Binghamton, NY – Community partner Visions Federal Credit Union has provided a $25,000 grant to the Astor D. Rice Foundation. The funds will help support and expand the foundation’s FACE program, Families Achieve Community Empowerment, which serves the community of East Middle School in Binghamton, NY.
The FACE program is a 12-week opportunity for the families of middle school students during after school hours. The program’s mission is to aid the families with early intervention, mental health support, academic enhancement, and increased family engagement through holistic programs. Now in its second school year, the program continues to grow in scope and enrollments, connecting more families to their student’s education and district resources.
King Rice, who established the Astor D. Rice Foundation in his father’s name and serves as its President, created the FACE program in 2022. He says, “I am very humbled by such a generous gift to help the Astor D. Rice Foundation. This gift will help ensure that the families in our FACE program receive the support they need. This generous gift and relationship with Visions is a great blessing for the foundation to reach a bigger portion of our community.”
Services provided by the FACE program include childcare and transportation to ease participation barriers, shared meals to reduce food insecurity and build family bonds, and a variety of activities and resources for the students, parents or guardians, and families. Visions’ contribution will help to fund these services for students and families.
The grant was provided through Visions Cares, the credit union’s charitable giving initiative. Jocelyn Bailey, Community Development Liaison for Visions Cares, says, “Through their FACE program, the Aster D. Rice Foundation is filling many important needs in this district. We’re proud to provide support as they uplift students and families in our Binghamton community.”
Visions supports educators and students of all ages in and out of the classroom, not only through community grants from Visions Cares, but also through educational programs in local school districts and classroom grant opportunities through the Visions Loves Educators program. You can learn more about Visions’ giveback initiatives or apply for support at visionsfcu.org/cares and visionsloveseducators.com.
East Middle School families interested in being a part of the FACE program can contact the Astor D. Rice Foundation at 607-238-3529.
About Visions
Visions Federal Credit Union is a not for profit financial institution completely owned by its members. Established in 1966, Visions proudly serves over 250,000 members in communities throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Services include banking as well as auto, home, personal, and business loans.
Ref: Visions FCU press release, 2024.
