Coastal Credit Union Healthy Living Campaign: Supporting Health, Equity, and Opportunity Across The Triangle

During the 2025 Bulls season, Coastal Credit Union, in partnership with the Durham Bulls and Triangle Community Foundation, awarded more than $25,000 in Healthy Living Campaign grants to five outstanding local nonprofits: City of Medicine Volunteer Medical Corps, Purpose Learning Lab, TABLE, Miracle League of the Triangle, and Women Veterans Support Services. 

These organizations are improving community health and well-being for youth and families who face barriers to care, nutrition, recreation, and mental wellness. 

At City of Medicine Volunteer Medical Corps, the grant expands access to free sports physicals and vision screenings for Durham students. Nearly half of the students they serve are first-time athletes whose families could not otherwise afford a physical. These clinics have enabled some schools to launch new sports teams simply because enough students are now eligible to participate. With this support, the foundation will provide physicals to 100 more students in the 2025 to 2026 school year and increase the reach of its vision events in partnership with Durham Tech’s Mobile Health Unit and Project SIGHT. The grant helps cover critical costs including malpractice insurance, clinic supplies, and coordination for volunteer physicians and eye doctors. 

Purpose Learning Lab will use its grant to strengthen its wellness-focused programming for historically underserved youth. Through afterschool and track-out sessions, the organization offers therapeutic art and music, mindfulness and movement workshops, and nutritious food. The grant is also supporting the expansion of the Teen Zen and Gaming Room, providing students with a safe and relaxing space that supports emotional well-being. Executive Director* MyiShanka “Mya” McMillian* said, “This grant is a catalyst for healing and hope. It is not just funding. It is fuel for our scholars to move, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.”

TABLE, which currently serves more than 1,100 children each week in Orange County, is using the grant to expand its ability to meet a growing waitlist of over 200 children. The funding supports the delivery of fresh produce and healthy non-perishables, much of it purchased directly from local farms. One parent shared, “Sometimes we do not have enough money to buy food for our family. The help from TABLE greatly supports our needs. Our family is eating healthily and happily because of it.” Other families have reported that children have more energy, sleep better, and are more eager to play and stay active after receiving regular access to nutritious food. 

At the Durham Bulls Miracle League Park, the Miracle League of the Triangle is using its grant to support uniforms, equipment, and game-day operations. The park provides a fully accessible baseball experience for children and adults with special needs. “We are incredibly thankful to Coastal Credit Union and the Durham Bulls for investing in our players and community,” said Executive Director Benjy Capps. “Their support helps us continue to bring the joy of baseball and belonging to every Miracle League athlete who takes the field.” The grant ensures that every participant has what they need to take the field safely and confidently. 

Women Veterans Support Services, Inc. was also selected as a grant recipient. With support from Coastal Credit Union through the Healthy Living Campaign, the organization is advancing emotional well-being, resilience, and family connection - key components of lifelong health. Funding supports trauma-informed wellness education for children and families, including a recent Veterans Day outreach at a North Carolina school. There, Executive Director and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Stephanie T. Younger spoke with K–8 students and grandparents about emotional strength, protection, and the importance of feeling supported and secure. Building on this engagement, grant funds are being used to create a children’s wellness booklet that promotes self-awareness, calming strategies, and intergenerational connection. “Thanks to Coastal Credit Union, WVSS, Inc. is helping children and families build emotional strength, reassurance, and connection,” said Younger. “This support allows us to create wellness resources that nurture resilience, reduce stress, and promote healthy living across generations.”

As Chief Community and Public Affairs Officer at Coastal Credit Union, Creighton Blackwell played a central role in shaping the vision and community priorities of the Healthy Living Campaign. His leadership reflects Coastal’s broader commitment to equity, access, and long-term investment in local impact. 

Creighton Blackwell shared, “Our commitment to help our communities live better is driven through partnerships and support for amazing organization determined to help. We are appreciative of all that works to provide solutions to the many needs of our communities and will continue our drive to fulfill our purpose led mission to better our communities.”

Ashton Fisher, director of corporate and community engagement at Capitol Broadcasting Company, helped guide the selection and distribution of the Healthy Living Campaign grants. Her collaboration ensured that funding reached organizations doing the most meaningful work across the Triangle. Fisher says, “At CBC, we believe in the power of partnerships to strengthen our communities. Coastal’s investment in this grant program helps advance local health and wellness efforts, and we’re proud to have Bulls baseball as a platform to spotlight great organizations leading this work.” 

Together, these grants reflect a shared commitment to supporting local solutions, expanding access to wellness resources, and strengthening communities across the region.