Buckner Rio Grande Valley is the recipient of a $5,000 donation from BBVA to support its work in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will help fund operations at the Buckner Family Hope Center at Peñitas, where family coaches continue to serve Valley families through a variety of virtual methods.

BBVA has been a Buckner donor since 2015. In 2019, the bank was involved in the economic strengthening program at the Family Hope Center, and staff members volunteer to lead courses for clients discussing entrepreneurship and finances. 

“BBVA USA is dedicated to the communities where it serves and is proud to collaborate with organizations like the Buckner Family Hope Center that help elevate the Rio Grande Valley and its families,” said BBVA USA McAllen City President Orlando Castañeda. “This pandemic brought a wave of uncertainty to a lot of communities, and this valuable organization has helped people in various ways during these difficult times. Their values perfectly align with the bank’s, and we know these funds will help them continue to assist people during the ongoing health crisis.” 

Donating more than money, the BBVA team shows their support of the Buckner mission by giving their time and helping clients grow in different areas of their lives. Through donations of time and money, BBVA is helping shine hope into families in the Rio Grande Valley community, even during the current pandemic. 

In compliance with social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, Buckner adapted the ways it serves children and families in the Valley. The BBVA donation will help Buckner family coaches at the Family Hope Center continue to work with clients on a regular basis through online classes, such as Faith and Finance, weekly client touch bases, virtual counseling and food distributions.

“At Buckner we are thrilled and grateful to receive this gift from BBVA,” said Monica Skrzypinski, major gift officer for Buckner Missions. “Gifts from our community bring me hope, and especially gifts from organizations such as BBVA. They are teaming up with us financially and offering their valuable time. They believe in what we do, and they support us wholeheartedly.

“We all know collaboration is the key to a successful community and that’s what we are all pursuing, a successful Rio Grande Valley. I love working with organizations that are committed to helping vulnerable families and BBVA is a great example of how to do so.”