The Arc of Jackson County Executive Director Melanie O’Neal, left, accepts a $1,000 donation from Beacon Credit Union Seymour Member Center Manager Amy Steitz.
Submitted photo
Jackson County United Way Executive Director Maci Baurle, left, and Engagement Director Emily Engelking, right, accept a $1,000 donation from Beacon Credit Union Seymour Member Center Manager Amy Steitz.
Submitted photo
Beacon Credit Union recently donated $1,000 to two separate organizations for a total of $2,000.
The organizations that received funds were Jackson County United Way for its Rock’n Ready program and The Arc of Jackson County for its Achieving Right Choices program.
The Arc of Jackson County is a nonprofit human service agency that aids adults with disabilities and their residing communities.
The Achieving Right Choices program, launched in 2022, is designed to discuss feelings and emotions and healthy ways to respond in special education classrooms in Jackson County.
The program also informs families about the services offered through The Arc of Jackson County.
“I donated to The Arc because growing up, the individuals I knew with disabilities received support from family, friends and from similar programs in the community to help then learn the basics needed in life,” Seymour Member Center Manager Amy Steitz said.
She said it’s rewarding seeing the work Executive Director Melanie O’Neal has done in Jackson County to help provide the same and similar benefits to individuals with disabilities.
“It is important for all people to have the opportunities to learn,” Steitz said.
The Rock‘n Ready program provides free basic school supplies to Jackson County students in kindergarten through 12th grade who register for the initiative.
Steitz said the program looks for ways to help support the students and local schools by providing them with supplies needed in each class.
Steitz also sits on the Jackson County United Way board and has worked with the Rock’n Ready program for the past five years.
“Beacon supports the communities and knows the importance for all people to have the opportunities to learn and to have supplies to help with that need,” Steitz said.
She said the member center knows opportunities for learning can be impacted by whether or not the right school supplies are available.
“The smiles that are received from the kids when they are handed a bookbag with school supplies is so touching,” Steitz said. “It is so rewarding knowing that the child left with supplies and a smile on their face.”
Steitz also enjoys witnessing the work and energy Jackson County United Way Engagement Director Emily Engelking brings to the project.
“She is always looking for support from other organizations and individuals,” Steitz said.