OnPoint Community Credit Union Expands Support for Foster Youth through Youth Villages Oregon Partnership
OnPoint’s support allows foster youth to open high-yield savings accounts without a co-signer and increases access to financial education
Portland, Ore., June 17, 2024 — More than 4,000 children in Oregon were in foster care at the end of 2023, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services. Although the state has seen a decline in children in foster care, foster youth face significant challenges as they transition to adulthood. Without adequate support, they are at higher risk for homelessness, substance abuse, unemployment and incarceration.
To address these challenges, OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today it will offer OnPoint Savers® accounts to foster youth between 13 and 17 years old in Youth Villages’ transition-age programs without requiring a co-signer.
“Our partnership with Youth Villages Oregon reflects our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “By having access to savings accounts and financial education, we are providing foster youth in Oregon a safe place to save their money and an opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future.”
A history of supporting Oregon’s youth in foster care
Since 2020, OnPoint has donated nearly $85,000 to Youth Villages Oregon, and sends employee volunteers to teach a range of financial education courses. The courses cover budgeting, credit, student debt and taxes to help foster youth develop the skills needed for financial independence.
“Financial literacy is a critical skill that can significantly impact a young person’s future, especially for those transitioning out of foster care,” said Andrew Grover, Executive Director at Youth Villages Oregon. “Our partnership with OnPoint enables us to provide these critical financial tools and education to help foster youth build a stable and independent future.
Youth Villages Oregon also received funding from the Marcia H. Randall Foundation and the Delbrueck Family Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, totaling $100,000 in donations for its 2024 financial literacy program. These funds will provide financial session stipends and a savings account match for Portland Metro youth enrolled in the program.
Youth Villages Oregon has been serving youth in Oregon since 2011 through LifeSet, an evidence-informed program helping foster youth learn skills to navigate adulthood. Youth Villages Oregon serves more than 750 youth and families each year across 12 counties.
Honoring OnPoint’s roots in education
OnPoint was founded in 1932 by 16 schoolteachers and continues to honor its founders’ mission to provide quality education in the region. Learn more about the credit union’s commitment to financial education in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 563,000 members and with assets of $9.2 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.
ABOUT YOUTH VILLAGES
Youth Villages is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services, partnerships with innovative public agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,500 employees serve more than 43,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations.
Go to press releases