LUTHERVILLE, Md.–Known for its work and support of the local school systems and extensive charitable giving, First Financial Credit Union has been recognized by CardRates.com with its 2020 Editor’s Choice Community Commitment Award.
The award recognized the education-based credit union’s extraordinary dedication and outreach to students, educators, and essential workers during the pandemic.
To help meet the demand and rise of online learning, First Financial said it transitioned to providing remote resources and financial education for teachers and online financial literacy presentations for students. The CU said also catching the attention of CardRates.com was its annual scholarship program, which awarded $156,000 in scholarships to 52 graduating high school seniors.
“As a credit union founded by a Baltimore County school teacher, it’s in our roots to keep education at our forefront,” said First Financial Youth Outreach Manager Cindy Jones. “The pandemic has transformed our work and involvement with the schools and has inspired new and innovative ways to help teachers prepare their students for the future. Education is so important to each community, and we’ll do everything we can to support it.”
Through the pandemic, First Financial said it has looked for additional ways to support and give back to its community and members. The credit union donated more than $102,000 to various organizations, including the Maryland Food Bank, and provided meals to front line workers. First Financial also assisted its members with financial relief options through loan payment deferrals, free financial education tools, waived fees and more.