MECU's commitment to community is based in our Mission Statement -

To provide members with high quality financial services through sound management and innovation.

MECU team members volunteer their time to help non-profit agencies in our communities make life better for people.

MECU also works to help our members develop their financial knowledge through workshops. Join us for one of the upcoming 2008 events to expand your knowledge and reach your financial dreams.

Commitment to members and commitment to community - that sums up the reasons for MECU's outreach efforts. This commitment continues in 2008. Here are just some of our efforts to reach out to our community this year.

Money Power Day
On Saturday February 16, 2008, Baltimore area residents joined Congressman Cummings, the Baltimore CASH Campaign, MECU and several community and financial institution partners for the third annual MONEY POWER DAY. The financial fitness event provided high-quality, professional solutions-based services and information in a friendly, positive and accessible environment. This year's theme was the "Road Map to Financial Success!"

The one-day event featured exhibits, workshops, free tax preparation, the "Credit Café", and a Youth Zone designed to provide answers and resources for people to reach their financial goals. This year, there was an emphasis on sustaining homeownership opportunities - with a specific set of resources and services to assist distressed borrowers and help them broaden their financial opportunities.

The workshops covered a range of topics including starting a small business, identity theft, credit repair, finding ways to save, buying a home and starting a small business. "As the Founding Sponsor of Money Power Day, it's been exciting to see this event grow," said Bert J. Hash Jr. President and CEO of MECU of Baltimore, Inc. "People leave this event empowered to change their lives by taking control of their finances. It really does show that knowledge is power."

The 40 organizations in the exhibit area provided one-on-one information for attendees, including help obtaining and understanding a credit report, legal advice on taxes and housing issues, and information about grants to help people purchase homes in Baltimore City.

A Look Back at MECU Outreach Events in 2007

Zoo Walk
For the fourth year in row, MECU has walked to help raise funds for the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. This year 55 people joined in the walk on Saturday, June 2, 2007 to raise and raised $3000 which will be matched by MECU's Board of Directors. Over the past four years, MECU has raised $16,000 in donations and matching funds, all of which has been donated to the Zoo. In recognition of MECU's continued support, MECU received a plaque signed by Zoo president, Billie Grieb. We look forward to another successful walk in 2008.

Money Power Day
The second annual Money Power Day on February 24, was held at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Over 800 people from the Baltimore area attended this event organized by the Baltimore CASH Campaign and sponsored by MECU.

The attendees were given information on managing their finances and planning their futures from the over 40 exhibitors and 20 different workshops. There was also a credit clinic where people could pull their own credit reports and people available to help them understand the information. Attendees took advantage of the free tax preparation and obtained information that could help increase their disposable income.

There were even things for young people - workshops on buying a car for the teens and the Port Discovery Money Game for the younger kids.

March of Dimes Walkathon
This year marks the 7th year that MECU has walked to help save premature babies in the March of Dimes Walkathon. Several staff members met bright and early on Sunday April 29th for the annual 4-mile walk that began at Camden Yards and made it’s way around Federal Hill. This year over $1900 in donations were raised in support of this excellent cause with MECU matching the donations collected by the volunteer walkers.

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity
In January, MECU staff began their 6-month commitment to help Sandtown's Habitat for Humanity in rehabbing a home in the Sandtown Community. Over the 6 months MECU volunteers will lend a hand in helping with a variety of repairs including installing floor joists and wallboards to painting walls and laying carpet. MECU, along with other business partners, continues to help Baltimore families realize the American Dream by volunteering to restore homes for Sandtown Habitat for Humanity. MECU will again participate in the “Blitz Week” coming in June 2007.

Maryland Public Telethon
On Saturday, March 17th MECU participated in MPTV's Telethon for the seventh year. The twenty-three (23) volunteers manned the phones from 6 am to 12 pm and helped raise over $28,000 for the Station.

April Month of Caring
In an effort to raise funds for the Johns Hopkins Children Center through Credit Union for Kids, MECU designated April as the month of caring. Every Friday in April, staff was given the opportunity to "dress down" for a good cause.

By donating just $5 each Friday, MECU staff enjoyed the day in their jeans and themed accessories. Every Friday was a different theme- Pirate day, Hawaiian day, Construction day and Baseball day. Over $2100 was raised during MECU's Month of Caring and will be donated to Credit Union for Kids.