On October 16, the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment celebrated progress, recognized achievements, and highlighted the power of partnerships at its annual event.
The evening started with the recognition of two community partners that are dedicated to empowering and inspiring local youth through financial education.
The GLCU Foundation recognized North Chicago Community Partners (NCCP) for its efforts to connect schools with relevant and high-quality programming and partners, with the goal of transforming schools into central resource hubs. Over the past two years, NCCP has worked to bring Money Mammals® youth financial education programs to local schools.
Money Mammals is an award-winning program that makes it fun and easy for children to learn financial skills they will use for the rest of their lives. The Money Mammals program helps kids learn through videos, games, apps, and more.
Thanks to the GLCU Foundation’s partnership with NCCP, more than 200 students have increased their financial literacy with curiosity, excitement, and active engagement.
The GLCU Foundation also recognized the Emmons School of Antioch for its participation in GLCU’s Money Mammals youth financial education program. The Emmons School was the GLCU Foundation’s first Money Mammals partner, and the GLCU Foundation has worked with the school to run an eight-week after-school financial education club.
With colorful mascots and creative lessons, the Money Mammals program has inspired more than 100 young learners, wrapping up each session with a field trip to see banking in action.
“Thank you to both North Chicago Community Partners and Emmons School of Antioch for encouraging and enriching the lives of youth in our communities with financial literacy lessons to last a lifetime,” said Jessica Obiala, Senior Manager of Community Partnerships for the GLCU Foundation.
A Story of Financial Achievement
The night concluded with the story of Tahnikah Draine, the GLCU Foundation’s 2025 Financial Achievement Annual Award recipient. Her journey embodies the Foundation’s belief in helping people unlock their potential through support, resources, and partnership.
Tahnikah wanted to become a homeowner and create multi-generational change. She had always dreamed of owning a 2-flat home where she and her daughters could live comfortably and securely.
After attending a GLCU Foundation first-time homebuyer workshop, Tahnikah connected with Wilane Boone, Senior Housing Counselor for the GLCU Foundation. Together, they built a plan for financial success that included a monthly spending and savings plan. Wilane also explained the mortgage underwriting process to Tahnikah.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Tahnikah remained focused on her goal. Over two years, she increased her credit score by 150 points and started her home-buying journey, ultimately securing her dream two-flat home for her and her daughters.
Today, Tahnikah and her daughters share the housing expenses of their very own two-flat and pay less to own than it cost for them to rent an apartment.
Inspired by her mother’s success, Tahnikah’s daughter Janae has also started working with Wilane to strengthen her own financial foundation, aiming to become a homeowner herself one day.
“On behalf of all of us at the GLCU Foundation, we wholeheartedly thank Tahnikah for allowing us to tell her story,” said Jeanette Velazquez, Senior Manager of Housing and Financial Counseling for the GLCU Foundation.
Interested in getting involved or supporting the GLCU Foundation’s mission? Contact the GLCU Foundation to learn more about upcoming workshops, volunteer opportunities, and partnership initiatives.
