TAMPA – GTE Financial has named Hope Services its November Charity of the Month.
Hope Services helps people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment build skills, find work and achieve greater independence.
The nonprofit plans to move into the credit union’s former building at 6901 Old County Road 52 in Hudson. The building will become its second Life Skills and Vocational Training Center.
“What started as a conversation about how we could support Hope Services has grown into something much bigger,” said Manny Aguilar, chief experience officer at GTE Financial. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know that a building once used to serve our members will now help individuals develop new skills, gain independence and pursue meaningful careers. This is exactly what GTE Financial’s people helping people philosophy is all about.”
The partnership is personal for Claudia Lawson. The community financial center manager nominated Hope Services for Charity of the Month.
After helping Hope Services establish its banking relationship with GTE, Lawson began volunteering with the nonprofit’s Dream Team, which supports the inclusive Dance Your Dream celebration. Through that relationship, Hope Services learned about GTE’s former Hudson building, which it later purchased for its second training center.
“I’ve been personally touched by the work Hope Services does and the incredible people they serve,” Lawson said. “Having the opportunity to work with the organization, meet its participants and see the impact of its programs firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to see how the new Hudson center will create even more opportunities for the people and families they serve.”
Plans for the new Hudson center include a commercial kitchen, a construction training room and a simulated hospital room. Future programming is also expected to include retail and hospitality training.
“More individuals with disabilities will have access to the training, resources and opportunities they need to build independent, fulfilling lives,” said Cindy Bray, founder and CEO of Hope Services. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of GTE Financial and the opportunity to transform a former credit union building into a place where people can discover their potential and prepare for meaningful careers.”
Throughout November, community members can support Hope Services by making a donation at any GTE Financial Community Financial Center or through Zelle using .
Eligible members can also contribute through GTE’s Future Change program, which rounds up qualifying transactions to support charitable causes.
GTE employees raised more than $120,000 last year for the credit union’s Charity of the Month initiative.
On the web: hopegetsjobs.org or gtefinancial.org/about/charities
