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CU Grand Opening Recap - NCUD Update

Dear NCUD Friends,

Recap of Grand Opening
Last Saturday we had a wonderful grand opening celebration. Many leaders, well wishers and friends from the East Palo Alto (EPA) and surrounding community attended. This included State Assemblyman Ira Ruskin, East Palo Alto Mayor Pat Foster, City Council members David Woods, Ruben Abrica and Pete Evans, members of the national, regional and local credit union community and church leaders from EPA and surrounding communities. We also had a special presentation of a flag that was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. from Congresswoman Anna Eshoo given to us by State Congressman Ira Ruskin.

This was a wonderful, joyous celebration where we culminated over 3/1/2 years of work, planning, praying and organizing. I know many of our friends were able to stop by, thank you for celebrating with us. I will shortly post pictures of the event on our website at www.norcaludc.org. I have also attached an article that was in the Palo Alto Daily News last Saturday.

Many of you have played a part in this project throughout. I wanted to say thank you. We're here because so many helped and believed in us along the way. East Palo Alto now has it's own credit union, and an alternative to hi-cost predatory lenders and check cashers. You've been a big part of that.

What is NCUD Doing Now?
NCUD is now turned it's focus on three main endeavors: supporting the credit union's activities in the community, youth (and eventually adult) financial literacy training and micro-finance lending.

Our youth programs, including our 'Economis' token economy program and our Basic Financial Literacy Training is currently working with 135 students weekly and having great results. We have begun the research and development process to identify and implement a micro loan program using best practices from around the country. This will be implemented with our partner organizations in the community in the upcoming months. More great news is certainly to come!

Getting Involved
Your continued support is critical right now as we build upon our success. If you'd like to make a donation, volunteer in our youth programs or simply hear more about our efforts please don't hesitate to contact me. Donation can be made through out web site or by mailing a check to the address below. All donations are tax deductible.

If you'd like to volunteer to teach a class, help with random tasks in the office or any number of activities, please contact me. A current needs and opportunity list is on our website.

Golf Tournament on July 18th
You can also support us by sponsoring or playing in our Third Annual Golf Classic on July 18th. More information is on our website at: www.norcaludc.org. This event benefits our youth financial literacy programs. We're looking for major sponsors ($1500.00 and above), hole sponsors ($300.00), raffle and auction items and willing golfers!

Again, thank you for your encouragement, support, prayers and good will over the past years. We expect great things for East Palo Alto and Northern California!

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