Financial empowerment begins with access — access to safe accounts, trustworthy information, and equitable opportunities. At Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), we believe that everyone deserves the tools and support needed to build a stable financial future.
That’s why we collaborate with mission‑aligned organizations that share our commitment to financial inclusion. Together, we’re creating pathways that help individuals and families gain confidence, build skills, and take control of their financial lives. It’s all part of our mission of banking for a greater good.
BankOn: A Fresh Start Checking Account
For many people, traditional banking can feel out of reach. Whether a member has never had a checking account before or needs to establish a positive banking history, our partnership with BankOn helps break down those barriers.
Our BankOn‑certified Fresh Checking account is designed to support long‑term financial stability with features such as:
- No minimum monthly balance requirement
- Low fees and transparent terms
- Account structures that encourage responsible money management
By meeting BankOn national standards, Fresh Checking provides a secure foundation for individuals who want a fresh start. This partnership ensures that more people have access to reliable banking — a critical first step toward financial empowerment.
One Summer Chicago and the Economic Awareness Council
Empowering young people with financial knowledge early in life can change the trajectory of their futures. We proudly support the Economic Awareness Council (EAC) and its youth workforce development initiatives, including One Summer Chicago.
These partnerships allow us to reach students across the city with hands‑on financial tools and education. As part of this collaboration:
- Students receive checking and savings accounts, giving them real‑world experience managing money and the confidence that comes with financial independence.
- GLCU provides financial education workshops at City Colleges of Chicago, helping young adults build essential skills such as budgeting, saving, and understanding credit.
By combining financial access with financial education, we help young people develop healthy habits that will serve them throughout adulthood. These early experiences lay the groundwork for lifelong financial well‑being.
A Complete, Empowering Financial Experience with LetMeDoIt
At GLCU, our mission of Banking for a Greater Good means ensuring that every member — regardless of background, ability, or financial starting point — can thrive.
Our partnership with LetMeDoIt, a platform designed to support individuals with disabilities in building life skills and managing daily tasks, strengthens that mission. Together, we are working on aligning our products, tools, and support systems to help members in the disability community understand, plan, and achieve their financial goals.
The goal is to create a pathway to long‑term economic and financial independence. Together, GLCU and LetMeDoIt are helping individuals take control of their financial lives and move confidently toward independence.
Financial empowerment is possible through connection, partnerships, and innovative products and services that expand access, remove barriers, and provide people with the tools they need to succeed.
Making a Difference Through Collaboration
Whether it’s helping someone open their first checking account, guiding a young adult through their first budgeting experience, or supporting individuals with disabilities as they build financial confidence, our partnerships make a meaningful difference.
The information in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. You should consult a licensed financial advisor before investing in any financial product or service.
