sHq_LoGiNz – Page 1563

Momentum Builds Towards Historic Dakar 2026 YOG

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

With the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) now less than two years away, Dakar 2026 presented its latest progress report to the 144^th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session. The report highlighted key developments in preparation for the first Olympic sports event on African soil. The report underscored progress in venue construction and refurbishment, workforce development, and the growing momentum of youth engagement initiatives across Senegal.

A major highlight was the successful delivery of the third edition of the Dakar en Jeux Festival in November 2024. The celebration of sport, culture and education saw thousands of young people engaged in sporting activities across the three host communities of Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, while also featuring an international U16 3×3 basketball tournament and health workshops for local children. Plans are underway for the next edition in late 2025, which will coincide with the “One Year to Go” milestone and serve as an important testing opportunity for the YOG.

The Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) continues to strengthen its workforce by incorporating valuable knowledge from the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where staff members were able to gain first-hand experience in the planning and execution of a major international sports event. The YOGOC is also expanding its team, with recruitment efforts bolstered by the newly launched Learning Academy. This initiative will train up to 400 young professionals, equipping them with essential skills to support the delivery of the Dakar 2026 YOG, while creating a lasting legacy of experienced event organisers in Senegal and across Africa.

Infrastructure preparations for the YOG remain on track, with refurbishment work launched at key urban venues in Dakar and construction progressing at the equestrian centre and the Youth Olympic Village in Diamniadio. The completed venue master plan includes seven venues across the three host zones that will accommodate competition sites. Additionally, Dakar 2026 has strengthened its commercial programme, announcing its first domestic sponsorship deal with telecommunications company Sonatel.

Excitement for the Games is also growing with the launch of the mascot design process, which saw nearly 500 schoolchildren from across Senegal take part in a nationwide competition. The official mascot is set to be unveiled in June 2025 to mark 500 days to go until the Games.

Speaking about the energy surrounding Dakar 2026, YOGOC President Mamadou Ndiaye said: “Senegal is honoured, on behalf of Africa, to welcome the world to the first Olympic Games held on the continent. From the outset, our approach has been focused on inclusion and sharing. This inclusive dimension, inspired by our slogan ‘Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates’, is reflected in every stage of the preparations.”

The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly).

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

PotlatchDeltic Impacts Podcast Series: Forest Certification

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

PotlatchDeltic is committed to independent certification of our forests to demonstrate that they are managed in a sustainable and responsible manner. Independent forest certification plays a vital role in fostering an understanding of the value of properly managed working forests and confirms that science-based stakeholder developed forest management practices and continual improvement are occurring on our forests. In this discussion with Mike Houser, Environmental and Certification Manager, we discuss why we are Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, and what forest certification means. Our third-party forest certification reflects the rigor of our environmental management system, which includes a continual improvement process. As new information is discovered, practices are adjusted and improved, whether that be in threatened and endangered species management, forest productivity, water quality or climate change. Forest certification challenges us to think long term, and to invest with research organizations to study and improve the industry’s technical knowledge. In addition, it encourages us to engage with the communities and stakeholders who are connected to us through our timberlands and all they have to offer. This is the second podcast in our Impacts podcast series, which focuses on how we execute our mission through the lens of our four Corporate Responsibility pillars: Forest, Planet, People, and Performance.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

SeaWorld Parks Honor Military Appreciation Month with Free Park Admission to Active-Duty U.S. Military, Veterans and Their Families Through Annual Waves of Honor Program

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

ORLANDO, Fla., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SeaWorld parks will honor Military Appreciation Month with free one-day admission for U.S. military veterans and up to three guests. Veterans can register for this offer now through May 11 and have until July 6* to visit the parks with their free tickets. Active-duty military and their guests continue to enjoy one-day complimentary admission all year long. The offers are part of United Parks & Resorts’ Waves of Honor program, a longstanding partnership saluting active-duty military members, veterans and their families by offering special pricing and promotions throughout the year.

For more than 20 years, the company has been proud to provide complimentary park access to members of the United States military, and as a result, more than 10 million guests – active-duty military members, veterans and their families – have enjoyed free admission through the Waves of Honor program. Whether it’s educational animal experiences or thrilling attractions, military families are invited to the parks for a day of family fun.

“We are proud to honor active-duty military, veterans and their families with a complimentary visit to one of our parks,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts. “We are incredibly grateful to all members of our military for their commitment and dedication to serving our country. The Waves of Honor program extends a small token of our appreciation to those who are serving or who have served. We look forward to welcoming military service members, veterans and their families for a fun-filled day in one of our parks.”

Eligible U.S military veterans and retirees can register for complimentary single-day ticket(s) for themselves and up to three dependents before May 11 at www.WavesofHonor.com. After registering, all tickets must be redeemed by July 6*. Service members and their direct dependents must have a valid active military ID to participate.

Any U.S. active-duty military activated or drilling reservist or National Guardsman can also take advantage of one complimentary admission for themselves and up to three dependents per year to SeaWorld. Additional discounts and offers are available for active military and veterans through MWR and ITT offices on U.S. military bases and online at www.WavesofHonor.com. These offers are available year-round and may differ by park.

*SeaWorld San Diego guests have until May 26, 2025 to visit the park with their free tickets.

About SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts (NYSE:PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.

mediarelations@seaworld.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seaworld-parks-honor-military-appreciation-month-with-free-park-admission-to-active-duty-us-military-veterans-and-their-families-through-annual-waves-of-honor-program-302436095.html

SOURCE SeaWorld

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

First-Ever State of Nonprofit Auctions Report Shows Major Revenue Potential, Donor Loyalty, and Opportunity

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

New OneCause Research Finds Average Auction Gift of $529 and 64% of Donors Reporting Likelihood to Become Monthly Givers

INDIANAPOLIS, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OneCause, a leading provider of event and online fundraising solutions, is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report. This groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind comprehensive report offers deep insights into the nonprofit auction landscape, bringing together feedback from auction donors, nonprofit professionals who host auctions, and real-time data from the OneCause Fundraising Platform.

As nonprofits continue to trailblaze and evolve their fundraising efforts, regardless of economic uncertainty, the 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report highlights a bright spot: the undeniable power of auctions to generate revenue and drive long-term donor loyalty.

“This report is a must-have resource for nonprofits looking to elevate their auction strategies,” said Steve Johns, chief executive officer of OneCause. “Auctions are more than just a fundraising tactic, they’re powerful tools for acquisition, retention, and long-term growth. The 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report demonstrates how auctions, with the right approach and technology, can generate more revenue while building a lasting foundation for donor loyalty and organizational impact.”

The report reveals key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the nonprofit auction sector.

Key findings include:

Auction Attendees as a Long-Term Donor Pipeline: Auction attendees are not just one-time participants—they’re loyal and engaged supporters who are likely to attend future events and contribute on an ongoing basis. A remarkable 83% of auction attendees indicated they would return for future events from the same organization, and 64% expressed interest in becoming monthly donors.
Proven Revenue Generation: 77% of nonprofit professionals reported consistent or increased revenue from auctions, with 90% of respondents expecting this trend to continue in the next year. The report confirms that when executed well, nonprofit auctions are an effective way to raise both immediate revenue and drive long-term donor engagement.
The Power of Auction Items: Offering a diverse range of items is key to boosting engagement and participation. The report highlights the importance of balancing high-end items with more affordable options to appeal to a wider audience and increase bids. Based on OneCause data, the average auction contains 67 items, which raise 134.5% of their value.
The Role of Technology in Auction Success: Auction technology, including mobile bidding, outbid notifications, and buy-it-now options, plays a critical role in enhancing attendee experience, particularly among younger donors. The report reveals that 65% of Gen Z and Millennial auction participants value features like outbid notifications via text and AI-powered personalized item suggestions based on their bidding interests.

“As the nonprofit sector continues to rapidly change, auctions provide a unique opportunity to raise immediate funds while simultaneously nurturing long-term donor relationships,” added Johns. “By utilizing the data-driven insights in this report and focusing on creating exceptional auction experiences, nonprofits can ensure sustainable revenue growth and build a loyal, engaged donor base for the future.”

Download and Discover More

About OneCause
OneCause is driving the future of fundraising with easy-to-use digital fundraising solutions that help nonprofits improve the giving experience and raise more money. OneCause builds technology that optimizes everyday generosity, making it easier for nonprofit organizations to fundraise and for nonprofit supporters to give. Since 2008, OneCause has helped over 14,000 nonprofits in the United States and Canada raise more than $8 billion for their missions. OneCause is committed to driving innovation in the charitable sector, bringing together nonprofit professionals across the world for the annual Raise Conference to exchange ideas that further fundraising. For more information, visit www.onecause.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-ever-state-of-nonprofit-auctions-report-shows-major-revenue-potential-donor-loyalty-and-opportunity-302436020.html

SOURCE OneCause

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Bacardi Marks Earth Day With Spotlight on Latest Sustainability Efforts

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

We believe the actions we take today can help shape a better tomorrow. This Earth Day we’re proud to spotlight our ongoing efforts to reduce our impact on the environment.

From supporting local wildlife surrounding our distilleries, to investing in new technology, to working with those who grow our natural ingredients, we’re always finding ways to be #GoodSpirited.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Empowering Leaders for a Changing World

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Each year, we orchestrate the Global Inclusive Growth Summit to power conversations, propel progress and produce change. But as we prepare for Thursday’s summit in Washington, D.C., the challenges are more complicated and require more collaboration.

More than ever, this summit is a platform for new ways of thinking, more agile strategies and more flexible partnerships purpose-built for the world as it is now — and strong enough to shape how it might be tomorrow.

What we’ll cover

This year, we remain focused on fostering sustainable growth for communities everywhere, but we understand that there are people who remain overlooked and underestimated — in rural America and in emerging markets across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

We know that the staggering increase in cyberattacks and scams is threatening trust in the digital tools and emerging technologies that power many small and micro businesses.

And we believe that more must be done to enable the transition from financial inclusion to financial health, expanding the global middle class and ensuring long-term financial security for all.

Critical conversation at a critical moment

As billions more people enter the digital economy, we need to work together to ensure that the pathway to prosperity is accessible, secure and wide. We can harness the power of AI to protect and defend our cyber spaces and keep our data safe. We can draw on the potential of open banking to build a fuller picture of creditworthiness and ensure that small businesses can access the financing they deserve. We can marshal the private sector’s entrepreneurial thinking, resources and ability to quickly scale innovation to address issues locally and globally.

We all play a crucial role in this transformation, as evidenced by the group who will be gathering in D.C. — among them, Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach, Queen Maxima of The Netherlands, and Lisa Plaggemier, executive director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

Join the dialogue

But the room where it happens is everywhere: You can sign up on our website to get first access to these sessions and subscribe to the LinkedIn and Instagram feeds of the Center for Inclusive Growth for fresh learnings and powerful insights.

Whether you’re in the room or following online, you have the power to spark ideas, challenge assumptions and drive meaningful change. These unique conversations and unexpected connections are how we prepare ourselves for what happening now and what’s coming next.

Agility is our greatest asset. Our ability to look around corners, to drive new ideas and to pivot when necessary will help us prepare for the future — and actively shape it.

Follow the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth’s journey to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Originally published by Mastercard

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

New Slate of Inspiring and Engaging Standards-Aligned Content Added to Discovery Education Experience for Back-to-School 2025

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 23, 2025 /3BL/ – Discovery Education, the creators of indispensable K-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, today announced an exciting new slate of standards-aligned educational content and instructional resources for Back-to-School 2025 that will inspire teachers and engage students. The development of Discovery Education’s newest content is based on feedback from the company’s school-based partners and makes teaching and learning even more relevant, interesting, and personalized for users of Discovery Education products.

Available within Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged K-12 classrooms, this new content supports instruction in a variety of disciplines including ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Careers Exploration. Designed to work alongside innovative product enhancements announced earlier this year, these new resources empower teachers to create personalized learning experiences with inquiry, excitement, and exploration that will hold students’ attention while challenging them academically.

Among the new content and resources now available to users of Discovery Education Experience are:

Ready-To-Teach Lessons Enhancing Curriculum

Built around research-based instructional strategies, these new ready-to-teach lessons and activities target critical classroom needs and help teachers create unique learning opportunities for each student. Highlights include new Math Talks for grades 3-5, which feature activities focused on making sense of mathematics through open-ended prompts and rich student discussions, Daily Fix-Its and Weekly Edits, which are teacher-led presentations targeting common student grammar errors, and more.

New Immersive Learning Resources

Featuring interactive experiences that deeply involve students in their learning journey, the immersive resources recently added to Discovery Education Experience use the award-winning Sandbox app—available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store—to encourage active participation, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge. Recently added lessons enable elementary students to explore the phenomena of seasonal change, travel back in time to a medieval castle, investigate animal habitats around the world, and more.

Exclusive Virtual Field Trips Promoting Real-World Connections
These virtual field trips are free and available to all. Register here and find out more.

The Superpower of Story: A Virtual Field Trip to Warner Bros. Studios (Grades 6-12) This Virtual Field Trip (VFT) introduces students to the exciting world of storytelling with “The Superpower of Story” at DC Comics Headquarters. Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at how comics and films come to life with insight from industry creators.
“Meet the Magnets” Virtual Field Trip (Grades K-5) Hosted by Sesame Workshop and the National Science Foundation (NSF), this interactive experience takes young learners to NSF’s Magnetic Field Laboratory, igniting their curiosity about the everyday applications of magnet science in our lives.
Total Health: A Virtual Field Trip with the NBA and WNBA (Grades 3-8) This VFT encourages students to live a healthy lifestyle with a behind-the-scenes look at how professional basketball players from the NBA and WNBA maintain their health on and off the court!

DE Original Series Boosting Literacy Skills

With The Writer’s Block, middle school students build grammar, literary analysis, and communication skills with relatable hosts and captivating storytelling. Launching with four exciting episodes featuring lessons on run-on sentences, context clues, and writing purpose, the series is a go-to resource for differentiated ELA instruction.

Need to Know Series Exploring Ancient Wonders and Key Topics in Civics

The popular social studies series, Need to Know, features dynamic explorations of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt for middle school students, highlighting geography, culture, and the lasting relevance of ancient civilizations in shaping the modern world. The new civics-focused series, Need to Know Jr., is for grades K-2 and simplifies big societal concepts like laws, voting, and community roles, helping young students understand how our communities and governments function. Both series combine engaging student videos with ready-to-use lessons.

In addition, the Future Ready Career Hub has been expanded with curated career exploration resources including Career Quest, a new series of student-driven explorations that invite learners to explore a range of career opportunities, and Career Profiles 2.0 activities that encourage students to step into a role of interest. These resources map to 14 National Career Clusters® and connect classrooms with Career Connect, which offers students virtual access to industry professionals.

“Discovery Education understands that curiosity is central to the learning experience, as it drives student engagement, motivation, and persistence,” said Lance Rougeux, Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Engagement. “The new resources we are introducing today for Back-to-School 2025 are designed to pique the curiosity of all students, starting that exciting chain reaction that begins with student engagement and ends with students prepared for success beyond graduation.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

###

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact
Stephen Wakefield
Discovery Education
Phone: 202-316-6615
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

HOTWORX Honors Heroes with Over $19,000 Donation to National Breast Cancer Foundation

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Infrared fitness brand to host check presentation and book signing event with Founder Stephen P. Smith in Waxahachie, TX
The donation is a direct reflection of HOTWORX’s commitment to supporting those who serve and women in the fight against breast cancer
Money for this donation was raised through the brand’s inaugural Workouts for Heroes campaign

NEW ORLEANS, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HOTWORX^®, the first-ever 24-hour infrared fitness studio franchise, will present a over $19,000 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) during a special check presentation and book signing event on Wednesday, April 30, from 4–6 p.m. at the HOTWORX Waxahachie Marketplace studio.

This contribution, raised through HOTWORX’s “Workouts for Heroes” campaign, supports NBCF’s Military Women’s Patient Relief Fund, providing critical aid to breast cancer patients with military backgrounds.

“This donation is a meaningful continuation of our mission to support those who serve, both in uniform and in the fight against breast cancer,” said Stephen Smith, Founder and CEO of HOTWORX. “We’re proud to stand with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and to give back in a way that directly impacts women in the military community.”

In addition to the donation ceremony, the event will feature a book signing with Smith, who will be signing copies of his book Hot Exercise. Since the book’s debut in 2021, it has remained on the Amazon Best Seller list in the business franchise category and has reached the top 10 numerous times over the past four years. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in a raffle, with one lucky winner earning the opportunity to complete a HOTWORX workout session alongside Smith himself.

A Year of Giving Back
HOTWORX launched its Workouts for Heroes initiative in December 2024 as an expansion of the successful Hiking for Heroes campaign. Members were invited to dedicate workouts in honor of veterans by purchasing Dedication Ribbons displayed in their local studios. Contributions ranged from $1 to $10, with funds going toward veteran families supported by the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center (SMRC) and NBCF.

In October, HOTWORX also raised $28,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation through its “Pink Camo” towel promotion during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information about HOTWORX and to find a location near you, visit hotworx.net. For more on franchising opportunities with HOTWORX, visit: hotworx.net/franchising.

ABOUT HOTWORX^®Founded in Marrero, La., HOTWORX introduces a groundbreaking fitness program and is one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide, known for its innovative approach to infrared fitness training. With over 700 studio locations and over 250,000 members, HOTWORX provides members with an immersive, virtual exercise experience that combines the benefits of infrared heat with either 30-minute isometric workouts or 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions. Using its patented infrared sauna, HOTWORX offers a “3D Training” method, uniquely blending heat, infrared energy, and exercise for a deep, detoxifying workout. Members can conveniently book sessions through the HOTWORX Burn Off app, making fitness accessible and secure.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hotworx-honors-heroes-with-over-19-000-donation-to-national-breast-cancer-foundation-302435963.html

SOURCE HOTWORX

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Toxic Release Inventory Reporting: A Q&A With Kara and Friends

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

April 23, 2025 /3BL/ – Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) is an annual reporting requirement due by July 1 of each year for those facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use specific TRI-listed chemicals over their reporting threshold. In this webinar, Antea Group will begin by providing an overview that includes the basics of TRI, a summary of the updates for reporting year 2024, definitions and examples of manufacturing/processing/and otherwise use, an overview of PFAS as it relates to TRI, and common audit findings that we see related to TRI.

After the overview, we will dedicate the rest of the webinar to answering specific questions related to TRI. Topics for potential questions could include applicability, threshold evaluations, release calculations, the TRI-Me Web Platform, article exemptions, PFAS determination, and more.

Join us on Tuesday, May 13, at 12:00 p.m. CT to ask us your questions on Toxic Release Inventory and how it may impact your operations and reporting requirements. We’d like to hear from you on your challenges and help answer some of the questions that you and others may have on this regulatory reporting requirement.

Register Here!

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Teens In Foster Care Sign on for Financial Success with New VyStar Credit Union and Family Support Services Fostering Financial Fitness Program

Posted on April 23, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VyStar Credit Union and Family Support Services (FSS) proudly partnered on a groundbreaking program, the first of its kind in the country, designed to provide financial education and banking access to youth in foster care in Florida. This program officially debuted with a “Financial Independence Signing Day” event held on Friday, April 18 at the VyStar Credit Union Roosevelt Branch in Jacksonville, FL.

Financial Independence Signing Day was a high-energy, celebratory event, much like a college signing day. The first group of individuals who successfully completed VyStar’s Fostering Financial Fitness program and received their emancipation orders proudly took a major step toward adulthood. Instead of committing to a school, they committed to their financial future, symbolically signing for their first checking and savings accounts and embracing financial independence. To accommodate foster youth who may face transportation challenges, a virtual component was added to the Financial Fitness training, making it easier for them to complete the program. As a result, 36 foster youth have successfully completed the training.

As part of VyStar’s Fostering Financial Fitness program, the credit union’s Florida branches will be designated as Foster Friendly branches where member services representatives have received training to assist youth in foster care with opening bank accounts and provide support as they navigate the financial process.

“As a community-based credit union, VyStar is dedicated to ensuring every young adult, especially those aging out of foster care has access to the financial tools they need to succeed,” said Dana Karzan, VyStar Chief Marketing Officer. “By offering a fully online financial education course and making account access easier, we’re removing unnecessary barriers and helping youth in foster care build a strong financial future.” 

Youth in foster care often struggle to open checking and savings accounts due to legal barriers, limiting their ability to develop financial independence. In 2022 alone, 18,500 youth nationally exited foster care without being adopted, placing them at higher risk of financial instability, homelessness, and other adverse life experiences. Locally, FSS reported just over 1,200 youth in out-of-home care in Duval and Nassau counties at the end of March 2025, including 360 young people ages 13-23 in foster care, Extended Foster Care, and other support programs.

“Opening a bank account and having family support is so routine for many of us that we barely give it a second thought – but not all our kids have that experience,” said Maria Oxford, FSS’ Independent Living and Youth Well Being Manager. “For our young adults in care, having a community partner like VyStar wrap around them is a milestone moment marking the beginning of their financial empowerment. VyStar’s commitment to making their branches a welcoming, supportive space for foster youth exemplifies what it means to be part of a community of care.”

For interviews, b-roll, and images from the event, please click here to access and download the media assets.

About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 79 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,500 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

About Family Support Services (FSS) of Duval and Nassau Counties
Family Support Services is the lead agency for family preservation, foster care, and adoption services in Duval, Nassau, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Through community-based care, FSS provides services and programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect, to promote a healthy family environment and to care for our community’s children in foster care. For more information, go to www.familysupport.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teens-in-foster-care-sign-on-for-financial-success-with-new-vystar-credit-union-and-family-support-services-fostering-financial-fitness-program-302435940.html

SOURCE VyStar Credit Union

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire