Walking The “People Helping People” Walk

Credit unions exist to help people, specifically, their members. Vantage is no exception. Our status as a not-for-profit business says it all…we aren’t out to make a profit for stockholders, our goal is to take care of our members. But this rallying cry of People Helping People extends beyond credit union membership and into the community at large. That’s why we offer free financial services to the local community through our Business Partner Services and Money Matters.

Free financial services for the community
One of our free services involves the credit union’s business partnerships. Vantage works closely with numerous local businesses and community organizations to inform their employees and/or group members about personal finance and the help available to them. Some of these organizations include:

• Mers Goodwill
• Family Resource Center
• Housing Authority of St. Louis County
• Urban League
• And numerous others

Our full-time, dedicated Business Development Specialist travels to these locations and presents financial information that covers such topics as building a budget, identity theft and investment basics. These presentations provide people with access to a wide range of information and financial services they may not have had previously.

Another of our free financial services involves educating students about personal finance. Since 1996, we’ve taken education to youths with Money Matters, our free financial literacy program available to classrooms and community groups. The goal of this program is to reach as many young people as possible while helping them make educated financial decisions.

Money Matters features a full-time employee dedicated to financial education. Since its inception, we’ve reached nearly 100,000 youths through over 4,200 presentations. These types of numbers often rank Vantage in the top five in the country and number one in Missouri for such efforts!

Classrooms are just one place you’ll find Money Matters. Our Community Education Specialist also works collaboratively with scouts, summer camps, family courts, the YMCA, Junior Achievement and other organizations.

As a credit union, or just as another business within our community, we’re both eager and proud to serve the area in these ways. We feel the responsibility is upon us to give back to the community in whatever way we’re able, whether the donations are financial or educational.

If you have a need for a presentation at your business or school about financial topics, please contact:

Bernetta Campbell/Business Development Specialist
businesspartners@vcu.com

Rachel Parrent/ Community Education Specialist
educate@vcu.com

314.298.0055
800.522.6009