Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union (MEFCU), in collaboration with 6 other local financial institutions, is proud to announce a joint donation of $155,000 to the Women’s Shelter and Support Center.
The donation was made possible through the Member Impact Fund, a matching grant program from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines).
A check presentation ceremony was held at the MEFCU Business Center on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025. Representatives from MEFCU, fellow partnering financial institutions, and the Women's Shelter and Support Center (WSSC) were in attendance to mark the occasion and discuss the impact the funds will have on local families in need.
“This investment not only strengthens our capacity to serve more survivors but reinforces our mission to provide safe shelter and supportive services for survivors and their children,” said Artyce Thomas, Executive Director of WSSC. “We are incredibly grateful to have financial partners who recognize that access to safe housing is not a privilege—it’s a foundation for healing and long-term stability.”
Each year, WSSC supports nearly 3,000 individuals through emergency shelter, crisis support, legal advocacy, and outreach services. The new funding will support a new shelter that will more than double the organization’s housing capacity – providing a safe haven for up to 75 individuals at a time.
At MEFCU, we are proud to stand alongside our peers and partners like WSSC to make a lasting impact across Minnesota.
Photo includes: Mary Hansen (CEO, MEFCU), Sue Palen (EVP, MEFCU), Mara Humphrey (CEO, Minnesota Credit Union Network) Barb Sparr (Relationship Manager, FHLB Des Moines), Artyce Thomas (Executive Director, WSSC), Kristina Kovacevic (AVP of Member Experience, First Alliance Credit Union), Whitney Butlin (Senior Digital Member Consultant, Affinity Plus Credit Union), Jenna Taubel (AVP of Marketing, First Alliance Credit Union), Lee Kulas (Branch Manager, Wings Credit Union).