Vibe Credit Union’s second annual impact day: bringing the vibe to the Pontiac community in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County
WATERFORD, MI (October 16, 2024) — On October 14, 2024, Vibe Credit Union didn’t just roll up its sleeves—they put the full force of its entire team behind a single, powerful goal: to uplift the Pontiac community in one impactful day. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Vibe’s 239 employees set out across the city to breathe new life into parks, homes, and hearts. This wasn’t just about volunteering—it was about supporting the people, the businesses, and the spaces that make Pontiac a community.
The day started with uplifting speeches from Vibe Credit Union’s CEO Chaz Rzewnicki, Habitat for Humanity Oakland’s CEO Michele Hodges, and the City of Pontiac’s Mayor Tim Greimel. These leaders spoke to the power of teamwork and the impact that even a single day of service can have when an entire community comes together.
Once the rally concluded, all 239 team members spread out to their scheduled project locations, ready to make an impact. With a mix of energy and enthusiasm, team members set to work on eleven residential projects, three park restoration efforts, and activities held at Habitat’s offices for those with limited mobility.
Beautifying Pontiac’s Parks: More Than Just a Facelift
One of the standout initiatives of the day was the revitalization of three local parks, where Vibe Credit Union team members spent hours landscaping and cleaning. In neighborhoods with limited access to well-maintained parks, these green spaces can serve as critical lifelines for residents—offering children a safe place to play, families a venue to gather, and individuals an environment to relax and recharge.
As part of the beautification efforts, Vibe will also be installing tiny libraries in each park as a “leave a book, take a book” initiative, encouraging a love of reading among residents. These little literary hubs will provide children and adults with easy access to books, nurturing a culture of learning and connection for years to come.
Empowering Residents Through Residential Projects
In addition to the park projects, team members worked on eleven residential sites, offering landscaping and clean-up services to low-income individuals and families who had contacted Habitat for Humanity for help. The efforts brought life back to the properties, restoring a sense of dignity and pride for the homeowners involved. For many families, these small yet significant improvements will have a lasting impact, fostering a safer and more welcoming environment.
Throughout the day, Vibe Credit Union’s team members transformed physical spaces and connected with residents, reinforcing the community-driven values at the heart of this effort. Vibe proudly supported Pontiac-owned businesses in fueling their efforts by sourcing breakfast and lunch from local eateries, ensuring that every aspect of the day contributed to the local economy. This commitment to uplifting the community extended beyond the work sites, highlighting the importance of investing in the people and businesses that make Pontiac special.
Partnering with Habitat for Humanity allowed Vibe team members to showcase the true power of collaboration, proving that when people unite for a common cause, even a single day can spark remarkable transformation.
From the parks to the homes to the local businesses supported along the way, the day reflected the power of unity, showing that positive impact goes beyond the work itself—it’s about the community it builds.
For more information on Vibe Credit Union’s community initiatives, follow @VibeCreditUnion on social or contact community.impact@vibecu.com.
About Vibe Credit Union
Vibe Credit Union is dedicated to empowering and uplifting its 78,000 members and the communities it serves. Through volunteer efforts and financial resources, Vibe aims to address critical issues like food and housing insecurity in metro Detroit. Since January 1, Vibe team members have completed over 4,600 community hours. To learn more, please visit vibecreditunion.com or call 248.735.9500.
About Habitat for Humanity
In 1995, the Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County affiliate was established and has since helped over 1,700 individuals and families access safe and affordable housing. Habitat Oakland provides a variety of housing programs across the county, focusing primarily in Pontiac, Southfield and Madison Heights. These include homeownership opportunities for families making 50-80% of the area median income, financial coaching, critical home repairs, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Driven by the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, the housing organization has championed its mission to put God’s love into action and bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
