ROCKINGHAM — The State Employees Credit Union Foundation awarded the Samaritan Colony a gift of $50,000 for COVID-19 relief.
Samaritan Colony is a 12-bed residential treatment facility, providing affordable addiction treatment for men in the Sandhills area that was almost forced to close temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because the SECU Foundation has been active since its inception in the communities served by State Employees’ Credit Union, we understand the challenges these widespread organizations are facing to maintain viability in light of sharply increased demands for resources”, commented Jo Anne Sanford, SECU Foundation board chair. “We care deeply about the great service these non-profits provide, and we intend for these grants to help solidify these organizations and their support of our communities across North Carolina.”
The gift has been transformational for Samaritan Colony because it allowed them to create significant safety protocols. They purchased safety equipment, added technology tools and a new staff member to work remotely.
“We had to cancel several annual fundraisers which resulted in a substantial financial impact.
Addiction, alcoholism, and suffering seem to have often gotten worse since COVID-19 creating desperate issues for families and the community,” said Harold Pearson, executive director of Samaritan Colony. “The SECU Foundation and its Board of Directors did what any non-profit organization hopes a community of friends would do during difficult times — they pooled together their resources and offered a hand to help.”
