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

From 540 To 710: A Credit Repair Success Story

When I walked into Patelco Credit Union three years ago, my credit score was 540 and I had 11 accounts in collections. I had no financial literacy. I didn’t know what ‘credit’ meant, nor did I know how to effectively repair my credit to attain my financial goals. At that time, my knowledge base as […]

Small Adjustments Make A Big Impact

At Patelco, our mission is to help members thrive through life’s financial challenges, and one member’s story highlights the power of personalized service. She had been consistently incurring a $13.23 monthly late fee due to a misaligned due date. By adjusting her payment schedule to match her income cycle, we eliminated those fees. The member […]

A Business Owner Puts Her Best Face Forward

Lake Trust Credit Union

Jessie Hayes is passionate about helping people feel and look their best. After building her business, Skinphorea Facial Bar & Acne Clinic, from the ground up, she was ready to expand. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Jessie urgently needed additional funds to fulfill inventory and brave the challenges of owning a small business during […]

A New Path To Homeownership

A member came to me frustrated after 20 years in the United States without visible credit. He dreamed of owning a home but didn’t know where to start. We sat down together and talked through his options. I suggested he begin with a secured credit card and explained how to use it to build credit. […]

A Fresh Start For A College Dream

A young member walked into our branch feeling defeated. He’d just graduated high school and registered for college but missed the FAFSA deadline and needed $3,500 to cover his classes. With little employment or credit history, he wanted to try for a loan on his own before asking his parents. I listened to his story […]

Turning A Crash Into Confidence

Lake Trust Credit Union

Early one morning, 18-year-old Kadence was taking a familiar drive on her way to her job at a local animal shelter. Suddenly, three deer jumped out onto the road. Kadence swerved to avoid the first two but unfortunately hit the third. After pulling off the road and calling for help, she realized her car was […]

Industry Analysis & Trends

BCU WEALTH ADVISORS, LLC HONORED AT KEHRER GROUP’S 2025 TOP DIRECTORS AWARDS

BCU Wealth Advisors, LLC is proud to announce that Kristi Mertens, CFP®, Managing Director of BCU Wealth Advisors, has been ...
Operations & HR

Corporate Central Welcomes Vikram Israni to Board as Jay Magulski Retires

Corporate Central has announced a leadership transition on its board of directors, marking the retirement of longtime volunteer Director Jay ...
Making A Difference

Coastal Credit Union Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in Community Grants

The Coastal Credit Union Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across the region in 2025, impacting ...
Other

Family Trust Federal Credit Union Named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 List

Family Trust Federal Credit Union (Family Trust) has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks & ...
Operations & HR

Blask and Randall Earn Certified Wisconsin Credit Union Leader Designation Through Leadership Institute

Corporate Central is pleased to announce that Frederick Blask, NCBSO, NCRM, Vice President of Governance Risk & Compliance, and Sierra ...
Operations & HR

Sound Credit Union Welcomes Ian Crawford To Their Business Lending Team

TACOMA, Wash. – Sound Credit Union (Sound) recently welcomed Ian Crawford as their Business Lending Production Manager. Based in Bellingham, ...
Strategic Partnerships

Canvas Credit Union Becomes an Owner in DaLand CUSO

DaLand CUSO, the credit union industry’s definitive provider for core-integrated digital assets, today announced that Canvas Credit Union has become ...
Technology

2025 in Review: Corelation Delivers Record-Breaking Results, Reinforcing Market Leadership with 38 New Client Signings

Corelation, Inc. closed out another exceptional year marked by continued growth, strong client momentum, and an unwavering commitment to the ...
Operations & HR

Corporate Central Welcomes Nikkita Martino as Relationship Development Manager

Corporate Central is pleased to announce the addition of Nikkita Martino as Relationship Development Manager, strengthening the organization’s business development ...
Other

Corporate One Federal Credit Union Returns $13.6 Million to Members in 2025

Corporate One Federal Credit Union, a trusted investment, funding, and payment solutions partner serving America’s credit unions, announced it concluded ...
Industry Analysis & Trends

Baker Market Update – Week in Review: January 9, 2026

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

Altamaha Federal Credit Union Enters New Technology Partnership with Synergent

WESTBROOK, ME (January 9, 2026) – Synergent® is excited to announce Altamaha Federal Credit Union has signed new seven-year agreements ...
Personnel Promotions

DUGOOD CREDIT UNION SPOTLIGHTS EMPLOYEE PROMOTIONS

Beaumont, Texas – January 7, 2026 – DuGood Credit Union is proud to celebrate its employees who are stepping into ...
Other

The Next Generation of CU Leaders Takes Shape as Applications Open for CUES Emerge 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 CUES Emerge leadership development program. Offered in partnership with Currency Marketing, CUES Emerge ...
Operations & HR

ALM First Executive Benefits Expands Team, Welcoming Cameron Kasteler and Rebecca Myers-Haeussler

Dallas, Texas – ALM First Executive Benefits, LLC, a subsidiary of ALM First that offers unbiased plan design, expert consulting, plan audits, and ...
Strategic Partnerships

Callahan & Associates And Quantum Governance, L3C™ Unite to Advance Credit Union Governance

Callahan & Associates has acquired Quantum Governance, L3C™, a consulting firm specializing in governance and strategy. This partnership combines Callahan’s ...
Strategic Partnerships

Richland Federal Credit Union Partners with Synergent in New Technology Agreement

WESTBROOK, ME (January 7, 2026) – Synergent® is proud to share a new partnership with Richland Federal Credit Union, which ...
Making A Difference

Christian Financial Outreach & Impact Foundation Awards $52,427 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

Sterling Heights, Mich. (Jan. 7, 2026) – Christian Financial Credit Union’s Outreach & Impact Foundation finished the year by awarding ...
Other

LGE Community Credit Union named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Credit Unions 2026

LGE Community Credit Union announced that it was recently recognized as one of America’s Best Credit Unions 2026 by Newsweek ...
Other

Sharetec Appoints New Chief Information & Security Officer

Sharetec, a leading digital banking and core processing technology company serving credit unions, is ringing in the new year with ...
Making A Difference

Alloya Surpasses $150 Million in Capital Dividends, Waives an Additional $3 Million in Fees

As Alloya begins to celebrate its 15th year supporting credit union success, the Board of Directors has announced that the ...
Personnel Promotions

For Immediate Release – CHROME Federal Credit Union Appoints Broc Sleek as President/CEO

Washington, PA, January 5, 2026. CHROME Federal Credit Union today announced the appointment of Broc Sleek as its new President ...
Other

CU NextGen Acquires Constellation Digital Partners

CU NextGen, a leading credit union service organization (CUSO) providing digital banking, award winning CRM, automation, as well as operational ...
Operations & HR

Corporate Central Welcomes Israr Ahmad as Software Engineer – Integration Specialist

Corporate Central is pleased to welcome Israr Ahmad to the team as Software Engineer – Integration Specialist. Ahmad brings more ...
Operations & HR

LAFCU Expands Marketing, Creative and Community Engagement Team With Promotions And New Hire

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is enhancing its marketing, creative and community engagement capabilities with the promotions of longtime leader Kellie ...
Other

Vizo Financial’s January 2026 Education Calendar

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

SchoolsFirst FCU Spreads Holiday Cheer at Rady Children’s Health

A team of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union employees sponsored a holiday gift giving opportunity for Rady Children’s Health in Orange ...
Operations & HR

Los Angeles Mid-City Branch Extends SchoolsFirst FCU’s Footprint to 72 Branches in California

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union opened it 72nd Branch in Los Angeles on December 22.
Other

ICUL Names Congressman Darin LaHood as 2025 Federal Credit Union Legislative Champion

The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) today announced Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) as its first Federal Credit Union Legislative Champion, ...
Making A Difference

SECU Foundation Awards $500,000 Grant to Feeding the Carolinas to Support Expanded Food Access During Holiday Season

SECU Foundation is pleased to announce a $500,000 grant to Feeding the Carolinas to help address widespread food insecurity and ...
Industry Analysis & Trends

BCU WEALTH ADVISORS, LLC HONORED AT KEHRER GROUP’S 2025 TOP DIRECTORS AWARDS

BCU Wealth Advisors, LLC is proud to announce that Kristi Mertens, CFP®, Managing Director of BCU Wealth Advisors, has been ...
Operations & HR

Corporate Central Welcomes Vikram Israni to Board as Jay Magulski Retires

Corporate Central has announced a leadership transition on its board of directors, marking the retirement of longtime volunteer Director Jay ...
Making A Difference

Coastal Credit Union Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in Community Grants

The Coastal Credit Union Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across the region in 2025, impacting ...
Other

Family Trust Federal Credit Union Named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 List

Family Trust Federal Credit Union (Family Trust) has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks & ...
Operations & HR

Blask and Randall Earn Certified Wisconsin Credit Union Leader Designation Through Leadership Institute

Corporate Central is pleased to announce that Frederick Blask, NCBSO, NCRM, Vice President of Governance Risk & Compliance, and Sierra ...
Operations & HR

Sound Credit Union Welcomes Ian Crawford To Their Business Lending Team

TACOMA, Wash. – Sound Credit Union (Sound) recently welcomed Ian Crawford as their Business Lending Production Manager. Based in Bellingham, ...
Strategic Partnerships

Canvas Credit Union Becomes an Owner in DaLand CUSO

DaLand CUSO, the credit union industry’s definitive provider for core-integrated digital assets, today announced that Canvas Credit Union has become ...
Technology

2025 in Review: Corelation Delivers Record-Breaking Results, Reinforcing Market Leadership with 38 New Client Signings

Corelation, Inc. closed out another exceptional year marked by continued growth, strong client momentum, and an unwavering commitment to the ...
Operations & HR

Corporate Central Welcomes Nikkita Martino as Relationship Development Manager

Corporate Central is pleased to announce the addition of Nikkita Martino as Relationship Development Manager, strengthening the organization’s business development ...
Other

Corporate One Federal Credit Union Returns $13.6 Million to Members in 2025

Corporate One Federal Credit Union, a trusted investment, funding, and payment solutions partner serving America’s credit unions, announced it concluded ...
Industry Analysis & Trends

Baker Market Update – Week in Review: January 9, 2026

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

Altamaha Federal Credit Union Enters New Technology Partnership with Synergent

WESTBROOK, ME (January 9, 2026) – Synergent® is excited to announce Altamaha Federal Credit Union has signed new seven-year agreements ...
Personnel Promotions

DUGOOD CREDIT UNION SPOTLIGHTS EMPLOYEE PROMOTIONS

Beaumont, Texas – January 7, 2026 – DuGood Credit Union is proud to celebrate its employees who are stepping into ...
Other

The Next Generation of CU Leaders Takes Shape as Applications Open for CUES Emerge 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 CUES Emerge leadership development program. Offered in partnership with Currency Marketing, CUES Emerge ...
Operations & HR

ALM First Executive Benefits Expands Team, Welcoming Cameron Kasteler and Rebecca Myers-Haeussler

Dallas, Texas – ALM First Executive Benefits, LLC, a subsidiary of ALM First that offers unbiased plan design, expert consulting, plan audits, and ...
Strategic Partnerships

Callahan & Associates And Quantum Governance, L3C™ Unite to Advance Credit Union Governance

Callahan & Associates has acquired Quantum Governance, L3C™, a consulting firm specializing in governance and strategy. This partnership combines Callahan’s ...
Strategic Partnerships

Richland Federal Credit Union Partners with Synergent in New Technology Agreement

WESTBROOK, ME (January 7, 2026) – Synergent® is proud to share a new partnership with Richland Federal Credit Union, which ...
Making A Difference

Christian Financial Outreach & Impact Foundation Awards $52,427 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

Sterling Heights, Mich. (Jan. 7, 2026) – Christian Financial Credit Union’s Outreach & Impact Foundation finished the year by awarding ...
Other

LGE Community Credit Union named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Credit Unions 2026

LGE Community Credit Union announced that it was recently recognized as one of America’s Best Credit Unions 2026 by Newsweek ...
Other

Sharetec Appoints New Chief Information & Security Officer

Sharetec, a leading digital banking and core processing technology company serving credit unions, is ringing in the new year with ...
Making A Difference

Alloya Surpasses $150 Million in Capital Dividends, Waives an Additional $3 Million in Fees

As Alloya begins to celebrate its 15th year supporting credit union success, the Board of Directors has announced that the ...
Personnel Promotions

For Immediate Release – CHROME Federal Credit Union Appoints Broc Sleek as President/CEO

Washington, PA, January 5, 2026. CHROME Federal Credit Union today announced the appointment of Broc Sleek as its new President ...
Other

CU NextGen Acquires Constellation Digital Partners

CU NextGen, a leading credit union service organization (CUSO) providing digital banking, award winning CRM, automation, as well as operational ...
Operations & HR

Corporate Central Welcomes Israr Ahmad as Software Engineer – Integration Specialist

Corporate Central is pleased to welcome Israr Ahmad to the team as Software Engineer – Integration Specialist. Ahmad brings more ...
Operations & HR

LAFCU Expands Marketing, Creative and Community Engagement Team With Promotions And New Hire

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is enhancing its marketing, creative and community engagement capabilities with the promotions of longtime leader Kellie ...
Other

Vizo Financial’s January 2026 Education Calendar

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

SchoolsFirst FCU Spreads Holiday Cheer at Rady Children’s Health

A team of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union employees sponsored a holiday gift giving opportunity for Rady Children’s Health in Orange ...
Operations & HR

Los Angeles Mid-City Branch Extends SchoolsFirst FCU’s Footprint to 72 Branches in California

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union opened it 72nd Branch in Los Angeles on December 22.
Other

ICUL Names Congressman Darin LaHood as 2025 Federal Credit Union Legislative Champion

The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) today announced Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) as its first Federal Credit Union Legislative Champion, ...
Making A Difference

SECU Foundation Awards $500,000 Grant to Feeding the Carolinas to Support Expanded Food Access During Holiday Season

SECU Foundation is pleased to announce a $500,000 grant to Feeding the Carolinas to help address widespread food insecurity and ...

BCU WEALTH ADVISORS, LLC HONORED AT KEHRER GROUP’S 2025 TOP DIRECTORS AWARDS

BCU Wealth Advisors, LLC is proud to announce that Kristi Mertens, CFP®, Managing Director of BCU Wealth Advisors, has been ranked #4 in the nation ...

Corporate Central Welcomes Vikram Israni to Board as Jay Magulski Retires

Corporate Central has announced a leadership transition on its board of directors, marking the retirement of longtime volunteer Director Jay Magulski and the appointment of ...

Coastal Credit Union Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in Community Grants

The Coastal Credit Union Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across the region in 2025, impacting more than two million lives. ...

Family Trust Federal Credit Union Named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 List

Family Trust Federal Credit Union (Family Trust) has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026, earning a ...

Blask and Randall Earn Certified Wisconsin Credit Union Leader Designation Through Leadership Institute

Corporate Central is pleased to announce that Frederick Blask, NCBSO, NCRM, Vice President of Governance Risk & Compliance, and Sierra Randall, CCUFC, Member Experience Specialist, ...

Sound Credit Union Welcomes Ian Crawford To Their Business Lending Team

TACOMA, Wash. – Sound Credit Union (Sound) recently welcomed Ian Crawford as their Business Lending Production Manager. Based in Bellingham, Washington, Crawford will focus on ...
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