Pictured from Left to right: Shelby Mathews, Bowater CU Marketing Coordinator; Rader Brose; Ephram Kyle; Chloe Lockhart; Abi Moorhouse; Matt Moore, FCA of Ocoee Region Director
Bowater Credit Union member Shane Gibson and his wife have won the $1,000 Pay It Forward prize for their favorite local nonprofit, FCA of the Ocoee Region.
Bowater Credit Union invites its members to nominate their favorite nonprofit organizations that serve the counties eligible for credit union membership: Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk. Up to five $1,000 prizes are awarded each year, and FCA of the Ocoee Region is the first recipient for 2026.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, better known locally as FCA of the Ocoee Region, serves Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, and Polk counties. Its mission is to mentor athletes through the Word of Christ and help build a strong, impactful community where they can thrive. FCA achieves this mission by supporting coaches, teachers, and their families. Coaches and teachers have the ability to influence students on many levels that shape their development later in life. By equipping and supporting these leaders, FCA is able to impact students on a much broader scale than an organization could accomplish on its own.
As Mr. Gibson explains, “By equipping coaches to lead well, both on and off the field, FCA positively impacts entire teams, schools, and communities. A single schoolteacher or coach can influence hundreds of students in a single year.”
FCA is currently active in 30 schools, including middle schools, high schools, and universities. The organization offers weekly assemblies that are open to all students, regardless of athletic participation or background. These gatherings provide students—especially those who may not have stable mentorship or a positive community—with access to encouragement and guidance. FCA also hosts camps and leadership training events to strengthen bonds between families and mentors.
One of FCA’s best-known events, the FCA Senior Bowl, honors seniors from all four counties. Mr. Gibson shares that events like this “celebrate achievement, inspire younger athletes, and create positive traditions that strengthen the local community.” Through its programs and outreach, FCA is helping build a healthier, stronger community for this generation and those to come.
Like many nonprofits, FCA staff members raise funds to support their work and operate on a lean budget. This grant will allow FCA to continue positively impacting students and coaches in our area, helping them grow into strong community members and future leaders.
To learn more about FCA of the Ocoee Region, visit https://ocoeefca.org/ and follow their Facebook page for current events and opportunities to get involved.
The Pay It Forward program will continue through 2026, with up to four additional prizes to be awarded. Any member of Bowater Credit Union may nominate their favorite nonprofit for a $1,000 Pay It Forward prize. The deadline for consideration for the next award is May 31, 2026.
Bowater Credit Union began the Pay It Forward program in 2010 to give back to the community it serves. Since the program’s inception, Bowater CU has donated $61,000 to various charities, making a lasting positive impact in the community. For more information, visit BowaterECU.org.
Bowater Employees Credit Union is a federally insured credit union offering savings, checking, loans, and financial education to individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk counties. The credit union operates five branches, serves more than 20,000 members, and manages $300 million in assets. To learn more about Bowater Employees Credit Union and its services, call 423-336-7268 or visit BowaterECU.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Nicole Andrino at 423-303-5618 or email [email protected].