For almost 100 years, Mesa United Way has provided basic services, education, healthcare, and programs that address the community’s most critical problems.
The organization has been able to reach more people than ever before in recent years, thanks to generous donations and invaluable partnerships. But then, COVID-19 hit in early 2020, creating a litany of health and business challenges.
The pandemic threatened to not only undo years of growth, but also reduce crucial services that people throughout the community count on. Fortunately, with federal financial relief and a close partnership with Gateway Bank, Mesa United Way has been able to continue their vital work without disruption and allocate even more funds to help the most vulnerable people around us.
Sending out an SOS for PPP
As the economic impacts of COVID-19 started rippling throughout the community, Mesa United Way was concerned the donations that make their work possible would dwindle as their supporters faced hardships. When Congress passed the CARES Act and established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), CEO Mark Young started the search for a bank that could help Mesa United Way apply for financial relief.
After beginning a PPP loan application with one bank, Mark was anxiously awaiting a response when he had a change of heart and reached out to Gateway Bank. “We switched to Gateway because of their involvement in the community and their support of nearly every non-profit in town,” he explains. “[President] James Christensen and others from the bank are invested in the community — not just in the business community, but in the community of people around us who are in need.”
Once Mark engaged with our team, the application and approval process went quickly and smoothly. Together, we navigated the application, gathered the necessary documentation, and coordinated signatures from all the required parties while everyone was homebound due to the stay-at-home order. A few weeks later, Mesa United Way had funds in hand and was ready to get back to business.
A new partnership for protection and peace of mind
Now that their PPP funds have been received, Mesa United Way (and the people they support) can breathe a sigh of relief. The loan will ensure all staff can keep their jobs and health coverage during this difficult time, while allowing the team to allocate money to initiatives and programs that help struggling community members.
While Mark may have been able to secure a loan through other avenues, he’s thankful he chose Gateway as his partner. “I’m glad we’ve made the switch to Gateway Bank. It feels like our mission is aligned with a financial institution that understands the importance of giving back to the community,” he says. “I appreciate their incredible communication, willingness to work quickly, and the care Gateway shows for the community and its non-profits. Thank you for all you do!”
