WASHINGTON— The Via Stella Foundation, a global initiative through which credit unions provide humanitarian and financial assistance to credit unions and refugees in Ukraine and Poland, announced that more than $130,000 was raised during its annual reception at the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington.
The organization noted that 100% of the funds go to Ukrainian families, women and children impacted by the war through the volunteer-led network in Poland and Ukraine.
The foundation also recognized a significant personal contribution from Jay Mossman, President and CEO of AKUVO, who donated $40,000 in support of Via Stella’s mission. Mossman has supported the foundation since its inception, helping extend its impact where it matters most, the organization said.
‘Targeted, Community-Driven Aid’
Founded in response to the displacement of Ukrainians to Poland following Russia’s invasion, Via Stella said it mobilizes credit union leaders worldwide to deliver targeted, community-driven aid. Rafal Matusiak, who coordinates Via Stella volunteer efforts locally and is president of the Polish credit union association, of NACSCU, provided an update on current programs and the continued impact of donor support.
“Many Ukrainian families have now lived with war for more than three years,” said Rafal K., who coordinates Via Stella efforts in Poland, in a statement. “Basic necessities like electricity, healthcare, and transportation remain uncertain. This support allows us to respond directly to those needs.”
Recent Initiative
According to the organization, recent initiatives supported by Via Stella include:
- Educational support for Ukrainian children attending schools in Poland after being displaced by the war
- Women’s healthcare programs, expanding access to medical care and preventative services
- Ambulance and emergency vehicle support, delivering lifesaving transportation and medical equipment
- Generators and critical infrastructure supplies supporting communities experiencing power shortages
Vehicles to be Delivered
Rafal also confirmed that previously funded vehicles and medical equipment have completed purchasing and registration, with delivery coordinated alongside Ukrainian partners, Via Stella said. Polish volunteer leaders also attended GAC, sharing firsthand perspectives on supporting Ukrainian families and strengthening connections with credit union leaders.
Volunteer-Led Structure
Via Stella operates through a volunteer-led structure in Poland, directing funds to programs with immediate impact.
“The credit union movement has always been built on people helping people,” said Dr. Brian Branch, program board chair and former CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions. “Via Stella shows how that principle extends across borders to deliver meaningful support.”
Added Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates, whose network of credit union leaders helped mobilize early support for the initiative, “Via Stella is a powerful example that credit unions exist to serve all people and communities. And every dollar donated goes directly to the Foundation’s initiatives with all administrative and overhead costs covered by NACSCU.”
For info: Via Stella Foundation.
For larger donations, contact Zach Christensen, [email protected].
