Helping people and raising awareness

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions’ news about their growth, expansion, and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

Tigers Community CU raises awareness and funds for Tiger Pantry

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Tigers Community Credit Union in Columbia, Mo., hosted a Mizzou campus event to raise awareness for the Tiger Pantry. This student-run organization provides food resources and education to members of the University of Missouri family and University of Missouri Healthcare workers in need.

On Nov. 16, Tigers Community employees distributed non-perishable food items to students at the Mizzou Student Center as part of #CUfeedMU to spread awareness of Tiger Pantry and its programs.

“There was a tremendous response from the students, and we are grateful to be able to help spread awareness for this great organization that is run by students who are committed to helping Columbia thrive,” said Stephanie Tyler, community and business development representative.

In addition to the social media blitz, Tigers Community Credit Union presented a $500 donation to the pantry.

“Without donations and support from organizations like Tigers Community Credit Union, we would not be able to provide the capacity of services needed by our community,” said Lindsey Linkous, director of Tiger Pantry and Truman’s Closet. “We are so grateful for Tigers Community being a loyal partner to Tiger Pantry and helping us fight food insecurity on campus.”

Tiger Pantry provides food resources and education to members of the University of Missouri family and University of Missouri Health Care workers in need while exemplifying the university’s four core values of respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellence. More than 400 households receive fresh produce, nonperishable food, and personal hygiene care items each month.

Education First employees donate $13,500 to local nonprofits

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Beaumont, Texas-based Education First Federal Credit Union employees presented donations of $13,500 to three local nonprofit organizations on Nov. 28 in recognition of Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity that started in 2012.

Education First employees raised funds throughout the year via their Blue Jean Friday Fund. The fund was created in 2014 and allows employees to wear blue jeans to work every Friday in exchange for a $2 donation. To date, employees have raised over $71,000. The money has been donated to area nonprofits, schools, and people who lost their homes in Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda.

The fund is a grant program for local 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants provide details such as a project description, expected outcomes, and the organization’s vision and history of service. After being promoted via the Southeast Texas Non-Profit Development Center and the credit union’s social media accounts, the program received more than 65 applications. A committee of eight Education First employees reviewed the applications and selected the following three organizations, each to receive a $4,500 donation.

Boys’ Haven plans to develop a computer lab for the Journey House Transitional Independent Living program residents to assist with continuing education and increasing access to employment opportunities. Journey House provides services for young men ages 18–24 who have aged out of foster care or are experiencing homelessness.

 

Hope Women’s Resource Clinic provides free pregnancy testing, educational resources, STD/STI testing, and supplies for expectant mothers and babies up to age one. The clinic will use its grant to replenish the Hope Clinic Blessings Boutique with much-needed cribs, play yards, and car seats for those who complete a course on safe sleep and car seat safety.

 

Southeast Texas Food Bank distributes food to low-income community members within its 100-member social service agencies and 40 qualified schools in its eight-county territory. The grant will allow them to provide a 20-lb. food box to 675 individuals facing food insecurity in Jefferson County. This translates to 13,500 meals for individuals in Southeast Texas facing hunger and inadequate nutrition.

 

Battle of the Badges benefits charities in Galveston area

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The 14th annual Galveston Island Battle of the Badges was held Nov. 18 at the Galveston Island Convention Center. Known as the “Best Amateur Boxing Show in Texas,” the Vegas-themed show features amateur boxing matches between members of various firefighter and police departments across Texas.

Battle of the Badges was founded in 1957 by City of Galveston firefighters. Coastal Community Federal Credit Union, led by President/CEO Carol Gaylord (also a board member for Battle of the Badges), has been a proud sponsor since its inception.

Proceeds for Battle of the Badges benefit:

• Communities in Schools of Galveston County
• The Sunshine Center
• Alvin Blue Santa
• Blue Santa of Galveston Police Department
• The United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page, and for more information about Coastal, visit www.coastalcommunityfcu.org.

Shell FCU Wins Top Workplace and Culture Excellence Awards

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Deer Park, Texas-based Shell Federal Credit Union announced its recognition in the 2023 Houston Chronicle Top Workplace and Culture Excellence awards. For 13 consecutive years, Shell FCU has been named a Houston Chronicle Top Workplace, ranking eighth for the second year and the highest-ranking credit union in the midsize category.

Energage, a purpose-driven organization that builds and brands employers of choice, determines the awards. The Top Workplaces program has a 17-year history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 60 regional markets.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards recognize organizations that excel in specific areas of workplace culture: innovation, employee appreciation, work-life flexibility, employee well-being, professional development, compensation and benefits, leadership, and purpose and values.

Top Workplaces awards are based on feedback from a research-backed employee engagement survey. See details about how Shell FCU builds a great workplace culture.