Community Service

“Your Money. Your Choice. Your Credit Union.” is the theme of this year’s International Credit Union (ICU) Day®, Oct. 15. More than 186 million members in 97 countries belong to credit unions. Operating under its vision, “Improving people’s lives through credit unions,” World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) promotes the... READ MORE

Hispanics could invigorate stagnant CU membership growth. Who: Carlos Calderon What: CEO, OAS Staff FCU Where: Washington, D.C. Current top projects: Getting our credit union through the financial crisis and ensuring continued growth. I also am working on reaching the goals and objectives of the Network of Latino Credit Unions... READ MORE

With more than five decades in the credit union movement, Rita Haynes has faced her share of challenges. But the CEO of $11 million asset Faith Community United Credit Union, a community development credit union (CDCU) in Cleveland, rarely expresses discouragement. Despite many hurdles, “the needs are so great that... READ MORE

By Jim Hanson A good friend of mine travels at least once a month three and a half hours north of Madison to take care of his mother’s affairs. She’s 96 years old, and only in the past few years has she moved from living independently to an assisted living... READ MORE

By Darla Dernovsek Technology is a crucial component of $8.8 million asset Express Credit Union's new plan to reach the 20% of adults in the Seattle area without a financial institution relationship. To reach those unbanked residents, the credit union stations member service representatives at 16 not-for-profit agencies, offering residents... READ MORE

In response to the challenges facing credit unions and cooperatives worldwide, this year’s International Credit Union (ICU) Day® theme reminds people everywhere of the advantages credit unions provide their members. The idea for this year’s ICU Day theme—“Your Money. Your Choice. Your Credit Union.”—came from Stan Cowan, vice president of... READ MORE

Mary Mink CU staff log long hours to help others beat cancer. One blessing of good health is the ability to help others who are not as fortunate. It’s something credit union staff do regularly through events such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Relay For Life started... READ MORE

Former banker becomes the face of Oklahoma CUs’ fund-raising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network. The nickname the “godfather” of Credit Unions for Kids says it all. Vic Thate has donated large portions of his time and effort to the organization, a partner with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). When he became... READ MORE

Nickels from CU check card program expand health-care reach. Mary Mink When money is tight, transportation complicated, and work iffy at best, a child’s health care can fall through the cracks. A $100,000 grant from the Suncoast for Kids Foundation, funded by Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, Tampa, Fla., will... READ MORE

Micheal Muckian CUs reach the fastest-growing U.S. member demographic by applying lessons learned at WOCCU’s Hispanic Marketing Immersion Program. Visitors to $90 million asset Guadalupe Credit Union’s south Santa Fe, N.M., branch might think they’re having an out-of-country experience. Winona Nava, the credit union’s president/CEO and chair of the Credit... READ MORE