FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Bob McCarty
National Benevolent Association
314-812-1712

NBA Receives Extension of Letters of Credit Supporting Variable-Rate Bonds

ST. LOUIS (September 9, 2003) - Officials with the National Benevolent Association (NBA) announced today that the 117-year-old charity received a 30-day extension, to October 15, 2003, from KBC Bank on letters of credit issued by the bank to support NBA's $63 million of variable-rate bonds.

The organization also reached agreement on a confidentiality agreement with KBC Bank similar to those reached with UMB Bank, n.a., and UMB Bank Colorado, n.a., trustees for the $63 million of variable-rate bonds, and certain fixed-rate bondholders. NBA said that it expects to continue discussions with its banks regarding a financial restructuring of the organization. Cindy Dougherty, NBA president, said the organization continues to operate its business and manage its facilities in accordance with its mission.

Headquartered in St. Louis, NBA is the social and health services division of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). NBA operates more than 90 facilities in 20 states and provides healthcare and community services and/or housing for 22,000 older adults, at-risk children and families and people with disabilities the vast majority of whom are at or below the poverty level. NBA has approximately 3,000 employees.

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