RALEIGH, N.C., May 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SECU Foundation is pleased to announce its support for ReCONNECT NC, a program developed by the Institute of Emerging Issues (IEI) at NC State University.  A $60,000 Capacity Building grant from the Foundation will assist IEI with implementation of the program in two northeastern North Carolina counties, Edgecombe and Pasquotank.  The $30,000 funding for each site will help cover operation and programmatic support as community leaders work together to focus on the project’s topic of reconnection – to explore the root causes of the disconnect North Carolinians are experiencing and identify solutions that will re-engage citizens with the community to restore civic health for the long term.  SECU Foundation Board Chair Bob Brinson presented ceremonial checks to program officials during special events held recently in Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City.

The Institute for Emerging Issues is a non-partisan public policy organization – a “think-and-do tank,” whose mission is to enhance the state’s long-term prosperity.  IEI launched ReCONNECT NC in 2017 after reaching out to thousands of North Carolinians asking, “what’s the biggest issue facing our state over the next five years?”  Their responses noted one common theme: people in North Carolina are feeling more disconnected than ever – to work, to civic institutions, to one another – and they want to do something about it.  ReCONNECT NC is a three-year forum series focused on reconnecting the state’s citizens in five diverse communities, with each working to address a specific challenge.

“The Institute of Emerging Issues has been working collaboratively with top leaders and organizations since 2002 to bring social and economic issues affecting North Carolina’s future to the forefront,” said Mr. Brinson.  “We are no strangers to their pioneering work, having also partnered with them for several years to expand their Prize for Innovation competition for college students throughout the state.  We are proud to offer our support for ReCONNECT NC – this program is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when civic and business leaders come together with the local community to address major issues facing our state.”

“The Institute for Emerging Issues is really excited to be able to work with SECU Foundation to make this great community work, and the broader work we are doing across the state with our ReCONNECT NC series, all happen,” said Leslie Boney, Director of the Institute for Emerging Issues.  “The work these communities are engaged in is making a difference already in their neighborhoods and towns.  The support from the Foundation enables these community groups to take their work to the next level and to inspire others across the state.”

About SECU and the SECU Foundation
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for nearly 82 years.  The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities.  SECU serves over 2.4 million members through 266 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org.  The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services.  Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of more than $154 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.

Contact:  Jama Campbell, Executive Director
Office:  919-839-5562 | secufoundation@ncsecu.org