools move forward ensures the recovery efforts can continue," Mike Mastro, Foundation board chair and president/CEO of Firefighters First CU said.
The needs identified in this phase of funding include child counseling services, support for a community center and pool, a school garden program and water supplies.
Superintendent of Middletown Unified School District Catherine Stone identified counseling for kids struggling with the aftermath of the fires as a top priority. Stone shared Middletown was the largest district impacted by the fires in terms of students and residents affected, and she and her staff continue to see students struggling with recovering psychologically and emotionally in the aftermath of the fires. The Foundation provided funds for the school district to hire a counselor to support the students in their recovery.
Foundation funding will also go toward repairing the Pine Summit Recreation and Social Cluba member-owned, not-for-profit pool center donated to the community in the 1960s run by a volunteer board. It serves as a gathering place for local children and the Lake County community, and will support community rebuilding. Volunteers saved the pool area from being destroyed in the fire, however, the property sustained significant damage, which was not covered by insurance. The FFF donation will allow repairs to be made so this important community recreation center can reopen this summer.
The Foundation also provided $3,000 to support school garden programs throughout the burn area. The ability for children to help replant the post-fire landscape has proven to be a form of "dirt therapy."
Finally, $1,000 will help the Cobb Mountain Lions Club Relief Center, which due to the remote location of the community, provides high-need supplies such as bottled water for local residents.�The water system in the Cobb area is being replaced, and residents have been experiencing a high number of "boil water" days, often without advance warning.
