Credit Unions Expand Reach and Invest in Their Communities

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions for their growth and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

Truity Credit Union Plans New Collinsville Branch

Truity Credit Union purchased property near Collinsville, Okla., at the intersection of highways 20 and 75, where it plans to build a full-service branch expected to open in 2027.

The location will offer personal and business banking, auto and home loans, financial guidance, and other services. Truity also plans to support area schools, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations through financial education, community partnerships, sponsorships, volunteer service, and event support.

“This property represents more than a future branch. It represents our commitment to becoming part of the Collinsville community,” said Truity President/CEO Aaron Beldner. “We look forward to building meaningful relationships, supporting local organizations, and helping the people and businesses in this area thrive.”

Texas Trust Gives Foundation Awards $70,000 to Support Students

Texas Trust Credit Union Gives Foundation awarded $70,000 in Community Impact grants to 10 school districts across North and Central Texas, helping students and families access school supplies, clothing, food, hygiene products, and other necessities.

The grants supported programs in Arlington, Athens, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Lewisville, Mansfield, and San Angelo. Programs ranged from back-to-school distributions and weekend food assistance to uniforms, shoes, and resources for families experiencing hardship.

Texas Trust employees also volunteered at supported events, with 45 employees recently helping students and families. “Helping students start the school year with the necessary resources they need is one of the most tangible ways we can make a difference,” said Foundation Executive Director Washima Huq.

Harris County Federal Credit Union Helps Equip Children for School

Harris County Federal Credit Union raised $4,319 through its annual fundraiser benefiting BEAR, or Be a Resource, an organization supporting children involved with Child Protective Services in Harris County.

Through contributions from members, employees, and board members, the credit union provided 138 backpacks filled with school supplies to help children in CPS care begin the school year feeling prepared and supported. The fundraiser is organized through HCFCUcares and the credit union’s Guiding Coalition.

The annual drive is part of HCFCU’s ongoing partnership with BEAR and reflects the credit union’s commitment to supporting children and families in its community. The effort is one way HCFCU puts the “people helping people” philosophy into action through collective giving and service.

GECU Expands Through Acquisition and Lubbock Opening

GECU received regulatory approval from the NCUA, FDIC, and New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department to acquire Bank of the Southwest. The organizations are scheduled to legally combine Nov. 1 under the GECU name while operating as independent divisions during the integration. Following completion, the combined organization is expected to have $4.9 billion in assets and serve more than 449,000 members. GECU President/CEO Alex Rascón will continue to lead the combined organization.

The announcement follows another major growth milestone: the Aug. 24 opening of GECU’s first Lubbock branch. GECU and the GECU Foundation marked the occasion with $32,000 in donations to eight local nonprofits through the credit union’s inaugural Community Vote for Impact initiative. Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Center and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Southwest each received $10,000 after being selected by the community, while six additional organizations received $2,000 each.

The new branch also received a Purple Heart Business designation recognizing GECU’s commitment to active-duty service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers. “Opening our doors here represents our long-term commitment to building relationships and growing alongside the people who live and work in Hub City,” Rascón said. “Supporting the communities we serve has always been at the heart of what we do.”