Connecticut’s largest community credit union invests $10,000 to help individuals and families served by Wheeler
American Eagle Financial Credit Union is helping Wheeler Health meet urgent needs for Connecticut patients through a major investment in Wheeler’s Basic Needs Fund.
The fund, which addresses immediate patient needs that may interfere with health and wellness, has helped more than 10,000 people since it was created in 2018.
American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s $10,000 contribution to Wheeler Health's Basic Needs Fund reflects the credit union’s community impact work to address the root causes that influence financial well-being. The credit union's mission is centered on helping people achieve financial success, and it recognizes that individuals cannot fully participate in the financial system when they are struggling to meet immediate needs.
By supporting Wheeler's efforts to provide essential resources and crisis assistance, American Eagle is investing upstream in community stability, health, and economic mobility. The gift demonstrates the credit union’s commitment to financial inclusion by helping remove barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving long-term financial security and creating pathways for sustainable success.
“American Eagle’s commitment to the individuals and families we serve is helping to keep Connecticut healthier,” says Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, Wheeler’s president and chief executive officer. “Their generosity demonstrates the true meaning of philanthropy, the love of humanity. There are few more impactful ways to help patients in need than ensuring they have access to the necessities of life that so many of us may take for granted.”
Each of Wheeler’s five federally qualified community health centers in Bristol, Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, and Waterbury can quickly access support from the Basic Needs Fund, which has been used for emergency food, toiletries, clothing, and more. Past scenarios have included a family displaced by a fire, a mother fleeing a family violence situation, unhoused individuals who needed toiletries and other essentials immediately, and more.
“We understand that financial well-being begins with meeting life's most basic needs. Wheeler Health's Basic Needs Fund provides critical support to individuals and families facing challenges that can often stand in the way of stability, health, and opportunity," says Simeon Chapin, chief community officer at American Eagle. "When people have access to essentials like food, housing support, transportation, and other necessities, they are better positioned to build a brighter future. This program and gift are strengthening communities, advancing financial inclusion, and helping our neighbors thrive."
The credit union is refining its community impact strategy, Chapin says, and Wheeler’s mission and Basic Needs Fund align closely with its vision for a healthier, more financially secure future for all. Its community priorities include strengthening foundational wellness and security, expanding financial education and opportunity, and advancing emotional resilience and mental health. Those priorities can take many forms, from basic needs assistance and access to health care to school sponsorships and mental health services.
About American Eagle Financial Credit Union
Founded in 1935, American Eagle Financial Credit Union ("American Eagle") is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with a nearly century-long track record of serving individuals, families, and businesses across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Originally established to serve Pratt & Whitney employees, American Eagle has grown into one of the region's leading credit unions while remaining rooted in its mission of member service and community impact. Today, American Eagle serves more than 165,000 members, manages over $2.5 billion in assets, and operates 16 branch locations throughout the I-91 corridor, offering a full range of personal and business financial services and digital banking tools. Headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut, American Eagle is the largest credit union serving the Nutmeg State. Learn more at www.americaneagle.org.
About Wheeler Health
Wheeler Health provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families, and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages health, recovery, and growth at all stages of life. Wheeler’s integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for nearly 70,000 individuals across Connecticut each year.