Mulu Gebreyesus – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union Facilitates COVID-19 Grants for Local Businesses

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:23:29 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on small businesses throughout the country. Assistance to those businesses has sometimes come in the form of grants. The 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union (NCFCU), as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, participated in the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program, helping local businesses apply for and get approval for grants.

“The NCFCU appreciates the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York for allowing us to provide financial assistance to local small businesses in their time of need,” said NCFCU Director Mulu Gebreyesus.

One of those small businesses is Akwaaba Gallery, an art gallery located on South Orange Avenue in Newark’s West Ward. Laura Bonas Palmer runs Akwaaba Gallery, which she owns with husband Ray Palmer, Senior Property Manager of Manor Family for 91��Ƭ.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Akwaaba Gallery was forced to close as were many local businesses. The gallery had only been open for a little more than a year and did not qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Bonas Palmer heard about the possibility of a small business grant and contacted Gebreyesus to learn more. She submitted the necessary documentation and was approved for the grant.

The funding is for the operation of the gallery. Although Akwaaba Gallery closed to the public on March 16, Bonas Palmer explained that she set up a new show in the space and shared it with the public virtually. The virtual show was available online and showed photographs of the art on display on the gallery walls. People were able to browse the show online and purchase pieces as if they visited the gallery in person. Bonas Palmer said people are still buying art despite the current economic climate.

Akwaaba Gallery reopened July 22 with visitors required to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer dispensers are also installed in the space. The virtual show is still up in the gallery for visitors to see in person. Bonas Palmer expects to hang the next show in September for an October opening. Visitors should RSVP for the October show to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

In addition to general operations, Bonas Palmer plans to use some of the grant money to help kickstart a reading and arts club for children in the neighborhood around Akwaaba Gallery, including those that are a part of NCC.

“My vision is to get the kids engaged in the arts and make them feel like what’s happening in Newark, what’s happening in the neighborhood is for them as well,” she said. “They’ll come in, they’ll see the art that’s on the walls. Maybe sometimes we might have artists come in and talk to them.”

She also plans to purchase books for the children to help them build their libraries and have individuals come and read to them periodically.

In addition to the grant NCFCU facilitated, Akwaaba Gallery also received a small arts-related grant from the City of Newark. Bonas Palmer plans to use some of that grant to help with the reading and arts club as well.

Bonas Palmer said she had the idea for an art gallery for nearly a decade before Akwaaba Gallery opened. She had contemplated purchasing a property in downtown Newark but ultimately decided on the current space in the West Ward.

“A lot of people questioned why I would even consider putting a gallery in the West Ward,” Bonas Palmer said. “My response to that has always been why not? Art is for everyone.”

That mindset permeates in the way Bonas Palmer runs Akwaaba Gallery. Akwaaba means welcome and Bonas Palmer always wants people to feel accepted in the space. There is no charge for visitors to enter the gallery and view the artwork. She encourages people of all ages to come inside.

The pandemic and forced closing of the gallery for four months has been difficult, but Bonas Palmer is grateful for the grant money the gallery has received and is optimistic about the future.

“It’s challenging, but I think it’s going to work itself out,” she said.

Gebreyesus is glad NCFCU has been able to help local small businesses like Akwaaba Gallery with the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program.

“NCFCU is proud that we were able to assist a few local businesses in applying and getting approved for the grant up to $10,000,” she said.

Credit Union Member Helps Others After Overcoming Struggles

Michelle Lang — Tue, 01 May 2018 14:24:04 +0000

Rev. Dr. Miles S. Callender, AAS, BSW, CSW, MSW, Ph.D., at the window of 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union with NCFCU Director Mulu Gebreyesus.

Miles Callender has completed an impressive amount of education: two associate degrees, two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and a doctorate. He currently works at Bethel Counseling Services in Newark as a substance abuse and mental health specialist. But it wasn’t always obvious that he would end up on this path.

What’s not surprising is that Callender entered a career path helping others. From the time he was young, he looked up to people who were making a difference in the world. He met Martin Luther King Jr. a week before his assassination and took part in the Walk for Understanding that took place after his death. He was 6 at the time.

91��Ƭ Founder Monsignor William J. Linder was Callender’s pastor at one time. His whole family attended Queen of Angels Church until its closing.

“That’s the history I come from: social justice, civil rights and to advocate for the less fortunate,” Callender said.

He spent 15 years in the military, serving in the Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserves and United States Marine Corps. He received an honorable discharge from all.

Callender lived at 91��Ƭ Gardens Senior, 265 Morris Ave., Newark, for a time until he was removed from the building about 15 years ago for substance abuse. While he was a resident, he opened an account at 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union. He remained a credit union member even after his departure and still uses its services today.

“Even in my worst state, they were always very, very supportive,” Callender said of 91��Ƭ personnel. “Mulu always said, ‘Miles, you’re living beneath your potential. Just stop doing the drugs.’”

Mulu Gebreyesus is the director of the 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union. She always encouraged Callender to get sober and he has. Once he was free of drugs, he was able to focus on education, which has led to multiple degrees and certifications.

Callender has an Associate of Applied Science degree, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) and a Ph.D. in theology and ministry. He has studied at Essex County College, Eastern Bible Institute and Seton Hall University. He is a Certified Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker and Licensed Substance Abuse Addiction Specialist. He is a member of the national social work honor society Alpha Delta Mu. He also has a certification in anger management and is an HIV specialist.

“The first time I met Miles as a young man, he did not take any directions or follow anyone’s rules other than his own. Today Miles has accomplished the goals he has set for himself, and that made him an exemplary within his community,” Gebreyesus said. “Miles’ achievements show that one can dream and make the dream come true with hard work and dedication.”

In addition to meeting his own goals by completing his education, his career in social work is very fulfilling to him.

“It’s in giving that we receive. And that’s why social work is so gratifying,” Callender said.

He uses his own past experiences to help with his work as a substance abuse counselor, though he said disclosure of his past is only necessary when it helps the client.

Callender is happy to be drug free and helping others but hasn’t forgotten all his experiences.

“I’m not ashamed of my past,” he said. “Those that don’t acknowledge their past are doomed to repeat it.”

Credit Union To Issue Loans To Assist Disabled

Michelle Lang — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 19:23:30 +0000

91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union is the financial institution that services and issues assistive technology loans to disabled residents in New Jersey and New York. The program is done in collaboration with National Disability Institute.

91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union has partnered with National Disability Institute to help individuals with disabilities obtain devices they need. Residents of New Jersey and New York can apply for an assistive technology loan and the credit union will issue the loan and collect and report payments.
Assistive technology refers to products or devices that can improve the life of an individual with a disability. Examples include hearing aids, scooters, wheelchairs, computer equipment and home and vehicle modifications.
91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union Director Mulu Gebreyesus is looking forward to people taking advantage of this program.
“It’s important to provide an affordable loan to the community that we serve,” she said. “A lot of people need hearing aids and wheelchairs and other devices which they can’t afford. This program will give them an opportunity to get the assistance they need.”
National Disability Institute (NDI) received funding for the program, which is one of 41 nationally, from the U.S. Department of Education. The loans range from $500 to $30,000.
“We’re really lucky that we were able to strike up this collaborative effort with 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union because in many states, programs were not able to find a lender to issue and service the loans. That’s important. It creates an opportunity for the person who may be a senior, someone with a disability or a veteran to initiate a relationship with a financial institution in their community,” said Laurie Schaller, manager of financial empowerment at NDI.
Gebreyesus and Schaller first started discussing the possibility of a partnership in December 2015 and NDI began accepting applications for assistive technology loans in March 2017.
Individuals don’t need to have an account with the credit union to apply for the assistive technology loans, however they must watch an orientation video that helps them prepare for the loan application process and create a spending plan. Loan applicants are also required to submit certain documentation, including recent bills and sources of income.
People who may be denied a loan at a bank or credit union could be approved through this program. Schaller said NDI makes sure the loans are affordable for applicants who complete a spending plan because for some assistive technology devices, vendors may charge higher interest rates.
NDI prequalifies applicants and sends the information to 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union, which issues and services the loans. The credit union makes the final decision about who is approved. Schaller said nationally, these programs have a 94 to 98 percent repayment rate and NDI guarantees the loans.
91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union and NDI have a strong partnership and have collaborated in the past on a project aimed at encouraging credit unions to hire individuals with disabilities.
NDI is currently accepting applications for assistive technology loans. For more information, visit or call 202-449-9521.