Folsom, Calif. – April 27, 2022 – Recognizing a need to assist
veterans seeking advanced and entry-level careers, SAFE Credit Union is awarding $30,000 in grants to two
Sacramento-area organizations committed to providing employment resources to veterans.
SAFE is granting $20,000 to Cyber Proud and $10,000 to Volunteers of America, of Northern California and Nevada, as
part of the credit union’s grant program.
Cyber Proud will use the funding to provide employee training for veterans seeking careers in information technology.
Volunteers of America plans to support homeless veterans with job-seeking resources.
Cyber Proud mentor Michael Reese, president and CEO of Found It Data
Cybersecurity and Gabrielle Morgan, technical assistance associate for Cyber Proud. Coleen Morehead, Cyber Proud's founder and CEO, with Cyber Proud adviser George Usi, CEO and co-founder of Omnistruct, a cyber security management company.
Underemployment has become a strong barrier to meaningful post-service careers for many veterans, according to the Veteran Opportunity
Report compiled by LinkedIn. The number of homeless veterans increased by 4 percent in California between
2019 and 2020, reports the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
“We are excited to contribute to the efforts of these two organizations who closely understand the employment
needs of today’s veterans in the Sacramento region,” says SAFE Credit Union Community Impact Manager
Amanda Merz.
Cyber Proud plans to use the funds to enhance its
Career Development Program. With the grant, the Sacramento-based program will provide veterans skills specific
to the development of an information communication technology career. Veterans will receive career readiness
training, industry mentoring, and job placement services. “Our goal is to move individuals from lower-wage
jobs to high-demand, high-wage careers,” says Cyber Proud Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director
Coleen Morehead. The organization provides access to training in industries including communications technology and
cybersecurity.
Volunteers of America will support homeless veterans
with financial education sessions to help them improve their financial literacy while searching for employment.
Volunteers of America also assists homeless veterans secure permanent housing and stability. “In Sacramento,
there’s a homeless problem, one that plagues many veterans,” says Volunteers of America Executive
Director Leo McFarland. “Our organization is committed to keeping its veteran programs open and to continue
serving homeless veterans in our community. With funding from SAFE Credit Union, these much-needed ongoing services
will continue effectively.” Founded in 1911 the nonprofit’s Northern California and Nevada chapter is
one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing,
employment services, substance abuse and recovery services. The program provides shelter or housing to more than
3,500 men, women, and children every night.
Volunteers of America Development Director of Northern California and Northern
Nevada, Ana Bankert with U.S. Army Veteran Kevin Jones.
SAFE annually awards grants in phases focusing on its three pillars of philanthropy: veterans, healthcare, and
education. For more information on SAFE Credit Union’s grants program, go to www.safecu.org/community/community-impact/funding.
Veterans attend Volunteers of America Veteran Employment Services fair.
About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has
kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading
financial institution in Northern California with $4.5 billion in assets and about 242,000 members. SAFE crafts
every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking
services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for
members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit,
state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento,
Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda
counties. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org