New Hartford, NY- First Source Federal Credit Union’s Community Team was thrilled to help brighten up The House of the Good Shepherd’s Sanctuary Café with a custom, vibrant, full wall, mural design and installation.

First Source and The House have been working on community initiatives to support their students together since 1995. Most recently, First Source supported the Brighter Future Fund and STEM improvements at the House’s Tilton School, focusing on purchasing smartboards, laptops, tablets and desktop computers for students. Assistance with the completion of the Sanctuary café included new flooring, funding for a work study program, and the mural.

“Our partnership is deeper than just the physical technology,” said Leila Bjornland, Assistant Director of Development for The House of the Good Shepherd. “In addition, First Source works with our employees and students on financial education and smart money management which is a very necessary skill. We are grateful they share that knowledge with us.”

Bjornland continued, “Over the years, The House has seen the transformative impact of STEM education on our student's academic achievements and future prospects. Achievements and graduation success rates, ranging from 91% to 100%, underscore the transformative impact of our STEM-focused approach and the dedication of our educators. The impact of First Source’s contributions extends beyond the classroom, shaping students' pathways to higher education, vocational training, and employment.”

For additional information including thoughts from the kids using the café visit fsource.org/learn/blog.

About The Tilton School and Sanctuary Café

The Tilton School offers a New York State Educational Department (NYSED) certified, structured, therapeutic, and supportive educational program for students in grades K -12. Their collaborative educational program is designed to meet the needs of students who have challenges with learning in a typical classroom environment. It offers small class sizes for students to receive more individualized and differentiated instruction and meaningful learning experiences to ensure all students reach their potential.

Youth empowerment programs, such as the Sanctuary Café, transcend perceived barriers and help vulnerable youth overcome their challenges and trauma. For the first time, youth can embrace a remarkable journey, looking towards a future with boundless possibilities. The primary objective is to provide these students with the tools to effectively manage adverse behaviors due to complex trauma histories and help them overcome their various challenges. The Sanctuary Café project reinforces students' sense of social responsibility within the school and the wider community. It operates on recognizing and rewarding positive behavior, acts of kindness, and academic improvement, fostering a culture of positivity and empowerment.

For more information regarding The House of the Good Shepherd, please contact Lee Bjornland at leilab@hgsutica.com or 315-235-7772.

About First Source:

First Source Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, with savings and loan solutions, serving Members and our community since 1938. Originally founded as Utica Teachers Federal Credit Union, the name changed to First Source in 1992 to better reflect our broad and diverse membership. First Source provides financial solutions with a personal approach to each Member, building meaningful relationships in order to help Members afford each stage of their life.

First Source strives to help Members make smart financial decisions and help our community grow and thrive. We serve over 60,000 Members with current branches in New Hartford, Washington Mills, South Utica, North Utica, Herkimer, and Rome; a Member Care Center, and Online & Mobile banking. Our Members have access to First Source Interactive ATMs as well as over 30,000 nationwide surcharge-free ATMs. Connect with First Source and learn more at fsource.org, through Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X.

For more information regarding First Source, please contact Katie Ullman, at kullman@fsource.org or 315-735-8571.

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