Credit Union Supports Willows Way
August 28, 2014
St. Louis, MO - 1st Financial Federal Credit Union Continued its Helping People 1st Grant program in August by Partnering with Willows Way, INC.�
The Helping People 1st grant program gives 1st Financial Federal Credit Union employees the opportunity to make a difference within their community� by issuing a grant each month to a non-profit organization focused on either housing, financial literacy, job training, or education.
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The branch employees promote the non-profit throughout the month, hold fundraising events, and oftentimes volunteer during business hours at the non-profit.� At the end of the month, the non-profit is presented with the $500 grant plus any additional funds the branch was able to raise.
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Headquartered in St Charles, MO, Willows Way is a nonprofit agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.� Willows Way provides individualized in-home support and day programming to over 130 individuals along with evening classes to over 1200 individuals each year.� These courses focus on social, educational, and physical activities which help integrate Willows Way clients to their community and allow them to lead fuller, more independent lives.
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"Willows Way is very grateful for the generous support from 1st Financial Federal Credit Union," said Joy Steele, Executive Director of Willows Way.� "Over the course of July, 1st Financial raised a substantial amount of money on behalf of our agency.� Even further, they engaged in marketing activities that helped enhance the communitys awareness of the work we do."
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She continued, saying-�"Our clients are on very fixed incomes, so we will be using the funds raised by 1st Financial in support of the clients we serve by providing them emergency financial assistance such as utility and housing assistance."
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In order to promote the fundraising efforts, the St. Charles branch held an art gallery made up of paintings completed by the individuals served through Willows Way.� Additionally, the St. Charles branch held a popcorn stand, candy sales, a hot dog cookout, and a date night basket to raise more donations for Willows Way.��The St. Charles branch presented a check totaling $1049.82 to the grant recipient.�
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"The staff here at St. Charles really enjoyed raising money and awareness for Willows Way during the month of July," said Chuck Holmes, Branch Manager of the 1st Financial St. Charles Branch.� "It was a great cause because so many of us take our health for granted while there are people out there that need help with the basics. We had a lot of fun with all of the activities each week and I think some of the staff might have gained a few pounds supporting the candy fundraiser."
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About 1st Financial Federal Credit Union
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Like all credit unions, 1st Financial is a member-owned, financial cooperative. 1st Financial Federal Credit Union was chartered on September 3, 1968 as District 837 Credit Union by the International Association of Machinist members employed by McDonnell Douglas. Today, with over 30,000 members and nearly $200 million in assets, 1st Financial is a St. Louis metro area financial institution dedicated to helping members achieve their financial dreams. For over 45 years 1st Financial has provided members with a full line of dependable financial products and services which returns profits to the members in the form of lower rates on loans and higher savings yields. The cooperative nature of credit unions enables 1st Financial to provide products and services at very reasonable rates.
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1st Financial Federal Credit Union serves those who live, work, worship, attend school, or regularly conduct business in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, Missouri and a wide array of companies throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. 1st Financial is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial organization committed to providing quality services to the membership while demonstrating safe and sound business practices. Deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the U.S. Government.
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Not a credit union member?�If you live, work, worship, attend school, or regularly conduct business in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, Missouri, you can open an account today with 1st Financial Federal Credit Union. Visit�www.TheBetterWayToBank.org�for more information.
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Pictured are Darcie Brand of 1st Financial Federal Credit Union, Chuck Holmes, Branch Manager of the St. Charles Branch, Joy Steele, Executive Director of Willows Way, Tom Bay, Director of Programs at Willows Way, Mandy Fix and Shelitta Hairlson of 1st Financial Federal Credit Union