Community Involvement

2023 Donation Recipients

First Quarter

Boomer’s Best Buddies
Boomer’s Best Buddies is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue organization dedicated to saving companion animals in Connecticut who have been abandoned, abused or neglected. The organization provides the care needed to ensure their health and safety, intending to find them loving, life-long adoptive homes.

“We are so excited to be the recipient of this donation,” said Jennifer Kanaitis, President of Boomer’s Best Buddies Rescue. “As a small animal rescue, the funds are crucial to our cause of rescuing animals from our local shelters and assisting owners who must surrender their pets. We pay for all of our dogs, cats, and rabbits to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated, costs we do not recoup with the amount we ask as the adoption donation. These funds will help us to continue to provide this necessary care. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity.” To learn more about Boomer’s Best Buddies Rescue, visit https://boomersbestbuddies.com.

PaperHouse Productions Theatre
PaperHouse Productions is a non-profit arts organization in Durham dedicated to providing theatre opportunities to youth in Middlesex County and is an active member of the local community. The funds will be used for financial aid to children who might otherwise be unable to participate, and to help to replace aging audio equipment.

“As a non-profit children’s theatre company, we are still recovering from lost funds during the pandemic when we had to cancel our summer program two years in a row and turn our primary large production into a small video presentation. This donation will ensure we can provide continued opportunities for local children to get involved in theatrical and musical experiences, year-round,” said PaperHouse Productions Board Chair Karen Feinberg. “Better equipment helps us provide a more professional experience for the kids involved, as well as ensuring their voices are heard during performances after all their hard work.” To learn more about PaperHouse Productions, visit https://paperhouseproductions.weebly.com.

Southington West Little League

Established in 1971, Southington West Little League is a non-profit organization with the mission to “promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball.” The Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being.

“Western Little League will be using the donation toward several community benefits,” said President Brian Perrella. “Our primary allocation of funds will be to offset the cost of registration and be able to offer young children an opportunity to play baseball at a very reasonable price. In addition to reduced registration fees for the community, we also provide registration at no cost to families in need. We are also allocating some of the funds to maintenance in the park for all to enjoy.” To learn more about Southington West Little League, visit https://www.southingtonwestbaseball.com.

Second Quarter

The Connecticut Humane Society
The Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) is the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, serving thousands of pets every year. As an independent nonprofit organization, CHS does not receive any funding from the government and is not associated with any national animal welfare groups. The pets rely solely on the generosity and support of donors and volunteers.

“We are absolutely thrilled to hear that CHS has been selected as a winner of this incredible award,” said Executive Director James Bias.  “This gift will change the lives of dogs, cats, bunnies and other small pet critters as well as the people who love them. Specifically, this gift will enable days, months and weeks of lifesaving care for pets in need. And, once rehabilitated, these pets will be able to find a fresh start in a new home, or for the many pets we serve, journey back to the loving arms of the home that already knows and loves them best, all thanks to American Eagle.” To learn more about CHS, visit https://cthumane.org/.

Literacy Volunteers of Central Connecticut
Since 1978, Literacy Volunteers of Central CT (LVCC) has offered adults free tutoring to improve their English reading and writing skills. Each year they serve over 350 persons, individually and in small group settings, including parent and child groups. The 15 central Connecticut towns LVCC serves are New Britain, Middletown, Berlin, Bristol,  Burlington, Cromwell, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam,  Marlborough, Middlefield, Plainville, Portland and Southington. They rely on over 150 dedicated and caring individuals to provide the tutoring and support our students need to reach their goals.

“We are delighted to be a recipient of the Cash Back to the Community program. American Eagle’s support is critical to helping LVCC reach our vision of ‘a world where everyone has the literacy skills to thrive,’” said Executive Director Ron Sheffer. “LVCC will use this support to provide free tutoring services to hundreds of adults, helping them acquire the skills needed to gain employment, earn promotions, pass the GED test, obtain citizenship and more. LVCC is extremely grateful to the American Eagle Financial Credit Union for helping us empower adult learners, providing them with the skills that lead to economic self-sufficiency and reducing generational poverty in our community.” To learn more about LVCC, visit www.literacycentral.org.

Enfield Loaves & Fishes

Enfield Loaves & Fishes is a soup kitchen providing meals, aid, and companionship at no charge. Located at 23 North Main St. in Enfield, they serve anyone in need in the surrounding area. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1982, Enfield Loaves & Fishes strives to make a difference in the life of people who live with food insecurity. They serve every meal with dignity and respect in a nurturing environment. Their volunteers, board of directors and staff strive to make a positive difference in our community and in the world, and the strength of the organization rests on their shoulders.

“Our purpose is to feed and aid the disenfranchised, and we are solely donation and grant-funded. This donation will provide over 3,000 meals and help us operate the entire facility,” said Executive Director Maya Nicole Matthews. “The number of people looking for help in feeding themselves and their families continues to rise. All of us here at Enfield Loaves and Fishes are very thankful that due to receiving this grant we can continue our mission to aid those in need and improve our society.

2022 Donation Recipients

First Quarter

Hartford County 4-H Camp
Based in Marlborough, CT, Hartford County 4-H Camp, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides a fun, safe, healthy, and enriching outdoor experience for young people, with a “Learning by Doing” philosophy. Through 4-H principles, the organization endeavors to foster personal growth in an atmosphere of stewardship for the individual, the community, and the Earth. You can learn more about Hartford County 4-H Camp at hartfordcounty4hcamp.org.

Boxes to Boots
Based in Berlin, CT, Boxes to Boots works to bring smiles to soldiers who cannot be home with their families for the holidays. The organization and its volunteers work throughout the year to raise funds and create, package, and ship care packages to deployed U.S. military personnel serving overseas. In November 2021, the organization sent 1,200 care packages to Connecticut National Guard soldiers stationed in Africa, Poland, Kuwait, and Kosovo.  You can learn more about Boxes to Boots at boxestoboots.org

Free Center—Middletown Branch
The Free Center’s Middletown Branch is a community impact incubator that provides access to space, information, and event support for community-oriented gatherings and workshops—including community and public programs, performances, film screenings, and art showings. More can be learned about the Free Center at freecenter.us

Second Quarter

American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced this year’s second quarter winners of Cash Back to the Community—three nonprofits from AEFCU’s service area—who will receive $27,603 in total donations for garnering the most support during the latest round of voting for the Credit Union’s popular philanthropic program. Congratulations to Southington North Little League, For All Ages, and Girl Scouts of Connecticut. These nonprofits each received a donation of $9,201 as the top three vote recipients from members and the general public.

Southington North Little League
Southington North Little League is a youth baseball league based in Southington, Connecticut. Southington North Little League will use these funds to provide no-cost registration to our Challenger Division next year and make field updates that will serve the local community.  The league is committed to inclusion and the power of youth baseball to provide life lessons that makethe local community stronger.

For All Ages
For All Ages is Connecticut’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the generations and inspiring action to end loneliness, reduce ageism and improve health and well-being. Since launching in 2019, the organization’s free programs and events have enabled 5,000 hours of positive, collaborative experiences between the generations that provide social connectedness vital to our health at every age. You can learn more about For All Ages at forallages.org.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Girl Scouts of Connecticut builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls in Connecticut where we serve 7,770 girls in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven and Tolland Counties. To learn more about Girl Scouts of Connecticut, visit http://www.gsofct.org.

Third Quarter

American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced this year’s third quarter winners of Cash Back to the Community—three nonprofits from AEFCU’s service area—who will receive $26,430 in total donations for garnering the most support during the latest round of voting for the Credit Union’s popular philanthropic program. Congratulations to Love Mom XOXO Foundation, Inc., The ARC of Connecticut, Inc., and Connecticut Children's Foundation. These nonprofits each received a donation of $8,810 as the top three vote recipients from members and the general public.

Love Mom XOXO FoundationAmerican Eagle’s donation will help provide free and immediate services to families after the sudden loss of a loved one—such as housecleaning, childcare, lawn services, household financial management, tutor services, meal planning, holiday planning, and more. The foundation's goals include building an online peer-to-peer support forum and further developing a resource page, which will include educational workshops and webinars for parents and children.” You can learn more about The Love Mom XOXO Foundation, Inc. at lovemomxoxo.org.

The ARC of ConnecticutThe Arc of Connecticut, Inc., is the oldest and largest advocacy organization in Connecticut dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (“IDD”) and promoting their inclusion in the full life of their community. Their advocacy is aimed at supporting and improving Connecticut’s system of community-based supports by increasing the array of services provided, educating individuals with IDD and their parents/guardians to better navigate the system, and engaging in policy advocacy in the areas of housing, employment, education, healthcare, and civil rights. You can learn more about The Arc of Connecticut, Inc. at thearcct.org.

Connecticut Children's Foundation
Connecticut Children’s—the only health system in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children. The donation plays an important role in their ability to provide exceptional care to more than 100,000 patients each year. You can learn more about the Connecticut Children’s Foundation at connecticutchildrensfoundation.org.

Fourth Quarter

American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) announced the top vote recipients and winners from the latest round of Cash Back to the Community. The fourth quarter winners—three nonprofits from American Eagle’s service area—will receive $26,926 in total donations from the Credit Union for receiving the most support during 2022’s last round of voting. The 2022 fourth-quarter winners each received $8,975 from American Eagle. Congratulations to The Meriden Humane Society of Meriden, CT, Hartford Performs of Hartford, CT and Open Doors Outdoors, based in Glastonbury, CT.

The Meriden Humane Society
“The Meriden Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that is celebrating its 130th year,” said Karen Annis, Vice President of The Meriden Humane Society’s Board of Directors. “When an animal enters our care, we promise that we will provide the same high-quality care that we would want for our pets and that the animal can stay with us as long as necessary for them to find the right family match.  Those are big promises and ones which the ‘Cash Back to the Community’ program will help us fulfill.”  You can learn more about The Meriden Humane Society and how you can support their mission at www.meridenhumanesocietyrescue.com.

Hartford Performs
“Hartford Performs brings teaching artists into Hartford Public School classrooms to help students learn English, math and other subjects joyfully and creatively through the arts,” said Rie Poirier-Campbell, Executive Director of Hartford Performs. “Through this grant, kids will learn how planets and molecules move by dancing like them, and they’ll practice using exponents by creating rap rhythms. We will also bring students out to area arts venues to expand their world with professional dance, music, theater and museums. This grant is helping us bring highly engaging educational programming to more than 10,000 Hartford students this year, giving them an extra reason to want to attend classes and enjoy their school day.” You can learn more about Hartford Performs and how you can support their mission at www.hartfordperforms.org.

Open Doors Outdoors
“We are so humbled to receive this grant after knowing so many people voted,” said Davey Edwards of Open Doors Outdoors. “It makes us realize that our impact in our community is truly being recognized. Open Doors Outdoors works closely with several town entities in Hartford County that focus on Veterans, inner-city youth and young people with autism. We will use these funds to increase our reach to these target groups sharing hiking, UTV'ing, kayaking and snowshoeing adventures.” You can learn more about Open Doors Outdoors and how you can support their mission at www.opendoorsoutdoors.org.

2021 Donation Recipients

In 2021, American Eagle donated a total of $105,364 to 12 nonprofit organizations through Cash Back to the Community.

First Quarter

American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $23,166 in donations from the first quarter of its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community. Congratulations to Silk City Chorus of Manchester, Connecticut Gold Star Families Memorial (future site in Berlin), and the Police Athletic League of Hartford. These nonprofits each received a donation of $7,772 as the top three vote recipients from members and the general public.

Silk City Chorus of Manchester has performed for audiences throughout the state and is consistently ranked as the best-performing barbershop chorus in Connecticut, as well as one of the best choruses throughout New England. “On behalf of the Manchester Connecticut Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society we extend our very special thanks to American Eagle Financial Credit Union for all they do in support of our local communities,” said its president, Scott Tibbo. “This donation comes at a vital time during the pandemic and will help fund critical aspects of our operation, including the purchase of sheet music and learning tracks, uniforms, props and staging for our performances, targeted outreach, and other volunteer efforts.” 

The Connecticut Gold Star Families Memorial Monument organization is a chapter of the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, which was created by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody" Williams to remember those families who have lost a loved one to preserve our freedom. “The Connecticut Gold Star Families Memorial Monument organization is grateful to American Eagle for this donation and their community assistance,” said chairperson Gary Roy and honorary board member Marianne Mihalyo. “This donation will be a tremendous help in our efforts to build a memorial in Veterans Memorial Park in Berlin, which will pay tribute to all the Connecticut families whose loved one paid the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country.” 

The Police Athletic League (PAL) of Hartford is an organization that empowers the youth of Hartford to realize their potential and develop positive relationships with police officers through free mentoring, sports and educational and art programs. “PAL is extremely grateful for this generous donation,” said Vincenzo Marfella, programing and operations coordinator for PAL. “This funding will be used to enhance our spring and summer programing, which will allow us to provide Hartford youth with opportunities to participate in sports programs and other recreational activities not normally afforded to them, at no cost to them or their families.” 

Second Quarter

American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $23,166 in donations from the second quarter of its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community. Congratulations to Around the Words, That Newfoundland Place, and Creative Living Community of Connecticut. These nonprofits each received a donation of $9,187 as the top three vote recipients from members and the general public.

Around the Worlds “It’s a tremendous honor to have been selected as one of the Cash Back to the Community Q2 donation recipients,” shared Stephen Schirra, Founder of Around the Worlds. “Our free-of-charge soccer programs have provided children a welcome and much-needed escape from lives filled with immense trial and uncertainty. Our programs afford our young beneficiaries opportunities to learn, dream, and play—while allowing us to provide a safe space for them to do so. A contribution of this magnitude will foster that learning, amplify those dreams, and restore play during a time children need it most.”

That Newfoundland Place “Winning American Eagle’s Cash Back to the Community program is beyond exciting,” shared Catherine Derench, President of That Newfoundland Place. “Throughout the pandemic we been following our normal protocols of rescuing, vetting, rehabbing and placing dogs—and this generous donation will help us continue to provide these important services for our local community. We are grateful to American Eagle Financial Credit Union for their opportunity, kindness, and generosity.”

Creative Living Community of Connecticut “This generous donation from American Eagle will enable Creative Living Community of Connecticut (CLCC) to expand our highly successful Greenhouse and Farming Vocational Program on our 10-acre farm in Coventry,” said Patrick Byrne, Executive Director of Community Living Community of Connecticut. “Our program provides training, educational opportunities, and engaging horticultural experiences for adults with Autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities. These funds will be used to grow and maximize our growing space in order to employ more adults with developmental disabilities and further serve our community.”

Third Quarter

American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $25,842 in donations from the third quarter of its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community. Congratulations to Southington Girls Softball League, Our Piece of the Pie, and Asnuntuck Community College Food Pantry. These nonprofits each received a donation of $8,614 as the top three vote recipients from members and the general public.

“One of the few things that compares to the excitement of announcing our Cash Back to the Community winners throughout the year is witnessing how this program is helping local organizations grow and continue their important work in our service area,” said Dean Marchessault, President & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “Congratulations to our winners, both past and present, and thank you to all those who were nominated and voted. We hope you’ll stay involved, as our last round of the year will commence in the coming weeks.”

Southington Girls Softball League "We are very appreciative of American Eagle Financial Credit Union for this donation,” said Mike Konopka, President of the Southington Girls Softball League. “This money will go a long way to help us make improvements to our fields and continue our mission of inclusivity. A portion of this donation will be made available to families who can't afford the league entry, as we never turn away a player for financial reasons. We are also looking to expand our free off-season programs, and this generous donation will help fund that growth."

Our Piece of the Pie, Inc. “We’re very thankful for American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s support, which will allow us to better assist our youth in navigating life’s challenges, while helping them explore and prepare for their future education and career paths,” said Hector Rivera, President and CEO of OPP. “This donation will provide our youth more opportunities to develop themselves, while also contributing to their community—a win for us all.” 

Asnuntuck Community College Food Pantry“ Asnuntuck Community College is honored to have our food pantry selected for American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s Cash Back to the Community program,” said Dr. Michelle Coach, CEO of Asnuntuck Community College. “Food insecurity has been a struggle for many of our students, and it was exacerbated by the pandemic.  This donation will make an immense difference in a significant number of our students’ lives—and they are our community.”

Fourth Quarter

American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $28,794 in donations from the fourth quarter of its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community. Congratulations to Connecticut Cat Connection, Cans-4-A-Cause, and Angel of Edgewood. These nonprofits each received a donation of $9,598 as the top three vote recipients from members and the general public.

“The past year was another challenging one for many nonprofits in our region because of the ongoing pandemic, so we’re thrilled that we were able to provide needed financial assistance to twelve deserving organizations in 2021 through Cash Back to the Community,” said Howard Brady, President & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “American Eagle is excited to announce that we will be continuing this successful program for a third year in 2022. We encourage eligible organizations and their supporters to get involved.”

Connecticut Cat Connection "Connecticut Cat Connection is incredibly grateful for this donation,” said Marianne Vieweg, Founder and President of Connecticut Cat Connection. “We are entirely volunteer run and we rescue many stray cats living in unsafe situations outdoors and offer sanctuary for cats that would otherwise be euthanized for treatable conditions. We also take in surrenders from families who can no longer give their cat the support and attention they need. We are a No-Kill shelter and the medical care required to prepare these cats for adoption comes at a high financial cost. This donation will help us to assist many more cats in need in our community."

In 2021, the organization placed over 700 cats for adoption and currently has over 60 kittens and cats available at their Adoption Center in Windsor.

Cans 4-A-Cause “This donation from American Eagle will enable us to expand our program by reaching out to communities beyond the Greater Middletown area,” said Jeff Myjak, Founder and President of Cans 4-A-Cause. “We will be able to set up more locations for people to drop off their bottles and cans, which will allow us to put more money back into the community. It will also allow us to look into renting a space next winter so our volunteers won't have to sort in the cold. It will give us the opportunity to buy some recycling bins that can be used at events and businesses as well."

In 2021, the organization redeemed over 750,000 containers and donated over $35,000 to local charities. Since 2018, they have redeemed 1.4 million containers and donated $64,000.

Angel of Edgewood Jendayi Scott-Miller, a community leader in North Hartford, started cooking meals for hungry seniors out of her kitchen when COVID-19 hit. With the help of volunteers, community organizations, and other funding, Jendayi, her husband Vincent Miller, and daughter Olivia Covington expanded the operation into a building capable of serving meals to hundreds, then thousands of residents. Now, Angel of Edgewood is relocating to a storefront on Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford which will be the home of a food pantry and community cafe. Angel of Edgewood is a resource of food security to the Greater Hartford community, regardless of anyone's circumstances. Its mission is to feed the hungry…period. Elderly, disabled, veterans, unemployed, underemployed, poor, migrants, and homeless women, men, and children all are welcome.

“We are beyond grateful to receive these funds from American Eagle,” said Jendayi Scott-Miller, Founding Executive Director of Angel of Edgewood. “With this donation, Angel of Edgewood can continue its efforts in dismantling hunger. Many food pantries are facing tough times right now, food donations are extremely low and gaining access to quality healthy food is almost impossible in this community. These funds will replenish essential items that are always needed in our pantry. In addition, restocking diapers for our diaper bank, and formula for our formula bank. We are grateful and forever indebted to the entire American Eagle family, and our voters who believe in us, and wholeheartedly support our work. Your commitment to smaller organizations, such as ours, truly increases the impact of nonprofits statewide."

2020 Donation Recipients

In 2020, American Eagle donated a total of $86,425 to 12 nonprofit organizations through Cash Back to the Community.

First Quarter

For the quarter ending March 31, 2020, American Eagle Financial Credit Union donated $20,541, divided equally among the top three vote recipients in the amount of $6,847. We received 159 nominations and 1,410 votes from members and the general public. Congratulations to Friends of Feeney, Inc., Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, and Furry Animals Being Saved Rescue.

Friends of Feeney, Inc. West Hartford-based Friends of Feeney, Inc. was recognized for their work focused on supporting local children and families who need assistance after experiencing heartbreak and/or tragedy.  “As a grassroots group that started in 2016 and then formally becoming a nonprofit 501c3 in 2019, all of our funds have come from person to person contact fundraising. Being awarded this donation from American Eagle Financial Credit Union will allow us to reach and support so many more of our community's children and families during a time when the need to help each other is so great,” said Eric Feeney, founder of Friends of Feeney. “This generous donation will allow us to set up an ‘emergency request for support’ system designed to quickly reach as many friends of our community as possible.”

Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington “I was exciting to hear from the American Eagle Financial Credit Union that we were a Cash Back to the Community award recipient,” said Joanne Kelleher, director of the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington an organization dedicated to the growth, development and academic success of young children in town. “This donation will give us the financial flexibility to help parents and childcare providers through the Covid-19 crisis in ways we weren't previously considering. We are concerned about both the short-term issues of health risks, increased domestic violence, food insecurity, distance learning and the financial stability of the childcare industry, but also the long-term impacts this traumatic situation may cause to the brain development and future education of our youngest children.”

Furry Animals Being Saved Rescue, Inc. “American Eagle’s Cash Back to the Community Award will support the mission FABS Rescue set out to achieve: to save animals from suffering and give them the love, care and medical treatment they need to live happy, healthy lives,” said Fabrizia Dimaio, founder of Furry Animals Being Saved Rescue, Inc. based in Tolland. “This generous donation will allow us to continue our efforts to not only care for the pets currently in our rescue, but also enables us to rescue even more animals at risk of abandonment or euthanasia.”

Second Quarter

For the quarter ending June 30, 2020, American Eagle Financial Credit Union donated $19,725, divided equally among the top three vote recipients in the amount of $6,575. We received 242 nominations and 4,447 votes from members and the general public. Congratulations to Seniors Job Bank of Greater Hartford in West Hartford, Quinnipiac University Dance Marathon program in Hamden, and Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford in Hartford.

Seniors Job Bank of Greater Hartford is a nonprofit organization created in 1974, dedicated to helping people over the age of 50 find part-time work in the West Hartford community and surrounding towns. The organization connects jobseekers with part-time job opportunities in businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits as well as per diem work with individuals. "American Eagle's donation is especially welcome now, as the COVID-19 virus crisis has made fundraising even more challenging than it usually is. The money will help us continue to connect folks over 50 seeking work with businesses and households that have work to be done," said Bernie Weiss, president, Seniors Job Bank of Greater Hartford.

Quinnipiac University Dance Marathon (QTHON) benefits the Children’s Miracle Network and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Students involved in a campus' dance marathon organization spend a year gaining leadership, teamwork, and nonprofit business experience while raising funds and awareness for their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. The year culminates with an 8-40-hour event (the dance marathon) on each campus where students get to meet patient families treated at their local hospital, participate in games and dancing, enjoy entertainment, and reveal their annual fundraising total.  “This donation means more to our QTHON family than words can describe. Our fight for the kids never stops and we appreciate American Eagle’s support. These funds will be used to provide life-saving care to children, supply the newest technology for the hospital, and enhance the patient and family experience,” said Hannah Baker, executive director, QTHON 2021.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (LVGH), a private non-profit organization, has provided adult literacy services to the Greater Hartford community since 1972. Serving 20 towns, its cutting edge, student-centered, technology enriched programs teach nearly 900 adults each year the reading and writing, English proficiency, math, high school completion, citizenship, and job readiness skills they need to succeed. LVGH students are age 18 and over. About two-thirds take classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, representing over 80 countries around the world. The other third are native English speakers who generally read and write at or below a sixth-grade reading level. “Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford is incredibly fortunate to receive this donation from the Cash Back to the Community program. We recently moved our literacy classes and career services to an online format to give our students the opportunity to learn and grow in the safety of their homes. This funding will allow us to continue the transition to online learning and to help our students achieve their literacy and life goals,” said Stephen Morris assistant director, Operations, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford.

Watch Second Quarter Winners Video

Third Quarter

For the quarter ending September 30, 2020, American Eagle Financial Credit Union donated $22,077, divided equally among the top three vote recipients in the amount of $7,359. We received 158 nominations and 3,418 votes from members and the general public. Congratulations to Enfield Community Cat Project, TLC Foundation, Inc. in Manchester, and Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton.

Enfield Community Cat Project works with the town to rescue homeless and abandoned cats. The organization seeks to provide veterinary treatment to sick or injured cats as well as foster homes while seeking a permanent home. The Enfield Community Cat Project also promotes spay and neutering of cats in order to reduce over population, suffering, and disease. "This is a huge win for Enfield Community Cat Project by being chosen for this community award. Our plans for this amazing donation are to help us cover the many expenses we are still facing because of COVID. We have literally been drowning in vet bills so this is a huge relief to our rescue and will give us an opportunity to save more lives,” said Dawn Struck, President & Founder of Enfield Community Cat Project.

TLC Foundation, Inc. in Manchester is a transitional living center which offers a safe, structured family-like environment to Manchester school children who are victims of abuse, neglect family disruption, parent-child conflict or lack of a suitable home environment beyond their control. TLC offers the chance for school aged boys and girls to continue in Manchester Schools and live in a family-like environment. “On behalf of the TLC Foundation, I want to express appreciation to the Community Involvement Fund of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. During these unprecedented times of COVID-19, the monies from the Community Involvement fund will assist with staffing, the purchase of PPE and recreational activities,” said Liama B. Holmes, Executive Director of the TLC Foundation.

Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton seeks to increase awareness, appreciation and knowledge of the natural world, and the interrelationships that exist between people and the changing environment.  The center maintains five miles of trails on the adjacent state-owned Werner’s Woods property. This refuge is home to a variety of native wildlife species. Outdoor gardens provide opportunities for visitors to view wildflowers, birds and butterflies in season. Seasonal nature walks for all ages are offered throughout the year. “Roaring Brook Nature Center is most appreciative for the generous donation from American Eagle Financial Credit Union. The AEFCU gift will help us to keep our doors open and to provide programs, and serve as a resource to residents of the Farmington Valley and the greater Hartford area,” said Jay Kaplan, Director.

Watch Third Quarter Winners Video

Fourth Quarter

For the quarter ending December 31, 2020, American Eagle Financial Credit Union donated $24,018, divided equally among the top three vote recipients in the amount of $8,026. We received 168 nominations and 5,083 votes from members and the general public. Congratulations to Healing Meals Community Project, Dog Star Rescue, and Farmington Friends of Music. 

Healing Meals Community Project of Bloomfield provides healthy organic meals to people in a health crisis while fostering compassion and empowering youth and adult volunteers in our communities. “We are thrilled and honored to be a recipient of the American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s Cash Back to the Community program for the fourth quarter,” said Sarah Leathers, Founder & CEO of Healing Meals Community Project. “These funds will provide much-needed meals to clients and their family members, as well as grocery bags full of nutritional staples and fresh produce. We are grateful to community members that voted for us.”

Dog Star Rescue of Bloomfield saves stray, abandoned, shelter and owner surrendered dogs of all breeds and ages by placing them in qualified, caring, lifelong homes. “A donation like this helps Dog Star Rescue in so many ways,” said Dan McCabe, President of Dog Star Rescue. “It will help us further our mission of saving and rehoming dogs, and it will help us with the facility costs that come from running an all-volunteer operation as well as feeding the dogs we care for. This is an awesome way to cap off a crazy year—it has really boosted the spirits of our entire organization.”

Farmington Friends of Music is a non-profit organization created by supporters of Farmington Public Schools music students. Its mission is to promote the necessity of music education in Farmington Schools, enhance music education and support music educational opportunities for its schools and community. “We thank American Eagle Financial Credit Union for this wonderful opportunity,” said Leslie A. Isme, Music Department Chair of Farmington High School. “This year, with the pandemic and financial crisis, we have had more needs in our schooled than ever before. The money donated from the Cash Back to the Community program will directly support students in need of musical instruments, allowing them to participate or continue to participate in our music program.“