Credit Union awards classroom grant to benefit autistic students

Photo:� Lacey Township Middle School Teacher Kathleen Cafiero receives a check from First Financial President & CEO, Issa Stephan.

Lacey Township Middle School Teacher Kathleen Cafiero, a resident of Forked River, NJ was delighted when she received a surprise visit to her classroom by First Financial FCU�President & CEO, Issa Stephan, who brought her a $500 classroom grant for the 2012-2013 school year.

Ms. Cafiero submitted a grant application to benefit a select group of students who were placed in a new program for autistic children and in need of material that will optimize their learning potential. She suggested that the use of laptops would greatly assist these autistic students to a better understanding of how education is best suited to their specific needs.

"This use of technology would allow our students to direct and monitor their own learning and allow our teachers to assess their individual progress," said Cafiero.� "A student whether they have special needs or not, should have control over parts of their education."

Since First Financial began with a group of Asbury Park schoolteachers back in 1936, the credit union has not forgotten its educational roots.� That is why its Foundation offered current Monmouth and Ocean County educators four classroom grants to use at their schools for the 2012-2013 school year.

"Education remains a guiding principal for our organization, and were delighted to help our local educators enhance their classroom experience," noted First Financial President & CEO, Issa Stephan.