LIVE OAK, Texas (Oct. 24, 2024) — On the morning of October 17, RBFCU Investments Group staff members observed International Credit Union Day^® 2024 by donating approximately 500 teddy bears, stuffed animals, books and other supplies to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas.

The staff members also experienced a tour of the beautiful San Antonio facility, one of the nation’s largest grief centers serving children, teens and their families as they learn to navigate their personal grief journeys. The center provides services at no cost to their clients, and offers a range of services and support programs in vibrant, colorful and light-filled spaces.

“As delighted as we were to lead this initiative on behalf of our RBFCU colleagues, we were all moved by the tour,” said Terence Powell, Jr., AIF®, Investment Program Manager. “Grief is challenging to experience at any age, but children seldom have the same coping skills as adults. The center offers programs and services centered on the children, but adult caregivers may benefit, too, through support programs and referrals.”

“Seeing the memory walls with photographs commemorating family members who have been lost was especially touching for me,” said Investment Coordinator Raquel Cheatle. “Reflecting on the faces in the photographs was a profound experience, as was seeing the art table where the children are allowed to leave their individual marks. Their artwork is never removed. That’s done to show that grief is part of life and impacts all of us. It was a powerful reminder that many people in our community deal with grief daily.”

“We also learned that teddy bears are offered to children the first time they visit. It’s a transitional item, something that helps them to feel more comfortable and confident in the center,” said Terence. “Some children hold onto the bears for years, in tribute to their grief journeys and deceased loved ones. There’s also a large ‘teddy bear closet,’ one that we’re honored to have filled up with donations from across RBFCU.”

“Remarkably, the center gave away 2,900 bears last year alone,” said Raquel. “That number brings home how many people are touched by grief.”

That number also serves as a reminder that many RBFCU staff and our members may find the center’s presence in San Antonio and Uvalde helpful.

“You never know when you might experience the death of a loved one,” Terence said. “Understanding that this remarkable place exists and can help children should be more widely known. If you personally don’t need their services and resources, you can help others by spreading the word to colleagues, friends and even our credit union members. That’s a wonderful way to show empathy and compassion for people who are experiencing grief.”

RBFCU Investments Group would like to thank everyone who donated items, helping bring comfort to area children and their families.

Sponsored by: RBFCU Investments Group, with the help of RBFCU Trust Services and RBFCU Wealth Management teams