TAMPA— GTE Financial has named Hope Services its November Charity of the Month, recognizing the nonprofit’s work helping individuals with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment build skills, find meaningful work and achieve greater independence.
What began as an introduction between Hope Services and GTE Financial grew into a banking relationship and eventually connected the nonprofit with the credit union’s former building at 6901 Old County Road 52 in Hudson. The building will become Hope Services’ second Life Skills and Vocational Training Center, expanding access to hands-on career training and creating more pathways to meaningful employment throughout West Central Florida.
“What started as a conversation about how we could support Hope Services has grown into something much bigger,” said Manny Aguilar, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at GTE Financial. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know that a building once used to serve our members will now help individuals develop new skills, gain independence and pursue meaningful careers. This is exactly what GTE Financial’s people helping people philosophy is all about.”
For Claudia Lawson, a GTE Financial Community Financial Center Manager who nominated Hope Services for Charity of the Month, the partnership is personal. After helping the nonprofit establish its banking relationship with GTE, Lawson began volunteering with its Dream Team, which supports the inclusive Dance Your Dream celebration. Through that relationship, Hope Services learned about GTE’s former Hudson building, which it later purchased for its second training center.
“I’ve been personally touched by the work Hope Services does and the incredible people they serve,” said Claudia Lawson, Community Financial Center Manager at GTE Financial. “Having the opportunity to work with the organization, meet its participants and see the impact of its programs firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to see how the new Hudson center will create even more opportunities for the people and families they serve.”
Hope Services’ new Hudson center will give more people the opportunity to explore careers and develop skills through hands-on experience. Plans include a commercial kitchen for culinary training, a construction training room and a simulated hospital room where participants can prepare for entry-level health care positions. Future programming is also expected to include retail and hospitality training.
“This expansion represents so much more than opening a second location. It means more individuals with disabilities will have access to the training, resources and opportunities they need to build independent, fulfilling lives,” said Cindy Bray, Founder and CEO of Hope Services. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of GTE Financial and the opportunity to transform a former credit union building into a place where people can discover their potential and prepare for meaningful careers.”
GTE Financial’s Charity of the Month initiative highlights local nonprofits and encourages community support. In 2025, GTE employees raised more than $120,000 for the credit union’s monthly charity partners.
Throughout November, community members can support Hope Services by making a donation at any GTE Financial Community Financial Center or through Zelle using [email protected]. Eligible members can also contribute through GTE’s Future Change program, which rounds up qualifying transactions to support charitable causes.
