Houston Credit Union Donates $228K to Children's Charities

A Houston credit union just turned a business milestone into a lifeline for thousands of local children.

First Community Credit Union reached $2.9 billion in assets this year, achieving a long-term goal the organization had been working toward for years. But instead of throwing a corporate party, leadership did something different: they asked their employees to choose which Houston charities should receive a $228,500 donation in their honor.

Out of 35 local nonprofits, employees voted overwhelmingly for Bo's Place and Houston Children's Charity. Each organization received $114,250 to continue their vital work supporting some of Houston's most vulnerable kids.

Bo's Place runs the only free, ongoing grief support program for children and families in Greater Houston. The center helps kids and adults who've lost loved ones share their stories in a safe, healing environment. For families dealing with unimaginable loss, these services provide crucial support without adding financial stress.

Houston Children's Charity tackles a different but equally pressing need: ensuring no legitimate request for help from underprivileged, abused, or disabled children goes unanswered. Since 1996, they've provided beds, clothing, school supplies, transportation, and emergency support to more than 3 million Houston-area children.

"Surpassing our long-term asset goal is a milestone we celebrate not only within our organization but also by giving back to our community," said TJ Tijerina, President and CEO of First Community Credit Union. The employee-led voting process ensured the donation reflected the values of the people who made the credit union's growth possible.

The Ripple Effect

This donation represents more than a one-time gift. For Bo's Place, it means more counseling sessions for children processing grief. For Houston Children's Charity, it means more emergency requests answered, more kids getting school supplies they need, and more families receiving help during crisis moments.

Laura S. Ward, President and CEO of Houston Children's Charity, emphasized the immediate impact: "This generous donation will have an immediate and lasting impact on the children and families we serve, helping ensure that no legitimate request for assistance goes unanswered."

Katherine Parsley, Executive Director at Bo's Place, added that the gift "will heal the hearts of children and families" who turn to the center during their darkest times.

First Community Credit Union, founded in 1954, now serves over 179,000 members across 41 Texas counties. Their people-first approach to banking clearly extends beyond their members to the broader community they call home.

When companies grow, they can choose how to share that success, and First Community chose to invest in Houston's future by supporting its most vulnerable children.