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Supporting the Community: Living the Credit Union Mission of ‘People Helping People’
CommunityNovember 26, 2024
As the charitable and volunteer arm of Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowermentembodies the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” through its ongoing financial and volunteer support of community partners throughout Chicagoland.
Giving Back Through Volunteerism and Youth Financial Education
The GLCU Foundation gives back through offering financial education programs to the community. One of the GLCU Foundation’s impactful partnerships includes teaching a money management curriculum to trade students taking part in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program at the College of Lake County.
Beyond providing financial grants, the GLCU Foundation amplifies its impact through hands-on volunteerism. GLCU team members regularly contribute their time to community giveback events through the “Great Wave” volunteer program. In 2024 so far, GLCU employees have spent nearly 2,000 hours volunteering in the community.
GLCU employees also facilitate youth financial education events through the Money Mammals®, Adolescent$™, and Bite of Reality programs. Money Mammals programming focuses on teaching kids ages 3-11 smart money skills. Adolescent$ programming teaches youth aged 12-18 healthy money habits and how to set financial goals.
Bite of Reality is a budgeting simulation program that offers high school students hands-on experience managing household expenses such as daycare, food, car payments, rent, and more. In 2024 so far, GLCU employees have impacted more than 1,000 youth through financial education sessions.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Rooted in the belief that financial empowerment begins with community well-being, the GLCU Foundation partners with organizations that address the needs of local families and individuals who are facing food insecurity. Through collaborating with groups like the Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries Food Bank, Common Pantry, and more, the GLCU Foundation focuses on creating opportunities and providing resources for those who need it most.
Building Stronger Communities
By leveraging the strength of its partnerships and the passion of its volunteers, the GLCU Foundation aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. True to its mission, the GLCU Foundation is building stronger, more resilient communities, one partnership at a time.
The GLCU Foundation wouldn’t be able to do the impactful work it does without the support of its partners and donors. Please consider donating to the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment this GivingTuesday!