Three More Large CUs Join CUNA's Adoption Program

MADISON, Wis. – Three more large credit unions have now been matched up with Gulf Coast CUs damaged by hurricanes bringing to 10 the number of CUs finding partners under CUNA’s “Adopt-A-Credit Union” program. At the same time, CUNA said it is looking into organizing an “Adopt-An-Employee” program following up on interest of employees seeking ways to help out needy peers at CUs in Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama. The newest volunteers for the “Adopt-A-CU” program include: the $25 billion Navy FCU, Merrifield, Va.; the $5.6 billion Orange County Teachers FCU, Santa Ana, Calif. and the $1 billion John Deere Community CU of Waterloo, Ia. The names of the adoptive CUs have remained confidential for the interim, said CUNA. So far 19 CUs have signed up for “Adopt-A-CU” which involves matching up specific kinds of assistance or expertise with Gulf Coast CUs. “Navy is an example of a credit union that can provide expertise for military credit unions and the same goes for Orange County in providing aid to education-oriented credit unions,” explained Mark Condon, CUNA senior vice president. Officials of all three of the volunteer sign-ups said they are waiting to learn which CU they will be linked with but are prepared for a longterm commitment of funds, equipment and personnel. CUNA has said the partnership could last up to two years or perhaps longer depending on when the adoptee CUs are fully operational. Erin Mendez, senior vice president of finance and information services at Orange County, said her CU as a TIP charter “has been going through the list of potential” adoptive CUs in Louisiana and Mississippi to find the right match. “We are looking for school type credit unions and that way there will be kindred souls,” commented Mendez. -