If you’re a nonprofit, business or academic institution looking to deepen your connections in the Brockton community, then Jonah Wein is your guy.
The vice president of marketing at Crescent Credit Union “has a gift for bringing nonprofits and the business community together,” said Cheryl Opper, founder and executive director of School on Wheels–Massachusetts, a nonprofit that provides tutoring services to homeless youth.
Wein joined Crescent Credit Union in 2009. At the time he was new to the Brockton area, so he immediately sought out ways to get involved in the community, including joining the board of directors at the Boys and Girls Club.
“I’ve always been very much involved in communities I’ve lived in; that’s always been important to me,” Wein said.
In 2012, Wein joined the board of directors at School on Wheels–Massachusetts. Opper had met Wein at several chamber events and knew he would be a great addition to the board.
“Jonah has helped School on Wheels connect with the community, connect with the local chambers and connect with the mayor’s office,” Opper said.
Wein also encouraged Crescent Credit Union to sponsor School on Wheels for a free membership with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. And when the credit union became the anchor sponsor for School on Wheel’s signature event “Outrunning Homlessness,” Wein took the lead and helped the event raise $40,000, compared with around $5,000 in previous years.
Most recently, Wein convinced the credit union to open up its downtown community center as a space for School on Wheels to hold tutoring sessions for homeless students. The center will begin hosting tutoring sessions next month.
“To me, that was the greatest gift he has given us,” Opper said. “He was really providing us with the support we need to be successful.”
Wein’s work with School on Wheels is only the beginning of his community involvement in Brockton. Through his work with Crescent Credit Union, Wein helped create “Crescent Credit Walk for Kids,” a fundraising event that raised more than $30,000 for at-risk youth over two years, and “Round the Bases with Brockton Rox,” a summer program that allowed at-risk youth to attend the local baseball team’s games and attend clinics with players and coaches.
The humble Wein is quick to share credit for these accomplishments.
“For much of my work, a lot of credit goes to the entire credit union team – Emily Harriman, Natalia Piasecki and others – for everything we’ve done in the community, and I’m thankful for our CEO and our board of directors for backing all of the work we’ve been doing,” he said.
Still, Opper said Wein deserves more credit than he is wont to take.
“Jonah has a heart of gold. He has both the business sense and the compassionate heart to really make significant change,” Opper said. “He’s always looking for ways for groups to come together to build a bigger, better, strong community.”
