Press Release
For Immediate Release - June 9, 2006

Contact: Rob Ennamorato - Communications Specialist - (410) 737-2615 rennamorato@bism.org

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland's WINGS program receives donation from SECU Credit Union

Baltimore, MD – Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), a non-profit organization that provides training and employment for blind citizens of Maryland, received a generous donation of $540.00 for its Winning Independence Now Guarantees Success (WINGS) program from SECU Credit Union of Maryland on June 1, 2006.

The check was presented at the BISM Baltimore facility by SECU Community Outreach Coordinator Sandra L. Hoffman to members of the BISM Youth Services Staff.
The money was collected during a raffle fundraiser throughout SECU's 14 branches. SECU Financial Educator Julie Bernick was also on hand for the presentation and it was her referral that led the Community Relations Committee to choose the unique organization.

Ms. Hoffman visited www.bism.org and was immediately drawn to WINGS, an intensive five-week residential summer program for transitional blind youth, ages 15 to 21.

The WINGS participants receive top quality training from BISM's blind professional staff and counselors in everything from cane travel to independent living skills to Braille. The program's schedule is also jam-packed with fun and exciting adventures that build self-esteem and confidence. The dedicated staff also serves as mentors and role models for the students preparing for employment or post-secondary education.

WINGS, now in its eighth year, begins July 16 and takes place at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus.

ECU was founded in Baltimore in 1951 and is currently the largest Credit Union in Maryland. The Community Relations Committee was created in the early 1990's and has grown to include 40 volunteers and a full-time Community Outreach Coordinator.