September 13, 2024 (Dayton, OH) – The WPCU Sunshine Community Fund (SCF) – the charitable giving arm of Wright-Patt Credit Union, LLC (WPCU), once again is demonstrating its community commitment, through a partnership with Roads to Recovery (ROADS), facilitated by the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE). Through this partnership, students are able to participate in a work-based learning program known as Bridging Abilities. This innovative initiative supports students from Roads to Recovery Autism Resource Center who have learning barriers through integrating hands-on work experience to develop employment skills without leaving the classroom. The Bridging Abilities program combines practical job training allowing students to earn a paycheck and preparing them for life beyond the classroom. 

Both SCF and the Young Adults at Roads are giving back to the community. The students are building financial literacy kits for Crayons to Classrooms. These kits are designed to assist teachers across various grade levels in imparting essential finance management skills to their students, fostering early financial literacy.

Roads to Recovery’s students participating in the Bridging Abilities program work on-site at their high school for one shift per day, which equates to a single class period. This arrangement allows them to develop transferable job skills while still engaged in their academic studies, setting the stage for successful community employment post-graduation.

Leigha Herrmann, Board Certified Behavior Analyst of Roads to Recovery, highlighted the program’s impact: “The Bridging Abilities program offers invaluable opportunities for students by providing them with practical work experience and a sense of achievement. It is heartening to see these young individuals preparing for their future while contributing to a meaningful cause.”

Tracy Szarzi-Fors, Executive Director of SCF and senior vice President of Marketing at WPCU, also praised the initiative: “Partnering with Roads to Recovery and SOCHE aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen the financial health and well‐being of the communities we serve. The dedication and hard work of these students are truly inspiring, and we are proud to be a part of their journey.”

Patty Buddelmeyer, Executive Vice President of Development at SOCHE

“As employers struggle with building their workforce pipeline, SOCHE is excited to offer alternative workforce solutions. Students with disabilities and other barriers are a valuable resource for employers to meet their workforce strategy goals. Students with disabilities are looking to build their employability skills with crucial hands-on, work-based opportunities that contribute to the employer’s success. This initiative is a win-win for WPCU, ROADS students, Crayons to Classrooms, teachers, students, and our community”.

Upon transitioning out of the classroom with the critical employability skills employers seek, The Abilities Connection, based in Springfield, Ohio, will be available to assist with the transition into the workforce by providing on-site support and work opportunities through group employment sites or individual placement.

Organizations interested in being part of the program should contact SOCHE at SOCHE@soche.org. 

About the WPCU Sunshine Community Fund (SCF): 

SCF is supported through the fundraising efforts of Wright-Patt Credit Union and its partner-employees, as well as vendor and business partners, and works closely with nonprofits that help improve, strengthen and safeguard the financial security of vulnerable populations within our community. 

About Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU): Established in 1932, WPCU is a member‐owned, not‐for‐profit financial cooperative proudly serving Central and Southwest Ohio with over 500,000 members and $8.7 billion in assets. As a cooperative, WPCU’s mission is to help people through life by allowing members to achieve a greater degree of economic independence.

About Roads to Recovery Autism Resource Center: Roads to Recovery, a nonprofit organization, is a resource center serving students and their families affected by autism. Roads to Recovery embodies collective experiences, resources, and hope for those who continue to be affected by autism. https://www.roadstorecovery.org/

About the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE): Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education, a nonprofit organization, uses regional workforce initiatives and internship management to connect industry employers with talented students to develop the workforce of tomorrow by providing experiential learning opportunities to students through paid internships. https://www.soche.org/

About The Abilities Connection: The Abilities Connection is a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities and offers safe, inclusive workplaces to thrive and reach their full potential. https://tacind.com/