SECU Grants $500,000 for Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion in North Carolina

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C., Oct. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) Foundation has announced a $500,000 grant to Safelight, Inc. to expand its domestic violence shelter in Henderson County. The funding aims to enhance the non-profit’s ability to serve survivors of domestic violence.

The expansion will allow Safelight to accommodate an additional 150 individuals each year, providing programs and services free of charge in a secure environment designed for recovery. Safelight, established in 1984, offers support to survivors of violence through a continuum of programs that help individuals transition from crisis to sustainable living. To date, Safelight has assisted over 46,000 survivors.

Chris Ayers, Chair of the SECU Foundation Board, highlighted the organization’s dedication to the community. “For over 40 years, Safelight has been working tirelessly in Henderson County to support individuals impacted by violence,” he said. “Their work embodies our People Helping People® philosophy, and we are pleased to provide funding that will help them expand their capacity.”

Safelight CEO Lauren Wilkie expressed gratitude for the grant, noting that the funding will enable the shelter to expand from 13 to 20 rooms. “We could not do this expansion without their support, and we are beyond grateful,” she said. The grant will also facilitate renovations at the Dandelion Cafe, which will offer a new product line for its on-site job training program.

Established 88 years ago, SECU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that provides financial services to more than 2.9 million members. With over $56 billion in assets, it is the second largest credit union in the United States.

Through its charitable organization, SECU Foundation, the credit union focuses on community development throughout North Carolina. Since 2004, the foundation has committed over $328 million to local initiatives focusing on housing, education, healthcare, and human services.