Credit unions on the move

Greater Texas employees provide holiday cheer for families in need

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Employees of Greater Texas Credit Union are making Christmas merry for seven large families as part of the Any Baby Can Christmas adoption campaign.

Gifts of toys, games, clothes, and gift cards were purchased for each family member, totaling 42 people in all. Employees then held a wrapping party to prepare the gifts to be delivered before Christmas morning.

The families receiving these gifts have all experienced various challenges this year and are doing all they can just to afford the necessities. Facing high housing costs and inflation, Christmas presents are an unaffordable luxury for them.

“Our Adopt-a-Family is one of the most rewarding programs we provide to many of the families at Any Baby Can,” said Amelia Brown, donor relations coordinator for Any Baby Can. “Buying gifts for the holidays can seem overwhelming and unattainable because of the hardships or adversity these families may be facing.”

Brown added, “By adopting a family, Greater Texas will bring cheer and smiles not only to the children but the families we serve. Our gratitude knows no bounds.”

Any Baby Can supports families in Central Texas, providing programs and resources to strengthen the whole family. Its primary mission is to educate and empower parents so their children can reach their full potential.

Meritrust plans emergency fund for employees; part of financial well-being initiative

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Meritrust Credit Union this week announced an unprecedented step in improving the financial well-being of its employees: the credit union is providing $400 in emergency savings funds for every employee. On Dec. 22, employees will receive a one-time net deposit of $400 in addition to their regular paycheck. They are encouraged to set the money aside to start or grow their emergency savings fund.

The credit union’s purpose is to create financially healthy members and employees. The 2022 Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households survey by the Federal Reserve found that 37% of Americans do not have funds to cover a $400 emergency, which is an increase from the previous year of 32%. Meritrust believes that financially healthy employees are critical to helping its members navigate their own financial wellness journey.

“We understand that in order to best serve our members, we have to focus on financial health from within,” says James Nastars, president/CEO of Meritrust. “Knowing that our employees are equipped to not be part of that 37% is just one step in the process of supporting their financial well-being.”

In 2023, Meritrust launched a financial well-being initiative for members and employees centered around four financial pillars: Save, Spend, Borrow, and Plan. Meritrust is committed to helping consumers understand how their actions, behaviors, and relationships with money affect their daily lives and, in turn, empowers them with the tools they need to create a better financial future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Meritrust knows the first step and key building block for improving financial well-being is establishing an emergency fund, beginning with $400. They also know this is sometimes the most difficult step because life happens.

“Saving is vitally important to our overall financial health,” says Chris Wolgamott, director of financial well-being at Meritrust. “As we become more diligent with our emergency savings, we grow in confidence around our monthly spending, borrowing, and overall planning.” 

All Meritrust employees are eligible to receive confidential, one-on-one financial coaching services from the Financial Well-Being team and participate in annual financial education throughout the year.

Education First FCU celebrates new Woodville branch

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Education First Federal Credit Union staff and board of directors were joined by the Woodville city manager, Tyler County judges and commissioner, and members of the Woodville Chamber of Commerce at the opening of its Woodville branch’s new location at 1121 S. Magnolia Street, in the Tall Pines Shopping Center.

Previously located inside of the area Brookshire Brothers Grocery Store, the new location offers expanded services and convenience for new and existing members, including:

• Interactive teller machines (ITMs)
• Private member consultation areas
• Saturday lobby hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Automatic coin counter 

The branch is staffed with universal bankers who are trained to assist members in all levels of service, from account opening to mortgage loans. ITMs marry the convenience of drive-up service with in-person experience, allowing members to make deposits, cash checks, pay loans, make account transfers, and more while chatting with a live representative.

Education First has been serving the residents and businesses of the Woodville community since 2008 and is excited about the increased convenience and accessibility that the new location offers.     

View ribbon-cutting event.

EFFCU is a community credit union with over $600 million dollars in assets and 35,000 members with seven locations in Southeast Texas.