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Wescom Financial and ForgiveCo: A Commitment to Recovery

In a remarkable initiative aimed at aiding residents of Southern California who were severely impacted by recent wildfires, Wescom Financial has partnered with ForgiveCo to eliminate a staggering $10 million in consumer debt. This generous program is designed to provide much-needed relief to those in regions hardest hit by the devastating flames earlier this year.

Wescom Financial, a prominent member-owned financial institution catering to over 250,000 individuals throughout Southern and Central California, has taken a proactive approach by targeting neighborhoods such as Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The partnership aims to deliver the first $5 million in debt relief to more than 2,000 community residents, showcasing a collaborative effort to support recovery and rejuvenation amid daunting challenges.

The strategy of this initiative is deeply rooted in the principles of community and resilience, combating the crippling financial burdens that often follow natural disasters. Wescom Financial's relief effort is handled through ForgiveCo’s random acts of kindness model, along with the Wescom Foundation’s grantmaking initiatives, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need. Importantly, individuals seeking help do not have to be current members of Wescom, underscoring the inclusive nature of this recovery program that reflects shared values across the wider community.

Residents in the affected areas can expect communications in the upcoming weeks through letters, emails, and text messages, detailing their eligibility for this important debt relief program. This proactive outreach is aimed at fostering ease and transparency in what many may perceive as an overwhelming process.

Supporting this initiative is UCLA Women's Basketball Head Coach Cori Close, well-recognized as the reigning National Coach of the Year after leading her team to the Final Four in 2025. Coach Close, a longtime partner of Wescom Financial, is committed to using her platform to promote and support this relief effort, especially during the 2025-26 UCLA Women's Basketball season. Her efforts will include content creation that highlights the program's significance, as well as inviting select beneficiary families to attend home games, further lending the program a sense of community and solidarity.

Darren Williams, President and CEO of Wescom Financial, emphasized the motivation behind this philanthropic endeavor, stating, “At Wescom Financial, our mission is to help build better lives for Californians. The recent Palisades/Eaton Canyon wildfires in Southern California deeply affected our community. Our headquarters are located in an impacted area, and many of our team members live here as well.” The statement underscores the organization's commitment not just to financial services, but to social responsibility and community upliftment.

Cori Close also echoed this sentiment, stating their team feels a distinct responsibility to give back to the community that has supported them through challenging times. Expressing a deep sense of pride and duty, she reflected, “It’s our turn to reciprocate that support and uplift our people and community.” Throughout the season, the UCLA coach explained how the team would remain dedicated to fostering community pride and awareness, making each game a celebration of resilience and collaboration.

Craig Antico, the CEO of ForgiveCo, articulated the profound impact combined financial stress and recovery from a natural disaster can have on individuals. “Debt is an extremely heavy burden on its own, but combining that with the need to recover from a natural disaster can feel insurmountable,” he remarked. The collaboration with Wescom, he stated, represents a crucial step towards alleviating such pressures for these communities.

Wescom Financial's proactive measures in disaster relief span a wide range of efforts, from organizing donation drives to providing emergency financial assistance for various natural disasters, including the recent Southern California wildfires and those in Maui and during Hurricane Helene in 2023. The Wescom Foundation has invested approximately $7.4 million since its inception in 1999, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to enhancing the lives of Californians.

In summary, the collaborative efforts between Wescom Financial and ForgiveCo to eliminate $10 million in debt for affected Southern California residents truly exemplifies a commitment to recovery and community resilience. This initiative not only aims to ease financial burdens but also fosters a spirit of solidarity during challenging times. Through grantmaking and outreach, they not only focus on immediate assistance but also plant the seeds for long-term community recovery and hope.

For those interested in more information about Wescom Financial and its initiatives, they can visit the official website at wescom.org. Additionally, for more insights about ForgiveCo’s innovative approach to debt management, visit forgiveco.com.