Virginia Credit Union and Member One Donate $20,000 to Support TAP’s ‘Breakthrough Fund,’ Aiding Individuals As They Pursue Employment Training

Virginia Credit Union and its Member One division have donated $20,000 to Roanoke-based Total Action for Progress (TAP) to support the Member One Breakthrough Fund. This new initiative is designed to help families participating in TAP’s employment and training programs overcome unexpected financial emergencies that might jeopardize the family’s continued participation in the programs.

The Member One Breakthrough Fund will provide timely financial support to an estimated 24 families enrolled in TAP's Whole Family program. The funding addresses critical gaps that can derail families' progress in education and training programs from unexpected expenses, such as emergency car repairs, sudden childcare needs, or medical costs.

“We see the Member One Breakthrough Fund as serving two critical needs — supporting families as they work to build better futures and protecting the investment of time and resources TAP has already made in these families,” said VACU Western Region Market President Tim Rowe. “We know that even small financial hurdles at critical moments can prevent families from succeeding in TAP’s life-changing education and training programs. This fund will offer families a helping hand when they need it most.”

TAP's Whole Family program uses a Crisis-to-Thrive assessment model to work with families holistically, identifying strengths, opportunities, and barriers as they pursue sustainable economic self-sufficiency.

“What set Member One apart from the beginning was their disciplined focus on impact. Rather than pursuing something easy or symbolic, they challenged us to identify where an investment could drive meaningful, long-term change for families and the region,” said TAP President & CEO Angela Penn. “That combination of clear vision, thoughtful collaboration, and a willingness to push for greater outcomes is the hallmark of a truly strategic partner.”

Virginia Credit Union and Member One have a longstanding commitment to supporting programs that strengthen families and communities throughout their service area. The credit union contributes to and works with dozens of nonprofits and community organizations on financial education, career development, and job readiness initiatives.

Total Action for Progress
Total Action for Progress is a community action agency that serves 11 localities in the Roanoke Valley and adjacent communities: the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke, and Rockbridge and the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, Lexington, Roanoke, and Salem. Learn more at tapintohope.org

About Virginia Credit Union
A financial cooperative serving almost 500,000 members, Virginia Credit Union and its Member One division offer a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages, and free financial education resources with a focus on helping people be more confident with their finances. Virginia Credit Union and its Member One division are equal housing opportunity lenders and are federally insured by the NCUA. Learn more at vacu.org