GPO Federal Credit Union has committed $75,000 to ICAN’s Family Resource Center, which will also house a new, state-of-the-art Children’s Museum.
GPO’s $75,000 gift sponsors the balcony area of the facility, which will give a bird’s eye view of the new glass rotunda and will serve as the main entrance to the brand new museum exhibit area. The donation contributes to the overall project total of $14 million, which includes site improvements, museum exhibit design and the addition of the rotunda—a signature architectural element on the south side of the building at 106 Memorial Parkway, Utica.
“Giving back to the community is at the heart of GPO Federal Credit Union. We recognize that being a part of the communities we serve means more than just meeting the financial needs of members. To us, it means embracing what we all hold dear – family; health and well-being; financial fitness; and an overall good quality of life.” Says Nick Mayhew, President and CEO of GPO Federal Credit Union. “GPO is proud to create this partnership with ICAN benefiting their new Family Resource Center and Children’s Museum which will help make a positive impact on many families in this community.”
ICAN CEO/Executive Director Steven Bulger adds, “GPO’s generous gift shows their commitment to families in the Mohawk Valley and to providing a space for fun, togetherness, learning and so much more. The balcony is an important area in our new space, as it will serve as the bridge between the new rotunda addition and the main floor of the museum, welcoming all visitors to the museum. We are very grateful for their support of the project.”
ABOUT THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
The Family Resource Center will unite two of our region’s greatest assets: ICAN’s youth and family programs and the Utica Children’s Museum. A hub for learning, wellness, connectedness and FUN, this will be the first time that a children’s museum is co-located and partnered with a human services non-profit.
Project timeline:
Summer 2021: Project groundbreaking
Summer 2022: ICAN opens Family Resource Center for services
End of 2023: Grand opening of the new Children’s Museum
ICAN programs such as Supervised Visitation, Healthy Families and Nurturing Parenting will be housed at the new Family Resource Center, all of which will utilize the museum space for family bonding, confidence building and ultimately for making families stronger. Select ICAN administrative departments will also be housed at the new location.
The new museum will be located on the second floor and in the rotunda of the Family Resource Center. It will provide a space and be a catalyst for post-pandemic healing for all and will offer needed socialization, connection and joy as well as hands-on educational experiences aligned with school curricula to help students get back on track after
an extended loss of learning. Close to the Parkway Recreational Center, Val Bialas Ski Center, Utica Zoo and the John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone, the museum will enhance this family-friendly district of the city. Regional and national experts are assisting with the project from architecture and conceptualization to creation of museum exhibits and ensuring Universal Design principles are integrated.
ABOUT ICAN
Founded in 1997, ICAN is a unique home and community-based network that provides individualized and non-
traditional services and care to the highest risk individuals and families with social, emotional, mental health and behavioral challenges. ICAN’s team of over 170 staff consisting of care managers, service coordinators, social workers, support specialists, clinical staff and an extensive Independent Practice Association (IPA) of 250+ providers work together to provide a platform for support, family reunification and preservation to over 1,900 individuals and families each day – prenatally through end of life.
ABOUT GPO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
GPO Federal Credit Union was founded in 1931, and today serves more than 35,000 members by offering a full-range of financial services. Headquartered in New Hartford, GPO has branches in New Hartford, Utica, Oneida, Ilion, Dolgeville, Barneveld and Rome.
From left to right: Steven Bulger, ICAN CEO/Executive Director and from GPO Federal Credit Union: Courtney Walchusky, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development; Alycia Schick, Community Relations Coordinator; and Nicholas Mayhew, President/CEO. They are photographed on the second floor of the Family Resource Center. Directly behind them is where the balcony will be built.
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