Desert Financial Recognizes Children’s Grief Awareness Month with $25,000 Gift to Billy's Place

 PHOENIX (Originally published November 14, 2024) – Desert Financial Credit Union provided a $25,000 gift to Billy’s Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families experiencing grief, to support the nonprofit’s annual #bethere campaign, which brings vital awareness to children’s grief at schools throughout Arizona.

 The #bethere campaign works closely with school districts to ensure that teachers, counselors, and school staff are equipped with resources to support grieving students. The program also trains youth specialists to identify and support students dealing with loss.

Arizona’s largest local credit union is teaming up with Billy’s Place this November in recognition of Children and Teens Grief Awareness Month.

“Supporting each other through life’s challenges is a key aspect of any strong community,” said Jeff Meshey, Desert Financial Credit Union CEO. “Grief is a reality that too many young people face, but they don’t have to face it alone. Through the #bethere campaign, Billy’s Place connects Arizona students with meaningful support and resources when they need it most.”

The contribution by Desert Financial Credit Union is critical to helping Billy’s Place expand the #bethere campaign’s reach, providing grief resources to students, parents, and educators across the state. This year’s campaign is expected to reach more than 161,000 students at 167 schools throughout Arizona.

"We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union in our #bethere campaign during Children and Teens Grief Awareness Month this November,” said Kris Friedman, executive director of Billy’s Place. “Their support plays a vital role in helping us raise awareness and provide essential resources for grieving children and teens in our community. Together, we are creating compassionate spaces where young people feel supported and understood during their most difficult times.”

 Participating school districts include: Agua Fria High School District, Avondale Elementary School District, Chandler Unified School District, Deer Valley Unified School District, Flagstaff Unified School District, Gilbert Public Schools, Glendale Union High School District, Imagine Avondale, Isaac School District, Litchfield Elementary School District, Mesa Public Schools, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Peoria Unified School District, Prescott Unified School District, Roosevelt Elementary School District, Tempe Union High School District and Tolleson Elementary School District. 

About Desert Financial Credit Union

Celebrating 85 years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state's most trusted local credit union with over $8 billion in assets, 450,000+ members and nearly 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2024, members received $20 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.

About Billy’s Place

Billy’s Place provides grief support to kids and families. The nonprofit organization hosts professional and peer-facilitated support groups, Grief Informed Schools Training and community remembrance events for kids, teens, parents and others who have lost a special person. Since its inception in 2012, Billy’s Place has provided a safe community for thousands of kids and families experiencing grief in Arizona.