Tucson Federal Credit Union Board Member Secures Major Grant for Foster Youth Housing Initiative

Bryan Benz

Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU), in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco), will deliver a grant of more than $90,000 to WholisticTransformation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth aging out of the foster care system.

TFCU partnered with WholisticTransformation to secure the AHEAD Program grant, which will fund the Resident Navigator initiative. This program features an on-site professional who guides foster youth toward their goals by connecting them with vetted community resources.

Founded by Bryan Benz, a long-time TFCU member and Board Member, WholisticTransformation creates living opportunities for individuals aging out of the foster care system. The organization plans to build a community of 12 starter homes centered around a traditional Southwest courtyard, by innovatively repurposing 20-foot shipping containers formerly used on the border wall.

"Our focus is on empowering young adults aging out of foster care,’ said Bryan Benz, Founder and CEO of WholisticTransformation. “With the support of our on-site Resident Navigator, we aim to address their spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs, fostering a sense of community that goes far beyond just providing shelter."

“I have watched Byran develop his WholisticTransformation vision from the beginning.  It’s exciting that TFCU can be a part of helping Bryan take this important next step in bringing that vision to a reality.” stated TFCU President & CEO Matthew Gaspari.

AHEAD grants enable FHLBank San Francisco members like TFCU to give a critical boost to local economic development programs and projects that directly address the needs in low- to moderate-income communities.

"These grants will help boost economic opportunity and create access to vital services and support that can be life-changing for people living in underserved communities," said Eric Cicourel, community investment officer for FHLBank San Francisco. "We're proud that for 20 years and counting, the AHEAD Program continues to make a positive impact throughout the communities we serve."

The AHEAD Program is in its 20th year and has awarded $33.1 million in grants to 1,000 economic vitality projects in Arizona, California, and Nevada. This year WholisticTransformation was 1 of over 300 submitted applications. For those interested in applying for the AHEAD Program in 2025, please contact Tucson Federal Credit Union or visit the FHLBank San Francisco website to learn more.

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