First Trust Credit Union Presents Check to Charity Partner

MC Wolves logoFirst Trust Credit Union has been partnering with Open Door Adolescent Health Center (ODAHC) located inside Michigan City High School to raise funds utilized for the prevention of adolescent substance abuse.

The partnership began in April of 2014 when First Trust was looking for a charity within the Michigan City community to support, according to Marketing Assistant and Charity Committee member, Dorene Martinson. ODAHC is dedicated to providing both physical and mental health services to students within the Michigan City Area School District.

They function out of Michigan City High School providing education, support, and counseling to adolescents dealing with issues including substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, drugs), teen pregnancy, anger management, suicide, depression, academics, and more. ODAHC has been able to utilize past funds raised by First Trust to help with educational programs at the middle school level that focus on prevention of substance abuse.

Perry Minner, Mental Health Coordinator for ODAHC, stated that, “Prevention works much better than treatment”. He explained that 80% of all adults who have substance abuse problems were exposed to the substance at an early age. He added, “If we can get them (kids) past the age of 21 without having any issues, then in most cases they should be ok in their adult life.”

Martinson said that fundraising efforts thus far have included bake sales, employee casual days, member monetary donations, an employee snack station, and “give-back” fundraisers with local restaurants.

The next fundraiser will be an employee pumpkin decorating contest at First Trust’s Michigan City branch the week of October 19th – October 29th. First Trust is inviting everyone to come out and vote for their favorite pumpkins.