Did You Know?

To a lot of members (who am I kidding, probably to most members), Vantage Credit Union is just the place they go to cash checks, apply for loans, transfer money, etc. What most people probably don’t realize (and what we probably need to do a better job of communicating) is that we do a lot outside just the regular banking stuff.

For example, did you know...

• For this past presidential election, we became a place where anyone could register to vote? Simply, we wanted to help as many people have the chance to exercise their right to vote. Which leads me to…
   
• Vantage supports Missouri’s Kids Voting initiative? Kids Voting teaches students about the democratic process and encourages them to vote at mock polling stations set up in their schools. 168,050 Missouri students grades K-12 cast ballots during the 2008 presidential election. What better way to encourage civic responsibility and make a lasting impact than hands-on participation?!
   
• We support our troops in various ways? And how can we not when so many of our own spouses, children, family and friends have given so much and have even paid the ultimate price for our country? Among other things, we’ve donated cell phones for soldiers to call home, and are working on sponsoring a soldier through Homes for our Troops with a few other area credit unions.
   
• During the 2008-2009 school year, Vantage conducted 469 Money Matters financial education presentations to a total of 9,545 area students? This is a completely free service we provide to teachers and community groups. Why? Because we believe financial education is the road map to financial stability and we want kids to have that head start. On a related note…
   
• We offer financial education presentations to adults, too? Again, a free service we provide. You’d be surprised at how many thanks we get from people who didn’t realize how their payment habits affect their credit scores, what to do if they become victims of identity theft, and so forth. (We present these at places of business, so if you’re interested in having us present at your company, talk to your HR person or just give us a call. We’d be happy to come out.)
   
• Vantage participated in helping students at Dunbar Elementary in East St. Louis save $23,000 this past school year? One young student actually saved up $300 all by himself! What a great example to the rest of us who have a hard time squeaking a couple dollars into savings every month.
   
• We donate time and money to a number of community organizations? Many times throughout the year, employees also donate to dress down for a number of community and health organizations that are near and dear to our hearts. Some include Children’s Miracle Network, St. Patrick Center, Youth-In-Need, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and many, many others.

There are so many more things I could list that we’ve done over the years…some small, some big. But I know we do what we do because we believe in doing the right thing. It really does boil down to people helping people. And I won’t lie, I want you to be proud of your credit union. I want you to be proud to be part of the Vantage family and know we’re also moms and dads, students and teachers, cancer survivors, veterans, just people from all walks of life working right along with you toward the common good.