Folsom, Calif. – (Sept. 27, 2022) – United Way California Capital Region leaders recently named SAFE
Credit Union as their September “Corporate Community
Champion” for the credit union’s ongoing pledge to grow and support its many programs.
“We are so excited to recognize SAFE for their commitment and partnership to United Way and our local
community,” United Way California Capital Region President & CEO Dr. Dawnté Early says of
SAFE’s support since 2002. “SAFE’s focus on supporting local health and education efforts also
aligns with United Way’s mission to end poverty and create stronger, healthier and more compassionate
communities.”
SAFE Business Development Manager Eric Grabin, United Way Resource Development
Manager Nick Juanitas, SAFE Community Impact Manager Amanda Merz, United Way Resource Development Senior
Director Stacy Wolfenberger and SAFE Chief Human Resources Officer Colleen Nerius.
SAFE is a founding partner of the capital region United Way’s Kindergarten 2
College program. “SAFE knows how critical it is for children to start saving for college at an early
age, and we appreciate their support of these efforts,” Early says.
The credit union also sponsors SAFE employees to participate in United Way’s Women United and Young Leaders Society programs and
is a corporate partner with their Workplace Giving campaign
in which SAFE employees can sign up to donate. SAFE often provides space for United Way meetings and for the
nonprofit’s free
tax preparation programs.
SAFE Business Development Manager Eric Grabin joined the United Way California Capital Region board of directors in
July. As a board member and volunteer, he has worked to help increase the program’s membership, fundraising
and volunteer event participation.
In 2018, he began volunteering for the Capitol Region Young Leaders Society Council where he has worked to helped
with mixers, speaker series and the United Way’s annual Brews & Brains trivia fundraising event held every
October. He now also serves as a liaison between both the board and the council.
“I was looking for a nonprofit that I could add value to and focus my volunteering efforts to make an impact in
our community,” Grabin says. “I have also been able to introduce my family to different volunteer events
so that they know the value and impact that volunteering can do in our community.”
SAFE Community Impact Manager Amanda Merz (Fourth from Left, Back Row) joins fellow
volunteers during a Women United event.
Along with Grabin, SAFE Community Impact Manager Amanda Merz is also being
recognized for her efforts since 2017 to support the Women United program.
Established in 1923, the United Way California Capital Region partners with 150 nonprofits to impact communities and
with 300 companies each year to raise $3 million for area nonprofits. For more information about the United Way
California Capital Region visit their website.
About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has
kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading
financial institution in Northern California with $4.5 billion in assets and about 246,000 members. SAFE crafts
every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking
services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for
members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit,
state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento,
Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda
counties. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org