Decatur, Illinois, December 9, 2022– Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) made a $25,000 donation to the Homework Hangout Club, INC. (HHC) of Decatur on Thursday, Dec. 8. Additionally, they have pledged another $25,000 per year for the next two years. The donation and pledge will enable HHC to expand their services and offerings to club participants in technology and innovative learning. Homework Hangout Club, INC. has been operating for over thirty (30) years, serving as a base of resources for the economically disadvantaged and underserved community youth and their families.
“Our focus each day at Homework Hangout is to provide resources to our community youth, and their families, that afford them opportunities to obtain personal success and well-being,” stated Stefan Dawson, Homework Hangout Chief Operations Officer. “Technology and Financial Literacy are two important elements to achieving that success and now, our new partnership with LLCU will greatly impact our program offerings here at HHC in these two categories.”
“At LLCU, when we see an opportunity to invest in our youth, we are eager to do so, because the youth are the future of our community,” stated Robert Ares, LLCU President & CEO. “The success of such an impactful program like Homework Hangout is paramount in creating future leaders for our community. The kids participating in HHC programs will grow up to be our community leaders and we are happy to have the opportunity to assist HHC in their mission.”
Homework Hangout Club, INC. celebrated 30 years of service this past year and has served over 8,000 youth participants over that time. HHC programs have resulted in a 100% HS graduation rate for all participants, and 94% employment placement for participants of the YouthBuild program. The LLCU donation will be used for technology enhancements in the HHC Computer Lab, including the purchase of 25 new computers, 25 computer chairs, 25 workstation dividers & an instructional smart screen.
Click below to view footage from the check presentation event and hear comments from both LLCU and HHC staff regarding the partnership.
[Photographed from left to right: Eric Grebner (HHC Exec. Dir.), Robert Ares (LLCU Pres./CEO), Jeshae Ali (LLCU Universal Banker), Ben Austin (LLCU Chief Information Officer), Stefan Dawson (HHC Chief Operations Officer), Kim Dawson (HHC Staff), Rosie Anderson (HHC Co-Founder & HR), and Chris Scott (HHC Staff).