Making a Difference in Your Communities with Financial Education
Written by Sue Ward-Diorio, CrossState Foundation Executive Director
April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of financial education and the role it plays in empowering individuals and communities. Credit unions are at the forefront of this mission, helping people make informed financial decisions for a brighter future.
At the heart of every strong community lies a commitment to financial wellbeing, and credit unions are playing a vital role in strengthening that foundation. More than just places to save and borrow money, credit unions are dedicated to empowering individuals and families with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions, ultimately shaping a brighter future.
One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is the work done by Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFCs). Take, for instance, a story shared with me by a CCUFC at Service 1st Federal Credit Union. She explained how, by assisting a member struggling with debt and helping them create a manageable budget, she wasn’t just solving an immediate financial issue. She was making a lasting impact on that member’s family, providing not only the means to own a car and take her kids to school, but also teaching financial skills that would guide her family for generations. Wow!
Outside of the family unit, credit unions work with many community organizations to reach people looking for education or looking for help in making a better life for themselves. Over the past year, credit unions have partnered with various government agencies to offer financial education and support to people in critical situations. We held a Financial Reality Fair for adjudicated youth at the NJ Juvenile Justic Commission, for youth who are about to drop out of school with the NJ Department of Children and Families, for folks just getting out of prison with the PA Department of Corrections; for folks at the PA Juvenile Justice Bureau.
What’s even more inspiring is the unwavering dedication of the employees at these community organizations. Every day, they show up with a passion for helping the people they serve, constantly seeking resources to make a real difference. Their commitment is nothing short of impressive, and it’s an honor to be part of these efforts.
All these fairs were done with a multiple number of credit unions all working together to share their knowledge and give these folks tools to help them make better decisions, to have hope for their futures.
Our credit unions also work with nonprofits in their communities. They reach populations where they gather and offer vital information they did not learn in school or from their parents, and information that can be life-changing for them. Here are just a few:
- Jersey Shore FCU works with senior centers to teach about fraud and provides ways seniors can protect themselves;
- Clearview FCU works with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania holding financial education workshops and a Jeopardy style game to test what they learned;
- TruMark Financial Credit Union works with group, Turning Points for Women, to make presentations about financial wellness; and
- Members 1st FCU works with a local early learning center offering financial tools to young parents.
The list goes on—but you get it, right?
Our credit unions are out in the community making a difference. They know by helping these groups of people, they are building up their community, making it a better place for all. You go, credit unions!