Their informative and engaging financial literacy programs help to educate Vermonters of all ages , and their extensive volunteer programs make a profound impact throughout the state . In addition , their comprehensive worksite wellness program serves as an exemplary blueprint for all other companies looking to improve the collective welfare and morale of their employee populations .
Over the years , HFCU has carved strong footholds in the local communities that its multiple branches serve and formed strong bonds with local organizations and institutions in the process . Allen says that she is especially proud of HFCU ’ s youth outreach programs , which are anchored by their symbolic mascot , Captain Credit Union . “ Here at HFCU , we do a lot of work with schools and social service groups . We ’ re always looking for ways to engage with youth . One of the things that separates HFCU apart from other credit unions is our ‘ Captain Credit Union ’ educational initiative , where we send a representative out into the local community dressed in a superhero costume to spread awareness about financial literacy . He ’ s a strong character that really represents our values here at HFCU . In the past , he has gone to the Wonderfeet Kids Museum in Rutland for a book reading . We actually supported Wonderfeet Kids Museum to build a credit union within their museum ’ s miniature town model . In one of the exhibits , the kids get to visit a credit union with Captain Credit Union ’ s image on top . The exhibit teaches them to engage with the concept of money , and demonstrates how to use money to buy things at the village farmer ’ s market and at the museum . Throughout the pandemic , Captain Credit Union has also done virtual story hours , and lent his services to a local food drive run by Catamount Radio .”
Allen adds that HFCU has also partnered with area high schools in Rutland and Bennington County on multiple occasions to bring financial reality fairs to their Sophomore Summit Programs . According to Allen , thousands of students have gone through the programs , which teach highschool age children effective saving and money management techniques . HFCU has also partnered with Castleton University and brought a similar successful financial reality fair to their campus several times over the past decade . HFCU ’ s dedication to financial education for members of all ages is further demonstrated by their thoughtfullycurated “ Financial Wellness ” online video series , which deals with a series of topics that include budgeting , account management , credit building , setting financial goals , and retirement planning . “ We have also hosted local community events where we share tips with parents about how to talk to their children about finances as a part of their regular family conversations ,” says Allen . “ Ideally , we want to be able to serve multiple generations of our member families at every life stage , so we try to tailor our financial literacy programs , products and services to create options that are appropriate for the financial needs of our youngest and oldest members .
Ultimately , we want every generation to prosper and succeed .”
Allen says that HFCU also encourages its employees to participate in community projects by offering them eight paid hours each a year to volunteer at a local organization of their choice . “ Our staff volunteers around 2,000 hours of time every year . Some volunteer at school boards , others volunteer with youth coaching or theatre programs . We also organize several structured staff volunteering opportunities . One of the organizations that we partner with for these events is Rutland Blooms , which is a local community program that picks a project every year to beautify the community . One year , they planted crabapple trees along the byway . Another year , they planted hundreds of flower bulbs . We also encourage our employees to volunteer to assist with the logistic oversight for the annual Gift of Life Marathon in Rutland , and a couple of years ago , we had a staff group help to build a Habitat for Humanity home in Rutland . Our employees are just as dedicated to the welfare of their surrounding communities as they are to the continued prosperity of our members .”
According to Allen , HFCU ’ s staff also plans multiple fun and enjoyable events throughout the year to boost morale and bring employees closer together . “ I think everyone who works at HFCU really takes to heart that the word ‘ Family ’ is in our name . Whether they are here within our walls working or out in the community with their friends and family , we want our
VTMAG . COM SUMMER 2021 51