Source: Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) Press Release
When United for a Good Cause, Inc.’s Program Director, Peggy Brockman, got the call from Jerry Williams, President/CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU), she cried happy tears knowing the difference that this one call would make in the lives of over 40,000 students in Okaloosa County. That call meant that the HOPE SQUAD Suicide Prevention Program would be able to launch on schedule in the Okaloosa County Schools in January.
Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Sherry Harlow, APR and Mr. Williams were very passionate about wanting to help bring the HOPE SQUAD Program to the Okaloosa County School District. Their Board of Directors felt the same. According to Ms. Harlow, “We believe that a suicide prevention program like HOPE SQUAD will be a positive influence in our schools. Our internal EFCU family has experienced the loss of loved ones and know how devastating it can be. To see the statistics for youth suicide, rise so dramatically, we must step up and do something to help. This community can no longer sit back and watch it continue to happen.”
Eglin Federal Credit Union is putting its money where its beliefs are. Mr. Williams said, “We are excited about doing something this important that will make such a difference in the lives of families in our area. Our hope is that other companies will see our commitment level and follow suit to support this great program. Together, we can take a giant step towards eliminating suicides in our school-age children. When we saw that there had been 65 suicides between the ages of 10 and 24 – 17 of those between 10 and 18 years old – over the last ten years, it was a staggering reality of what is happening. Eglin Federal Credit Union is prepared to take the lead on this cause.”
The Board of United for a Good Cause, Inc., its Program Director, and HOPE SQUAD Team, couldn’t be happier to see their vision of saving our children and families begin to come true. In addition to the $50,000 Title Sponsorship from Eglin Federal Credit Union, Cox Communication selected HOPE SQUAD as one of its four $5,000 Employee Contribution Grant Recipients. They too saw the great need for a program like HOPE SQUAD and wanted to step up to help support our schools.
We invite YOU to visit www.messageofhope.info and learn more about HOPE SQUAD and how you can support the effort in your community. Together, we have a goal of bringing HOPE SQUAD to every school in the Gulf Coast Region from Mobile. AL to Tallahassee, FL. Okaloosa County is just the first and the team is meeting with school superintendents across the region. Mrs. Brockman and her team will be hosting Community Conversations on the topic as well as training for parents, employers and all interested parties. If you would like to have Mrs. Brockman come speak to your organization about HOPE SQUAD Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention Program, please call her at 850-259-8356 or email [email protected].
