Credit Union Partners with Habitat for Humanity
September 11, 2014
The Helping People 1st monthly grant program gives 1st Financial Federal Credit Union employees the opportunity to spotlight a non-profit organization making a positive difference within the community that specializes in housing, education, or job training.� The Wentzville branch, located at 1232 Wentzville Parkway, chose to partner with Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County in the month of May.
Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is a non-profit independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.� Their staff is dedicated to building affordable housing for low income families.� They accomplish this by constructing energy-efficient homes with the help of a volunteer workforce and supplementing their materials budget through donations and profits from their Re-Store located in St. Peters.� After a lengthy selection process, the chosen family also commits to working 350 hours to help build the house.� Once the house is completed, the family receives a 0%, 30 year mortgage owned by Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles. �Since 1997, 64 families have been given a "hand up, not a hand out" in St. Charles County.
"We chose to work with Habitat for Humanity because they work with families who otherwise cannot afford necessary housing," said Pat Johnson, Branch manager of the Wentzville Branch.
She then went on to say "It was a heartwarming experience to support this great cause as a volunteer.� We helped create a home, and knowing that a family would live and make lasting memories here was a very special feeling. "
In addition to the $500 grant, the Wentzville branch organized a paid volunteer day where employees helped build a house for St. Charles County residents.� The branch also held a Mothers Day flower sale, multiple raffles, and other fundraising activities to increase the final donation.� On June 4th, Mrs. Johnson presented Nancy Cope, Executive Director and Lauren Grotegeers, Resource Development Coordinator of Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County with a check for $1951.73.
"It is incredible to see what 1st Financial is doing for their community," said Lauren Grotegeers, Resource Development Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County.� "We are so thankful for the donation as well as the volunteer work 1st Financial provided on our jobsite."
She continued saying "With the help we have received from 1st Financial, our 2014 Leadership Build is one step closer to being completed for our family.� Thank you for helping us to realize our vision where everyone has a decent place to live."
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, please visit www.habitatstcharles.org.
(Featured in photo: R to L Tracy Verner, Brand Ambassador, 1st Financial Federal Credit Union; Gina Wright, Dealer Relations Manager, 1st Financial Federal Credit Union; Jennifer Mickeletto, Training and Development Manager,1st Financial Federal Credit Union; Katie LaCroix, Accounting Specialist, 1st Financial Federal Credit Union; Pat Johnson, Branch Manager, 1st Financial Federal Credit Union; Nancy Cope, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County; and Lauren Grotegeers, Resource Development Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County)
About 1st Financial Federal Credit Union
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.
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.
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.