Credit Unions
Investing in their
Communities

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Credit Unions Investing in their Communities: 2006 Volume 2 

Kellogg Community FCU (BC) formed a partnership with LaMora Park Elementary School to offer a financial literacy program to youngsters.  The school designated a week in May as Financial Literacy Week as credit union staffers Heather Jude and Rori Ross presented its Partnership in Education program to eight different classrooms ranging from kindergarten to third grade.  Partnership in Education is a free financial literacy program that Kellogg Community FCU offers to area schools.  Depending on the grade level, the interactive presentations at LaMora Park Elementary consisted of reading children's books with the theme of saving money, listening to music, discussing why it is important to save, how to make deposits and withdrawals and other basic money skills.  To reinforce the topics that were discussed, at the end of each presentation the students participated in games that were based on the lesson.  Said Principal Toni Miller: "LaMora Park was very fortunate to have Kellogg Community FCU bring their Financial Literacy program to our students.  The message of saving and being financially responsible was delivered through developmentally appropriate, fun, interactive methods."  Said Ross: "Our credit union understands that it's vital to start exposing children to solid financial habits at an early age to help them establish life long positive attitudes and habits towards saving money.  Our goal is to empower students with financial knowledge and skills so they can build a solid financial future."

METRO CU (ME) held its third annual Tools for Schools fund raiser over the summer to prepare students for the 2006-07 school year.  Items such as a brand-new book bag, spiral notebooks and a fresh box of crayons helped less fortunate children in the community to prepare for school.  All donations were delivered in August to Center Line Public Schools, Clintondale Community Schools, Fitzgerald Public Schools, Van Dyke Public Schools, Warren Consolidated Schools and Warren Woods Public Schools.  The school districts distributed the donated supplies to students in need.  METRO CU President/CEO Deidra Williams noted that her credit union was excited and proud to participate in fund raiser.  "Last year, we were able to raise over $4,000 in supplies for the school districts we serve," she said.  "Our partnership with local schools allows us to give back to the community and help less fortunate children acquire items all students deserve."

Community Financial (MW) contributed $1,000 to the Community Foundation of Plymouth on behalf of Dan Herriman, a longtime credit union board director.  "Community Financial gives directors, who have served three year terms of volunteer board service, the opportunity to designate $1,000 to a charitable cause of their choice," said President/CEO Bill Lawton.  "We are pleased to honor Dan, who was recently re-elected to another term.  He actually began serving on our board in 1976, at the age of 18."  The Community Foundation of Plymouth is an affiliate fund of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.  It is a permanent endowment established to support programs, events and projects in the greater Plymouth area, including the city of Plymouth, Plymouth Township, and parts of Northville, Salem and Superior townships.  "I've lived in this community all my life and look forward to seeing this Foundation grow so that it can make grants to enhance the well-being and livelihood of our region," said Herriman.  Said Chairman Ronald Carlson: "Dan is a great asset to Community Financial because of his broad-based knowledge and commitment to our community.  We can be assured that this contribution will be put to good use."

T&C FCU (OC) joined the Detroit Shock Steps to Success Program and participated in a teen forum held at The Palace of Auburn Hills in May.  The forum attracted approximately 130 students and educated youth on setting and reaching goals, self-image, self-esteem, fitness, nutrition, career options and education.  Jennifer Bell, the credit union's assistant manager of Member Services, was a guest speaker at the event and shared her workplace experiences.  "Shock Steps to Success is a wonderful program that gives teens the opportunity to discuss issues they face with positive role models from the community," said Bell.  "I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of such an event."  T&C FCU also sponsored Generation S this year, a free club for teens at the Detroit Shock games.

Frankenmuth CU (MM) held its annual "It's A Jungle Out There" classes for 17 through 19 year olds in April.  Students learn about credit, how to use it wisely and other financial matters.  The credit union started this educational program more than three years ago in response a lack of financial education and budgeting skills among young people.  "University administrators state that they lose more students to credit card debt than to academic failure," said President/CEO Vickie Schmitzer.  "This is a startling but true statistic."  As an added bonus, James Lewis, an aide to U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint, helped lead one of the classes.  "It was a good opportunity for some of our local young adults to meet one on one with someone in the political arena," Schmitzer said.

Michigan First CU (MW) celebrated the grand opening of its newest branch in Southfield-Lathrup High School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  On hand for the event were members of the credit union's management staff, board of directors and supervisory committee, joined by Southfield-Lathrup school officials and the eight students who work in the branch.  "Michigan First has been the leader in serving the educational community for 80 years," said President/CEO Michael Poulos.  "Our partnership with Southfield-Lathrup High School is a great example of the commitment to both financial service and student job opportunities."  Operations Vice President Janet Ososki worked closely with school officials to coordinate all operational aspects of the branch, and staffing and training the students.  "The administrative staff at Southfield-Lathrup has been wonderful to work with," said Ososki.  "They have taken complete ownership of this project with us."

Dearborn Village Community CU staff present the Make-A-Wish Foundation with $500 raised through its candy sales.  Front row, from left, are Maria Villarreal, Kedrin Ruuspakka from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Fatima Makled, Irene Wiwigacz; back row, Denise Henderson, Jessica Fox and Mohsen Alriyashi.

Dearborn Village Community CU (MW) staff members have sold more than 3,000 candy bars and bags of M&Ms in the past year to raise money for several charities.  Donations include $1,000 to Experiencia, $500 to the Children's Miracle Network, $670 to Hurricane Katrina relief, $250 to Clark Park-Children First, $200 to Tsumani relief and $500 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

T&C FCU (OC) employees and family members were among several hundred volunteers from Detroit to Pontiac who took action in May to help clean up Woodward Avenue.  Volunteers helped plant flowers, paint signs and clear up debris on the grounds of businesses and municipalities along the stretch of highway.  The beautifying project is driven by the Woodward Avenue Action Association, an economic and community development organization that works to enhance and improve the visual, economic, functional and historic character of Woodward Avenue through local and regional efforts.  The credit union is a corporate sponsor and has supported this event four of the five years of its existence with T&C FCU Branch Manager Bob Bell and Teller Manager Korey Kovarik championing the event for the Pontiac area.  "This project is a great way to give back to the community," said Bell.  "It's rewarding to see people working together to make Pontiac an attractive place to live and work."

T&C FCU (OC) co-sponsored the Waterford Youth Assistance's Youth Recognition Night in May at Mott High School in Waterford.  The annual event honors students who have made outstanding contributions to the Waterford community.  Honorees are typically nominated by schools, community organizations, civic leaders and members of their religious affiliations.  "It's important to be involved in the community you serve," said T&C FCU Waterford Dixie Branch Manager Cindy Polenz.  "This event truly demonstrates the credit union philosophy of People Helping People."

Downriver Chapter credit unions worked together to raise money and build a house during the Habitat for Humanity Building Blitz in June.  More than 150 credit union employees, volunteers and members are donating their personal time to build the house and fund-raising efforts are happening at most credit union branches within the Downriver area.  Credit unions committed to raise $20,000, which will make up the remainder of the funds needed to build one house.  All of the manpower for the house at 529 Almyra in Monroe will be supplied by the credit unions, who work alongside seasoned building professionals.  "It's exciting to have credit unions working together for Habitat," said Dana Brown, director of Volunteer Relations for Habitat for Humanity in Monroe County.  "They jumped right in and offered to build a house and raise money.  Their excitement and support is amazing and we only hope that more companies will follow their lead."

Michigan First CU scholarship recipients gather for a photo at a special reception held in their honor.

Some of the students receiving scholarships from Educational Community CU gather for a photo at the special reception.

Members of the Communications Pioneers pose proudly with their Group Community Service Award.

Michigan First CU (MW) awarded a $750, one-time scholarship to 56 local high school students.  A reception in their honor was held at Burton Manor in Livonia.  As part of the credit union's commitment to education and community involvement, the recipients represent several school districts within its field of membership.  "In 2002, we developed the scholarship program as part of our commitment to the educators, students and alumni that we serve through the many school districts in our field of membership," said President/CEO Michael Poulos.  "In the last four years, we have awarded 159 scholarships totaling $133,750 in value, which we hope gives deserving students a helping hand."  Winners were selected based on scholarship, involvement in extracurricular activities that demonstrate a special talent, leadership skills and social responsibility.  Awarded scholarships are applied to the student's first year of college. 

Educational Community CU (KA) held a reception in June to recognize 21 outstanding students who received $23,000 in scholarships.  The 2006 ECCU Scholarship Awards Ceremony was held at the credit union's administrative office in Kalamazoo with more than 60 people in attendance.  President/CEO Charles Cornelius presided over the outdoor ceremony and presented 19 $1,000 and two $2,000 scholarships.  The $2,000 scholarships were created and named the Robert E. Treloar Scholarship and the Donna vanWestrienen Scholarship in honor of two individuals who served on the credit unions board of directors for more than 20 years each.

The Communications Pioneers, a service organization sponsored by Communications Family CU (MM), were honored with a "Group Community Service Award" at a United Way Community Service Awards Luncheon.  Members of the group have contributed thousands of hours and donated thousands of dollars to brighten the lives of some persons living the Saginaw area.  Activities included serving as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and adopting 19 families from the United Way's Christmas Wish List.  "Their nomination for this award was extra special because it came from Marsha Cooley, the Volunteer Services Coordinator for the United Way," said President/CEO Jim Dahl.  "She has been so impressed over the years at what all these volunteers do, that she wanted to be the one to nominate them for this prestigious award."  Communications Pioneers President Janet Hackenberg and several of the Pioneers accepted on behalf of the group.

Kellogg Community FCU's Renee Allen, left, congratulates 2006 Kellogg Community College Scholarship recipient Ashtyn Sparks.

VA & Military Emp. FCU (BC) President/CEO Liz Amundson, left, presents a ceremonial check for $3,000 to Safe Place Director Jennifer McEldowney.

Kellogg Community FCU (BC) awarded a college scholarship to Ashtyn Sparks, a graduated senior from Bellevue High School.  The scholarship covers all tuition and admission fees to Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek for two years.  Sparks received the award for her leadership, school participation and high academic achievement.  "Our credit union's board of directors, management and staff have faith in the youth of tomorrow," said Marketing Manager Renee Allen.  "In that regard, the Kellogg Community FCU College Scholarship was developed to help one lucky area high school graduate realize their career goals."

The Battle Creek Chapter held its 7th Annual Charity Golf outing in June at the Medalist Golf Club and, thanks to the support of area credit unions and numerous business partners, $3,000 was donated to Safe Place, a local charity assisting victims of domestic violence.  Battle Creek area credit unions have donated $21,000 over the past seven years to Safe Place.

Research FCU (ME) raised more than $4,000 at two local Relay for Life events in Milford and Warren for the American Cancer Society.  The RFCU Charitable Committee hosted a variety of fund-raising opportunities including employee potluck lunches, sales of Relay for Life Suns and Moons for display in the branches, a potted flower sale, hot dog lunches for members, bake sales, luminaria sales and individual donations solicited by participants.  Catherine Roberts, president/CEO of Research FCU, is herself a cancer survivor and is very proud of her staff's contributions to a most worthy cause.  "We all have a friend or family member that has been touched by cancer," Roberts said.  "The American Cancer Society's goal is to eliminate this disease and I'm very proud of our employees who generously gave their time and dollars to support cancer research."  Research FCU has also donated funds to the Frank Mbeza Memorial Fund of Malawi in Africa to help reward students with blankets and school supplies; collected monies each week from staff for the opportunity to "dress down" with the funds going to designated local charities; hosted internal clothing drives for Dress for Success of Detroit and Society of St. Vincent de Paul; and sponsored local events such as Jump Rope for Life by the American Heart Association.

Calcite CU Relay for Life participants proudly pose before a sign proclaiming the total amounts raised to aid in the fight against cancer.

Calcite CU (BO) once again participated in the Presque Isle County Relay for Life fund raiser, helping the American Cancer Society in its fight against cancer.  After many hot dog and bake sales, a raffle and individual donations, the Calcite CU "Pit Crew" was proud to turn in a total donation of more than $7,500.  As a whole, Presque Isle County raised nearly $60,000.  

Co-op Services CU (MW) teamed up with the Michigan Association of Police (MAP) in June to conduct a free Child ID Protection program at its downriver office in Southgate.  Held on a Saturday, the event attracted scores of children and their families to participate in the free child identification program.  Participants also enjoyed free refreshments and lots of fun family activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and special raffle prizes.  "We were delighted with the attendance, and it was as fun day for all, including our staff," said President/CEO Anthony Carnarvon.  "MAP's Child ID Protection program also provides a valuable service to the community."

Wy-South FCU staff members Susan Thomas, left, and Lisa Raby display some of the items donated by members for the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System.

MidWest Financial CU Relay for Life Team members pause for a photo.

Cornerstone Community Financial President/CEO Heidi Kassab, second from right, congratulates recipients of the 2006 CCF/Maurice Oliver Scholarship Program, from left, Shanell Aye, Victoria Paye and Kimberly Lorincz.

Wy-South FCU (DR) made a generous effort to "give back to those who have given so much" by collecting a variety of items for the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System.  The credit union's members and employees donated items ranging from toothbrushes and soap to socks, and the items were sent to the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System on Friday, May 26, in recognition of Memorial Day.

MidWest Financial CU (HV) and UMHS Financial participated in the Ann Arbor Relay for Life, raising nearly $5,000 for the American Cancer Society.  The credit union's team consisted of 21 employees, family members and credit union business partners.  Team members collected donations and at least one participant was walking the track at any given point during the 24-hour fund-raising event — even during an overnight rainstorm with temperatures hovering in the low 40s.  "This is such an important community event," said Human Resources Representative and Relay Team Capitan Lisa Rayner.  "Cancer is a disease that hits close to home for many of us — including our credit union family.  Every dollar raised represents a small but precious piece of hope for cancer survivors, their families and the community."  Said credit union employee and team member Rachel Tompkins: "Being involved in the Relay for Life was a great experience and something that I will never forget.  I can't wait for next year!"

Cornerstone Community Financial (OC) awarded its 2006 Cornerstone Community Financial/Maurice Oliver Scholarships, presenting deserving students Shanell Aye, Kimberly Lorincz and Victoria Paye with $1,000 to assist with higher education expenses during the 2006-07 school year.  This is the first year for the scholarship program, created to provide financial support for students with demonstrated financial need who achieve academic excellence and contribute to the community.  "Each of these members has already made great strides toward a successful future," said President/CEO Heidi Kassab.  "Cornerstone Community Financial is committed to helping our members achieve their goals and we are very pleased to be able to recognize, and support, these deserving members."  The scholarship program was named in honor of Maurice Oliver, a founding member of the credit union, formerly known as Motor Parts FCU.  Mr. Oliver was one of 10 employees from Chrysler Corporation's Center Line, Mich., parts division who formed the credit union in 1951.  He served as chairman of the board of directors and on several credit union committees.  Mr. Oliver was the last surviving founding member of the credit union when he passed away on Oct. 10, 2005.

Members of the Northland Clown Troupe, made up of credit union members, employees and family members.

Northland Area FCU (BO), as part of its ongoing commitment to make a difference in its communities, has created The Northland Clown Troupe.  The group is made up of Northland FCU employees, family members and credit union members and completed two days of professional clown training in June.  The Northland Clown Troupe made its debut appearances in Oscoda at the Red, White and Blue Collar Festival and Art on the Beach event, and also appeared at the Fourth of July parades in Tawas, Oscoda and West Branch.  The group is available to support local charitable organizations and community-sponsored events.

USA CU (OC) hosted the Second Annual Safety Town Family Fair for the Plymouth Community in June.  The event was open to anyone in the community and more than 500 people turned out.  Those attending were able to access free Child ID kits provided by the Michigan Masons and information regarding poison control, car seat safety and bike safety.  Local police and fire fighters were also on hand and the first 25 families also received a $25 AMC movie package and everyone was also entered for a chance to win $250 in free gas.  "We feel strongly about giving back to the communities we serve, and providing this free safety fair was a great way to help families in Plymouth," said USA CU's Kristin Shanahan.  "We had many thank us for providing this fun informational day for their families."