The Member Story Project

The Member Story Project celebrates the powerful, personal moments between credit unions and the people they serve. Through heartfelt stories of real-life impact, this initiative highlights the moments when credit unions made a meaningful difference. Whether they offered support during a crisis, helped a dream come true, or simply showed up when it mattered most, these stories speak volumes.

They reflect the essence of the credit union movement: real people helping real people. We hope they inspire you as much as they inspire us.

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear it. Submit your story here and be featured on CreditUnions.com.

The Member Story Project is sponsored by Callahan & Associates

Guidance That Turned Rent Into Ownership

Suncoast Credit Union

As immigrants from Haiti, members M and E were renting an apartment that was significantly overpriced. They both had jobs and wanted to own a home, so they came to Suncoast and applied for a mortgage. Unfortunately, they did not qualify due to income limitations and a lack of credit. Neither M nor E had […]

From Uncertainty To Joy On Four Wheels

Empower Federal Credit Union

I helped a member about four months ago who came in explaining that she needed a vehicle to get to and from work but had a zero credit score. As a first-time auto borrower, she had no idea what to do or what to look for, so she came to see us. Because she had […]

From Produce Aisle To Business Owner

FirstLight Federal Credit Union

The member was a long-time employee at a local produce market in Bonifay, Holmes County, Florida, where they worked for more than 20 years and built deep industry knowledge along with a long-held dream of owning their own market. When the member decided to pursue that goal, the primary barrier was access to startup capital […]

From Maxed Out To Moving Forward

A 49-year-old single parent was struggling to make ends meet after overtime hours at work were eliminated, significantly reducing household income. As a result, credit cards became maxed out, and only minimum payments could be made. One credit card ultimately charged off because the required payment was no longer affordable. When the member reached out […]

Finding Stability After Setbacks

Connections Credit Union

A non-member came into the branch after being referred by an existing member, looking for help with an unsecured loan to pay off collections and back taxes. They shared that they were struggling to keep up with multiple payments while still covering basic living expenses. The financial strain began after an unexpected major surgery that […]

Family First After The Fires

Financial Partners Credit Union

Our long-time member, who has been with Financial Partners Credit Union since 1998, was recently devastated by the Pacific Palisades fires. Tragically, he lost everything, including his home. As the head of the household and sole income provider, the responsibility of supporting his family during such an unimaginable time added immense financial stress. The member […]

Charity Events

Chartway’s Week of Giving Brings Utah Communities Together for Celebrations and Sell-Out Fundraising Event

Chartway Credit Union’s Chartway Promise Foundation recently wrapped up a weeklong series of celebratory and fundraising events dedicated to delivering ...
Other

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Expands Across California With Seven New Branches

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is expanding its statewide presence with seven new branches, bringing accessible, personalized financial services closer to ...
Other

Five credit unions earn California’s Cal IIP Awards with assistance from CU Strategic Planning

All five credit unions that CU Strategic Planning assisted with applications to the California Investment & Innovation Program (Cal IIP) ...
Making A Difference

3Rivers Credit Union Foundation Surpasses $132,000 in Community Giving During First Half of 2026

The 3Rivers Credit Union Foundation awarded $63,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations during its second grant cycle of 2026, bringing the ...
Strategic Partnerships

MERGER PLANNED FOR HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATES CREDIT UNION (HACU) AND  BAXTER CREDIT UNION (BCU) 

HealthCare Associates Credit Union (HACU), a $479.4 million credit union headquartered in Lisle, IL, and Baxter Credit Union (BCU), a $6.5 ...
Strategic Partnerships

Centris Federal Credit Union Selects Alogent’s Unify SaaS Platform to Modernize and Streamline Enterprise Deposit Processing

Alogent announced today that Centris Federal Credit Union, a $1.5 billion, Omaha-based financial institution, has selected Unify to modernize enterprise ...
Strategic Partnerships

Hartford Federal Credit Union Chooses Synergent as Partner for Core Processing and Integrated Services

WESTBROOK, ME (June 3, 2026) – Synergent® has entered into a ten-year hosted Jack Henry™ Symitar® core processing agreement with ...
Technology

Quavo Fraud & Disputes Releases 2026 State of Dispute Management Performance Report

Landmark Benchmark Study Reveals How AI-Powered Dispute Management Is Closing the Gap Between Industry Average and Best-in-Class Performance
Making A Difference

Credit Unions Reach 250+ Shared Member Stories Reflecting The People-First Purpose Of The Movement

Washington, DC – Callahan & Associates announced that The Member Story Project has surpassed 250 published stories, a milestone that ...
Other

NASCUS Urges Regulatory Modernization and Greater Clarity for State-Chartered Credit Unions in Comments to NCUA

The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) submitted a comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) ...
Personnel Promotions

Coastal Credit Union Hires Allison Liston, VP of Legal and Compliance

Coastal Credit Union has hired Allison Liston as its new Vice President of Legal and Compliance. She will lead the ...
Vendor Resources

Coastal Credit Union Now Live with CashBack+ Credit Card Rewards

NEW YORK, NY – June 3, 2026 – Today, Coastal Credit Union announced an expanded partnership with Prizeout, going live ...
Making A Difference

Tower Federal Credit Union & TowerCares Foundation Launch $250,000 for a Brighter America: A New Community Giving Initiative Supporting Military, Veterans, and Children in Need

Tower Federal Credit Union today announced the launch of $250,000 for a Brighter America, a new community giving initiative celebrating ...
Legal/Regulatory

Illinois Credit Union League Applauds Passage of Legislation Extending Implementation of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act to July 1, 2027

The Illinois Credit Union League applauds passage of SB 3645, legislation that extends implementation of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act ...
Industry Analysis & Trends

Baker Market Update – Week in Review: May 29, 2026

Released every Friday, BMU is a brief and informative newsletter that provides financial institutions a review of the week’s economic ...
Other

Vizo Financial’s June 2026 Education Calendar

At Vizo Financial we are committed to providing quality education to credit unions and their staff, which is why we ...
Making A Difference

LAFCU awards $20,000 in scholarships through annual essay contest

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU, a Michigan-based credit union, is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 Write to Educate ...
Other

SchoolsFirst FCU Partners with Classroom of the Future Foundation to Celebrate 23rd Annual Innovation in Education Awards

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union joined Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) to honor educators, students and community partners at the ...
Other

Chartway Wins Eight 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence and Industry Awards

Chartway Credit Union is pleased to announce it is a 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence and Industry Award winner for ...
Strategic Partnerships

eDOC Innovations Hosts Successful Advanced Fraud Solutions TrueChecks Webinar Focused on Fraud Prevention for Financial Institutions

eDOC conducted a webinar webinar in partnership with Advanced Fraud Solutions (AFS), highlighting the powerful capabilities of the AFS TrueChecks® ...
Operations & HR

Corporate One Names Jeff Blake Senior Vice President, Head of Human Resources

Corporate One Federal Credit Union announced that Jeff Blake will join the organization as Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of ...
Making A Difference

Gulf Winds Celebrates Older Americans Month with $5,000 Donation to the Escambia County Alabama Area Agency on Aging

Pensacola, Florida (May 27, 2026) – In celebration of Older Americans Month, Gulf Winds made a $5,000 donation to the ...
Making A Difference

CREDIT UNION OF COLORADO FOUNDATION AWARDS $110,000 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Credit Union of Colorado Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 winners of its annual college scholarship program. The Foundation ...
Investments

Chartway Credit Union Continues Growth with Two New Branches

Chartway Credit Union continues to build on its momentum of strategic growth and community investment with the upcoming grand openings ...
Making A Difference

Gulf Winds Foundation Awards up to $45,000 in Scholarships to Five Members

Pensacola, Florida (May 26, 2026) – The Gulf Winds Foundation is proud to announce that it recently awarded up to ...
Other

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Celebrates School Employee Appreciation Night at May 1 Angels Game

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, sponsored ...
Operations & HR

Tower Federal Credit Union Earns Great Place to Work® Certification™ Eight Years in a Row!

Tower Federal Credit Union is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for the eighth year in a ...
Personnel Promotions

Gulf Winds Credit Union Strengthens Senior Leadership Team with Executive Promotions

Gulf Winds Credit Union Strengthens Senior Leadership Team with Executive Promotions Pensacola, Florida (May 20, 2025) – As part of ...
Strategic Partnerships

CUNA Strategic Services and Association of Vermont Credit Unions Launch Statewide Initiative to Drive Credit Union Growth, Combat Fraud, and Accelerate Innovation

CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) and the Association of Vermont Credit Unions (League) Services Corporation today announced a collaborative, statewide initiative ...
Operations & HR

BCU EARNS 2026-2027 GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFICATION™

BCU is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current ...
Charity Events

Chartway’s Week of Giving Brings Utah Communities Together for Celebrations and Sell-Out Fundraising Event

Chartway Credit Union’s Chartway Promise Foundation recently wrapped up a weeklong series of celebratory and fundraising events dedicated to delivering ...
Other

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Expands Across California With Seven New Branches

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is expanding its statewide presence with seven new branches, bringing accessible, personalized financial services closer to ...
Other

Five credit unions earn California’s Cal IIP Awards with assistance from CU Strategic Planning

All five credit unions that CU Strategic Planning assisted with applications to the California Investment & Innovation Program (Cal IIP) ...
Making A Difference

3Rivers Credit Union Foundation Surpasses $132,000 in Community Giving During First Half of 2026

The 3Rivers Credit Union Foundation awarded $63,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations during its second grant cycle of 2026, bringing the ...
Strategic Partnerships

MERGER PLANNED FOR HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATES CREDIT UNION (HACU) AND  BAXTER CREDIT UNION (BCU) 

HealthCare Associates Credit Union (HACU), a $479.4 million credit union headquartered in Lisle, IL, and Baxter Credit Union (BCU), a $6.5 ...
Strategic Partnerships

Centris Federal Credit Union Selects Alogent’s Unify SaaS Platform to Modernize and Streamline Enterprise Deposit Processing

Alogent announced today that Centris Federal Credit Union, a $1.5 billion, Omaha-based financial institution, has selected Unify to modernize enterprise ...
Strategic Partnerships

Hartford Federal Credit Union Chooses Synergent as Partner for Core Processing and Integrated Services

WESTBROOK, ME (June 3, 2026) – Synergent® has entered into a ten-year hosted Jack Henry™ Symitar® core processing agreement with ...
Technology

Quavo Fraud & Disputes Releases 2026 State of Dispute Management Performance Report

Landmark Benchmark Study Reveals How AI-Powered Dispute Management Is Closing the Gap Between Industry Average and Best-in-Class Performance
Making A Difference

Credit Unions Reach 250+ Shared Member Stories Reflecting The People-First Purpose Of The Movement

Washington, DC – Callahan & Associates announced that The Member Story Project has surpassed 250 published stories, a milestone that ...
Other

NASCUS Urges Regulatory Modernization and Greater Clarity for State-Chartered Credit Unions in Comments to NCUA

The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) submitted a comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) ...
Personnel Promotions

Coastal Credit Union Hires Allison Liston, VP of Legal and Compliance

Coastal Credit Union has hired Allison Liston as its new Vice President of Legal and Compliance. She will lead the ...
Vendor Resources

Coastal Credit Union Now Live with CashBack+ Credit Card Rewards

NEW YORK, NY – June 3, 2026 – Today, Coastal Credit Union announced an expanded partnership with Prizeout, going live ...
Making A Difference

Tower Federal Credit Union & TowerCares Foundation Launch $250,000 for a Brighter America: A New Community Giving Initiative Supporting Military, Veterans, and Children in Need

Tower Federal Credit Union today announced the launch of $250,000 for a Brighter America, a new community giving initiative celebrating ...
Legal/Regulatory

Illinois Credit Union League Applauds Passage of Legislation Extending Implementation of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act to July 1, 2027

The Illinois Credit Union League applauds passage of SB 3645, legislation that extends implementation of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act ...
Industry Analysis & Trends

Baker Market Update – Week in Review: May 29, 2026

Released every Friday, BMU is a brief and informative newsletter that provides financial institutions a review of the week’s economic ...
Other

Vizo Financial’s June 2026 Education Calendar

At Vizo Financial we are committed to providing quality education to credit unions and their staff, which is why we ...
Making A Difference

LAFCU awards $20,000 in scholarships through annual essay contest

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU, a Michigan-based credit union, is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 Write to Educate ...
Other

SchoolsFirst FCU Partners with Classroom of the Future Foundation to Celebrate 23rd Annual Innovation in Education Awards

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union joined Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) to honor educators, students and community partners at the ...
Other

Chartway Wins Eight 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence and Industry Awards

Chartway Credit Union is pleased to announce it is a 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence and Industry Award winner for ...
Strategic Partnerships

eDOC Innovations Hosts Successful Advanced Fraud Solutions TrueChecks Webinar Focused on Fraud Prevention for Financial Institutions

eDOC conducted a webinar webinar in partnership with Advanced Fraud Solutions (AFS), highlighting the powerful capabilities of the AFS TrueChecks® ...
Operations & HR

Corporate One Names Jeff Blake Senior Vice President, Head of Human Resources

Corporate One Federal Credit Union announced that Jeff Blake will join the organization as Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of ...
Making A Difference

Gulf Winds Celebrates Older Americans Month with $5,000 Donation to the Escambia County Alabama Area Agency on Aging

Pensacola, Florida (May 27, 2026) – In celebration of Older Americans Month, Gulf Winds made a $5,000 donation to the ...
Making A Difference

CREDIT UNION OF COLORADO FOUNDATION AWARDS $110,000 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Credit Union of Colorado Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 winners of its annual college scholarship program. The Foundation ...
Investments

Chartway Credit Union Continues Growth with Two New Branches

Chartway Credit Union continues to build on its momentum of strategic growth and community investment with the upcoming grand openings ...
Making A Difference

Gulf Winds Foundation Awards up to $45,000 in Scholarships to Five Members

Pensacola, Florida (May 26, 2026) – The Gulf Winds Foundation is proud to announce that it recently awarded up to ...
Other

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Celebrates School Employee Appreciation Night at May 1 Angels Game

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, sponsored ...
Operations & HR

Tower Federal Credit Union Earns Great Place to Work® Certification™ Eight Years in a Row!

Tower Federal Credit Union is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for the eighth year in a ...
Personnel Promotions

Gulf Winds Credit Union Strengthens Senior Leadership Team with Executive Promotions

Gulf Winds Credit Union Strengthens Senior Leadership Team with Executive Promotions Pensacola, Florida (May 20, 2025) – As part of ...
Strategic Partnerships

CUNA Strategic Services and Association of Vermont Credit Unions Launch Statewide Initiative to Drive Credit Union Growth, Combat Fraud, and Accelerate Innovation

CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) and the Association of Vermont Credit Unions (League) Services Corporation today announced a collaborative, statewide initiative ...
Operations & HR

BCU EARNS 2026-2027 GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFICATION™

BCU is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current ...

Chartway’s Week of Giving Brings Utah Communities Together for Celebrations and Sell-Out Fundraising Event

Chartway Credit Union’s Chartway Promise Foundation recently wrapped up a weeklong series of celebratory and fundraising events dedicated to delivering joy, hope, and smiles to ...

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Expands Across California With Seven New Branches

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is expanding its statewide presence with seven new branches, bringing accessible, personalized financial services closer to the school employees and families ...

Five credit unions earn California’s Cal IIP Awards with assistance from CU Strategic Planning

All five credit unions that CU Strategic Planning assisted with applications to the California Investment & Innovation Program (Cal IIP) were awarded grants for the ...

3Rivers Credit Union Foundation Surpasses $132,000 in Community Giving During First Half of 2026

The 3Rivers Credit Union Foundation awarded $63,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations during its second grant cycle of 2026, bringing the Foundation’s total community investment for ...

MERGER PLANNED FOR HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATES CREDIT UNION (HACU) AND  BAXTER CREDIT UNION (BCU) 

HealthCare Associates Credit Union (HACU), a $479.4 million credit union headquartered in Lisle, IL, and Baxter Credit Union (BCU), a $6.5 billion credit union headquartered in Vernon ...

Centris Federal Credit Union Selects Alogent’s Unify SaaS Platform to Modernize and Streamline Enterprise Deposit Processing

Alogent announced today that Centris Federal Credit Union, a $1.5 billion, Omaha-based financial institution, has selected Unify to modernize enterprise wide deposit capture and processing ...
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