Fish & Loaves Food Pantry hosted an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new van that was recently purchased for them by local credit unions. Advantage One Credit Union spearheaded the endeavor, while working with Zeal Credit Union, Community Choice Credit Union, the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF), Public Service Credit Union, and the Metro West Chapter of Credit Unions to secure the funds needed to purchase the new vehicle.
The project began when Stephanie McNees, Executive Director of Fish & Loaves, and Lindsay Dennis, Marketing Coordinator at Advantage One, met at a local Kiwanis meeting and invited Lindsay to tour the food pantry. During the tour, Stephanie showed Lindsay the work van they had been using, which was covered in rust and had holes in the floorboards. She mentioned that they were in desperate need of a new van as it is critical to their organization and currently unsafe for their volunteers to operate. After months of working with the Advantage One’s CEO, Chris Corkery, collaborating with the other credit unions, writing a grant proposal to the MCUF, and securing a cargo van, the project was finally complete! “It took many hours and a lot of hard work, but I’m so proud of everyone’s efforts and the fact that we were able to purchase a new cargo van for Fish and Loaves. This organization has become very dear to my heart, and they deserve all the help they can get.” Said Lindsay. “I’m thankful that my CEO saw my vision and not only supported me but assisted with my efforts.”
Through the collaboration, Advantage One Credit Union has become a provider of financial education for Fish & Loaves clients. They created a website where clients can complete modules teaching them the basics of financial literacy, such as budgeting, credit, buying your first car/home, getting out of debt and more. They are also in the process of setting up in-person workshops for clients to attend. “We are very thankful to Advantage One for all they have done and look forward to having them assist our clients with any financial education they may need.” said Stephanie McNees.
