IRVINE, Calif. – November 3, 2011 – Opus Bank (the “Bank”) and Opus Community Foundation (the “Foundation”) announced today the Foundation’s approval of 12 grant awards to charitable organizations that the Bank and Foundation believe will have an immediate and long lasting impact on efforts to rebuild our communities. The initiatives receiving the Foundation’s financial support create enrichment and advancement opportunities that directly improve the lives of individuals and families in the communities Opus Bank serves.

Stephen H. Gordon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Opus Bank and Chairman of Opus Community Foundation, stated, “While Opus Bank remains focused on providing capital funding to business owners, real estate investors, and entrepreneurs who share our vision to expand and grow, our vision doesn’t stop there. The organizations with whom we have chosen to partner have programs targeting specific areas of need in our communities and these programs have proven to be very successful year after year.”

The Foundation has awarded grants to nonprofit organizations in California and Washington that focus on critical health issues, education, financial literacy, or the arts. These groups include:

Blind Children’s Learning Center received a grant to support its Therapy Services clinic, which provides on-site occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing, counseling and optometric services to help students reach their full potential, despite their disability.

Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton received a grant to support its Academic Success for All program, which supports its members' school success through such efforts as homework help and school readiness, by engaging members in fun, hands-on activities to practice and learn reading, writing, speaking, math, and scientific inquiry.

Florence Crittenton Services received a grant to support its S.E.R.V.E. program, which bridges the gaps in education by empowering at-risk youth to discover their potentials through collaborative goals and achievements, and emphasizes peer accountability and mentoring.

Fullerton Excellence in Education Foundation received a grant to support its programs, which provide increased access to technology in the classrooms, as well as expanded long-term professional development for teachers and staff in the Fullerton School District.

Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Services received a grant to support its Life Skills and Career Prep Coaching programs, which address parenting and nutritional issues, legal services, goal setting, job retention, and work force development training for homeless and at-risk clients.

Muckenthaler Cultural Center received a grant to support its arts education and performing arts programs, which stimulate the creativity and imagination in individuals through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Norris Center for Performing Arts received a grant to support its scholarship programs, which provide at-risk youth from low income neighborhoods with access to arts education programs and to participate in high-quality performing arts experiences.

Providence General Foundation received a grant to support the Providence Children’s Center, which provides access to health and wellness services to the most vulnerable in society; low income families who have children with challenging medical conditions such as Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and autism.

St. Jude Hospital Foundation received a grant to support its Care for the Poor program, which provides comprehensive health services for the entire family, including primary medical, dental, and vision care; counseling, and health education.

The Joyful Child received a grant to support its programs, which are designed to protect children from sexual abuse and abduction through programs that unite and uplift communities, empower children, promote parent awareness, and utilize best practices related to child safety.

The Wooden Floor received a grant to support its dance and pre-collegiate programs, which bridge the education and college access challenges of children from low income families by strengthening their self-esteem and self-discipline, and instilling a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic skills workshops, and family programs.

Western Youth Services received a grant to support its Anaheim/Fullerton Family Resource Center, which offers at-risk youth from low income neighborhoods access to financial literacy, resume building, counseling, parent education, and safety net services.

About Opus Community Foundation

The Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) organization established by Opus Bank on September 30, 2010. The Foundation targets its philanthropic efforts in the areas of affordable housing, community development, education, financial literacy, critical health issues, and the arts. The Foundation’s goal is to stimulate economic change, promote reinvestment, inspire philanthropy, and strengthen the communities around us.​

About Opus Bank

Opus Bank, headquartered in Irvine, CA, is an FDIC insured California-chartered commercial bank with $1.9 billion of total assets, $1.1 billion of total loans, and $1.4 billion in total deposits, as of September 30, 2011, before the impact of the acquisition of RMG Capital Corporation and Fullerton Community Bank (“Fullerton”) that closed on October 31, 2011. At September 30, 2011, Fullerton reported $636.3 million of total assets, $475.9 million of total loans, and $473.8 million in total deposits. Opus Bank provides high value, relationship-based banking products and exceptional service to its clients comprised of small and mid-sized commercial businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and consumers. Opus Bank offers a wide range of loan products, including commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, multifamily residential, jumbo single-family residential, and consumer loans; and is a Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Preferred Lender. Opus Bank currently operates 37 banking offices, including 22 in the Seattle/Puget Sound region in Washington and 15 banking offices in Southern California. Opus Bank has announced plans to open new banking offices in Danville, located in Contra Costa County; Encino, Long Beach, and West Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles County; Irvine, and Laguna Niguel, located in Orange County; Del Mar and La Jolla, located in San Diego County, California; and Kirkland, located in King County, Washington. For additional information about Opus Bank, please visit our website: www.opusbank.com.