ESSEXVILLE, MI (10/17/2012) – FinancialEdge Community CU is nearing completion of the next chapter in its innovative partnership with local nonprofit Do-All, Inc. which employs over 80 coaching staff and averages 150 adults with disabilities working in training programs. The credit union's newest location – called Do-$ave – is set for their Grand Opening on October 18 inside one of Do-All Inc.’s resale stores that will be staffed, in part, by Do-All trainees. FinancialEdge marketing manager, Pam Swope chose this date with purpose – it’s International Credit Union Day, and what an event to celebrate.
This is the second phase of FinancialEdge’s partnership with Do-All. Last fall, the Bay City credit union opened a Do-$ave branch that is only open to Do-All trainees and staff at the nonprofit company’s main facility in Bay City. To date, nearly a dozen different individuals have had the opportunity to train and work for the credit union program.
Now, FinancialEdge is taking the next step with a branch that is inside Do-All’s largest store on Center Road in Essexville. This branch will be open to all members and the general public one day per week to start. “We’ll grow hours and services as we need them” Swope said. “We want to provide an opportunity for individuals to receive one-on-one training for cash handling and customer services skills and then employ them through the branch partnership. The branch inside the resale store allows us to reach a segment of the community that can benefit from the financial services and customer-centric approach that credit unions provide.”
FinancialEdge has worked with coaches and trainees from Do-All, which is one of its Select Employer Groups (SEGs), for years, but the partnership idea for the branches came from Do-All President and CEO Chris Girard, who was looking for new opportunities for the trainees who are employed by the company.
The model is similar in concept to a student run credit union like FinancialEdge currently operates with Washington Elementary in Bay City. However it takes it to the next level by adapting it for Do-All trainees and opening it to the public.
The credit union received a $5,000 grant from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation and also a $10,000 grant from the National Credit Union Foundation to help with the community focused project.
FinancialEdge Community Credit Union has two locations in Bay City, MI and serves over 9,000 members.
If you reside, are employed, or worship in the counties of Bay, Saginaw, Midland or Arenac - you can become a member! Contact us at 989-892-6088 or visit our website at www.financialedgeccu.org.
It’s all about the Members!
Do-All, Inc. (Mission Statement) "We believe that all individuals should be able to live, work and play in their community. With this belief in mind, Do-All will assist individuals to achieve self-sufficiency through leadership, empowerment, material supports and employment training."