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Select Employer Group Success Story: Bridgeway Academy

Wright-Patt Credit Union's (WPCU) Select Employer Group program is committed to making life a little easier for local organizations and their employees. We've had the privilege of partnering with organizations across Central Ohio, providing them with the no-cost benefit of credit union membership for their employees, as well as free financial learning and wellness programs.

It's our honor to partner with Select Employer Group organizations dedicated to making an impact in our communities, like Bridgeway Academy. Bridgeway Academy is a non-profit education and therapy center serving children with autism and developmental disabilities. Founded by speech-language pathologist Abby David and music therapist Erin Nealy in 2005, the organization's mission is to inspire the potential and celebrate the ability of every child.

All Bridgeway Academy students benefit from a range of therapies and services in the center, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy and physical therapy, as well as life and vocational skills training, transition services, family partnership services and behavior support. No other organization in Central Ohio offers this number of therapies under one roof.

Bridgeway Academy's partnership with WPCU began in March of 2020, right before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. WPCU was a sponsor for Philanthropitch Columbus, a fast-pitch funding competition that helps non-profits scale and expand their impact, and Bridgeway Academy was one of the seven organizations pitching for funding support.

After hearing Erin Nealy's compelling pitch to fund the new AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Evaluation Center, WPCU chose to allocate its sponsorship dollars to Bridgeway Academy. In the months to follow, Bailey Hanley, Manager of Business Development Coordination at WPCU, cultivated a relationship with Bridgeway Academy and joined the organization's Board of Trustees.

Since then, Bailey has become a dedicated advocate for Bridgeway Academy's mission, working with the Wright-Patt Credit Union team to provide both financial sponsorship and volunteer support for Bridgeway Academy when it was needed most.

“The past two years have been challenging for many non-profits, including ours," said Nealy. “We are so grateful for the partnership of Wright-Patt Credit Union and their steadfast support of our mission to inspire the potential and celebrate the ability of every child."

Bridgeway Academy accepting a check from WPCU Bridgeway Academy employees Bailey Hanley from WPCU on air with Bridgeway Academy Giving Tuesday Telethon

Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming a WPCU Select Employer Group? Get in touch with our team of Columbus Business Development Representatives today!