Credit Union of America Donates $50,000 to Second Light Through United Way Challenge Grant

Gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling its impact to help address homelessness in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan., July 17, 2026 — Credit Union of America (CUA) announced a $50,000 donation to Second Light, a shelter and resource hub for Wichita’s unhoused community. In partnership with the United Way of the Plains’ $1 million challenge grant, CUA’s donation will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the support for Second Light to $100,000.

In June, United Way committed up to $1 million over three years to match community donations to Second Light, creating the potential for up to $2 million in total funding. The commitment, the largest single investment in United Way’s 104-year history, is intended to help Second Light ramp up operations, strengthen services, and expand its role in Wichita’s coordinated response to homelessness.

“Credit Union of America’s contribution demonstrates the kind of partnership needed to make this effort successful, ” said Pete Najera, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains. “We are grateful CUA answered the call, and we invite businesses, government partners, foundations, faith communities, and individuals to join the effort. It’s already working. Since CUA stepped up, we’ve seen additional businesses respond to the call, and we hope that momentum continues to build.”

“Addressing homelessness requires organizations across our community to work together” said Frank Shoffner, President and CEO of Credit Union of America. “When United Way announced the match, CUA had no hesitation. We said yes because Second Light is essential to the Wichita community. We hope our contribution continues to encourage others to join us in supporting Second Light.”

The funding will support Second Light’s 130-bed facility and one-stop resource model, connecting unhoused individuals with providers and coordinated services as they take steps toward healing, stability, and housing.

“We are grateful to Credit Union of America for helping jump-start the fundraising effort behind United Way’s challenge grant,” said Steve Dixon, Chair of Second Light’s Board of Directors. “These funds will allow us to connect more people with the shelter, services, and support they need while advancing our community’s goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit SecondLightWichita.org.

About Credit Union of America
As the second-largest credit union in Kansas, CUA serves over 100,000 members online and at sixteen (16) full-service Kansas locations in Wichita, Derby, Goddard, Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Pratt, Salina, and Manhattan in addition to a corporate office located in Wichita, Kansas. Credit Union of America, originally a teachers’ credit union, now serves a community-based field of membership, with particular interest and expertise in helping educators and healthcare workers while employing over 300 Kansans. Established in 1935, CUA is a member-owned full-service financial cooperative providing low-cost checking, savings, investments, personal and mortgage loans, and small business services. As of December 31, 2025, CUA assets total $1.751 billion, and loans total $1.458 billion. Deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. Government Agency. CUA is an Equal Housing Opportunity and Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Second Light
Second Light is a community-driven initiative designed to provide comprehensive services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Second Light speaks to renewal, hope, and the moment when darkness gives way to possibility. It represents a fresh start for those seeking stability, a guiding path toward healing and housing, and the reassurance that every life has another chance to shine.

About United Way of the Plains
United Way of the Plains mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in south-central Kansas can reach their full potential. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

• Credit Union of America: Kym Money, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, 800.256.8049, ext. 232, KMoney@CUofAmerica.com
• United Way of the Plains: Bryan Ramsdale, Manager of Digital Content Creation, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4103, bramsdale@unitedwayplains.org