At Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), “Banking for a Greater Good” means making financial tools, resources, and guidance accessible to more members in the communities we serve. One important way we do this is by removing barriers that can stand between our members and their financial goals. That’s why we’re proud to share that our website is now available in Spanish! 

Members and visitors can now view key information about our products, services, and resources in Spanish simply by clicking the “Español” link in the upper right-hand corner of glcu.org. With this new feature, Spanish speakers can more easily explore accounts, loans, educational resources, and more. 

Our website, however, is just one part of our commitment to serving the Spanish-speaking community. Read on to learn more about the additional Spanish-language resources available through GLCU. 

Juntos Avanzamos: A Commitment to Serving Hispanic and Immigrant Communities 

GLCU is honored to hold the Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) designation, a national recognition awarded to credit unions that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities. Over 15% of GLCU’s membership identifies as Hispanic. To better serve our diverse membership base, GLCU employs 50 certified bilingual staff members across the organization. 

The Juntos Avanzamos designation represents GLCU’s commitment to: 

This recognition underscores GLCU’s ongoing work to meet members where they are —linguistically, culturally, and financially. 

Olive Offers Support in Spanish 

Our digital tools are also evolving to better support Spanish-speaking members. Olive, GLCU’s AI assistant, has become even smarter and more accessible by offering support in Spanish. 

Spanish-speaking members can use Olive to: 

Whether a member is looking for branch hours, account information, or guidance on how to get started with a new product, Olive can provide quick, convenient help in their preferred language.  

New ATMs with Spanish-Language Options 

GLCU’s new fleet of ATMs includes a range of enhanced features, including the option to complete transactions in Spanish. When using one of our updated ATMs, members can select Spanish on-screen and navigate: 

This added language option helps ensure that more members can bank confidently and independently. 

Moving Forward — Together 

Making our website available in Spanish is an important step in our broader mission to support financial stability and inclusion in our communities. From our Juntos Avanzamos designation, to Olive’s bilingual support, to Spanish-language options at our ATMs, GLCU is committed to offering resources that reflect the diversity of the members we serve. 

To explore our new Spanish-language website experience, visit glcu.org and click the language toggle in the upper right-hand corner. For online banking members, our desktop and mobile online banking experiences will be translated to Spanish at a later date. 

En Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), “Banca para un bien mayor” significa hacer que las herramientas, los recursos y la orientación financiera sean accesibles para más miembros en las comunidades a las que servimos. Una forma importante en que lo logramos es eliminando las barreras que pueden interponerse entre nuestros miembros y sus metas financieras. ¡Es por eso por lo que nos enorgullece compartir que nuestro sitio web ya está disponible en español! 

Los miembros y visitantes ahora pueden ver información clave sobre nuestros productos, servicios y recursos en español simplemente haciendo clic en el enlace “español” en la esquina superior derecha de glcu.org. Con esta nueva función, las personas que hablan español pueden explorar con mayor facilidad cuentas, préstamos, recursos educativos y más. 

Sin embargo, nuestro sitio web es solo una parte de nuestro compromiso de servir a la comunidad de habla hispana. Siga leyendo para conocer más sobre los recursos adicionales en español disponibles a través de GLCU. 

Juntos Avanzamos: Un compromiso de servir a las comunidades hispanas e inmigrantes 

GLCU tiene el honor de contar con la designación Juntos Avanzamos, un reconocimiento nacional otorgado a las cooperativas de crédito que demuestran un sólido compromiso con el servicio a las comunidades hispanas e inmigrantes. Más del 15% de la membresía de GLCU se identifica como hispana. Para servir mejor a nuestra diversa base de miembros, GLCU cuenta con 50 empleados bilingües certificados en toda la organización. 

La designación Juntos Avanzamos representa el compromiso de GLCU para: 

Este reconocimiento subraya el trabajo continuo de GLCU para encontrarse con los miembros dondequiera que estén: lingüística, cultural y financieramente. 

Olive ofrece apoyo en español

Nuestras herramientas digitales también están evolucionando para apoyar mejor a los miembros de habla hispana. Olive, la asistente de IA de GLCU, se ha vuelto aún más inteligente y accesible al ofrecer soporte en español. 

Los miembros de habla hispana pueden usar a Olive para: 

Ya sea que un miembro busque el horario de las sucursales, información de su cuenta o guía sobre cómo empezar con un nuevo producto, Olive puede brindar ayuda rápida y conveniente en su idioma de preferencia.

Nuevos cajeros automáticos (ATM) con opciones en español 

La nueva flota de cajeros automáticos de GLCU incluye una gama de funciones mejoradas, incluida la opción de realizar transacciones en español. Al utilizar uno de nuestros cajeros actualizados, los miembros pueden seleccionar español en la pantalla y navegar por:

Esta opción de idioma adicional ayuda a garantizar que más miembros puedan realizar sus operaciones bancarias con confianza e independencia. 

Avanzando juntos

Poner nuestro sitio web a disposición en español es un paso importante en nuestra misión más amplia de apoyar la estabilidad financiera y la inclusión en nuestras comunidades. Desde nuestra designación Juntos Avanzamos y el soporte bilingüe de Olive, hasta las opciones en español en nuestros cajeros automáticos, GLCU se compromete a ofrecer recursos que reflejen la diversidad de los miembros a los que servimos.

Para explorar nuestra nueva experiencia de sitio web en español, visite glcu.org y haga clic en el selector de idioma en la esquina superior derecha. Para los miembros de la banca en línea, nuestras experiencias de banca electrónica tanto en versión de escritorio como móvil se traducirán al español en una fecha posterior. 

At Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), financial empowerment is a key part of our mission of banking for a greater good. That means we’re dedicated to making sure you have the tools and support you need to meet your financial goals. No matter where you might be on your financial journey, we’re here to help you succeed. Because when you succeed, we succeed. 

Read on to learn about some of the ways we financially empower our members and the communities we serve. 

Supporting Our Communities 

Community Giveback  

As a not-for-profit financial institution, we reinvest in the neighborhoods where our members live and work. The GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, the philanthropic arm of GLCU, is proud to support initiatives that strengthen financial well-being for everyone, including community programs, grants, local partnerships, and more. 

Our Community Giveback initiatives help: 

Youth Financial Education 

Our youth accounts and financial education efforts are a key part of our community giveback initiatives. Our Money Mammals® Saving Money Is Fun Kids Club™ teaches youth how to spend, save, and share their money. 

 In 2025, more than 360 students participated in Money Mammals financial education programs. Our Adolescent$ financial education program teaches teens how to set financial goals, save for the future, and make smart money decisions. More than 460 students took part in Adolescent$ financial education sessions in 2025.  

For high school students, our Bite of Reality budgeting simulation sessions teach students how to balance a budget and save money. Students are given a job, a family, and income, and are tasked with making decisions about housing, transportation, groceries, and more. In 2025, more than 1,200 students completed Bite of Reality budgeting simulation sessions. 

Free HUD-Certified Housing and Financial Counseling 

GLCU is proud to be one of only five credit unions nationwide to offer free HUD-certified housing and financial counseling.   

Our certified counselors work with both members and non-members on: 

Whether you are facing a financial setback or planning your next big step, our counselors are here to help you build a clear, realistic path forward. 

Supporting the Next Generation Through Scholarships 

Each year, we award scholarships to help promising students in our communities pursue higher education. These scholarships support students’ academic goals and help reduce some of the financial barriers that can stand between them and their educational goals. 

By investing in students today, we are helping build a stronger, more financially secure tomorrow. 

Expanding Financial Access Through Partnerships 

We know that financial empowerment often starts with access—access to safe accounts, trustworthy information, and equitable opportunities. That is why we partner with organizations that share our commitment to financial inclusion. 

Bank On: A Fresh Start Checking Account 

Through our Bank On-certified Fresh Checking account, we help individuals who may be unbanked or underbanked open accounts that are: 

This partnership helps remove common barriers to banking and provides a secure foundation for managing money. 

One Summer Chicago and the Economic Awareness Council 

Collaboration with local organizations allows us to extend our impact even further. Through the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, we support the Economic Awareness Council (EAC) and its workforce development programs, including One Summer Chicago. 

As part of this partnership: 

These partnerships help young people build healthy financial habits early, so they can move into adulthood with knowledge, confidence, and practical experience. 

Innovative Products that Build Financial Confidence 

In addition to education and community programs, we design products specifically to support financial progress. 

Credit Builder Loan 

Our Credit Builder loan is designed for members who want to establish or rebuild credit in a safe, structured way. By making on-time payments, members can demonstrate positive payment history—one of the key factors in a healthy credit score—while also setting aside funds for the future. 

Fast Cash Loan 

Life happens, and sometimes you need quick access to funds. Our Fast Cash loan offers an alternative to high-cost, predatory lenders, providing members with: 

Banking for a Greater Good 

Through our programs, partnerships, products, and the work of the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, we are focused on breaking down barriers and opening doors through: 

At GLCU, financial empowerment is at the heart of our mission of banking for a greater good. We are here to help you reach your goals, build confidence in your financial decisions, and live life on your terms. 

Stable housing is more than just a roof overhead. It’s the foundation every person needs to build a secure, healthy and fulfilling life. Yet for many families, navigating the housing landscape can feel overwhelming. From understanding credit scores to securing a mortgage or avoiding foreclosure, the path to stable housing is often filled with obstacles that aren’t easy to overcome alone.

At the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, we encourage a collaborative partnership to help community members face these challenges with support. That’s why our housing and financial counseling program is designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to take control of their housing journey.

Why Housing Counseling Matters

Housing decisions can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from financial stability and mental health to employment opportunities and long-term wealth building. Unfortunately, many people enter this process without the guidance they need.

At GLCU and the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, our housing and financial counselors play a vital role in this process, acting as guides, advocates, and educators for those seeking stability and long-term success.

At the GLCU Foundation, our housing counselors provide:

One-on-One Counseling – From budgeting and analyzing credit scores to understanding debt management and creating a savings plan, our counselors help individuals and families gain an understanding of their financial picture and plan for success.

First-Time Homebuyer Support – Because buying a home is one of the biggest decisions many families make, we provide monthly workshops in local neighborhoods to demystify mortgage options, credit requirements, the closing process, and more. We also connect families with lenders that offer down-payment assistance programs for buyers who qualify.

Rental Assistance – The GLCU Foundation housing counselors help tenants understand leases and know their rights and responsibilities. We also help renters navigate legal disputes with landlords and identify resources to make renting more affordable.

Foreclosure Prevention – When families face financial hardship, our counselors step in with compassionate support, helping them explore loan modifications, payment plans, and financial assistance resources to avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

Success Story: Tahnikah’s Journey to Becoming a First-Generation Homeowner

One of the most inspiring examples of how the GLCU Foundation’s housing and financial counseling program supports individuals comes from Tahnikah, a determined mother who set out to become the first person in her family to own a home. She entered the process with a clear goal and the drive to achieve it yet realized she needed expert guidance to make sure she was on the right path to achieve her dreams.

Tahnikah worked with Sr. Housing and Financial Counselor Wilane Boone. Together, they reviewed her current income, expenses, and debt obligations. Wilane provided her with information on how lenders underwrite and approve mortgage loans and the type of loan options available. What’s more, they created a monthly spending and savings plan to make sure Tahnikah’s current obligations were paid on time. They also reviewed her current spending to identify expenses that could be eliminated or reduced so that she could put more money aside into savings.

Wilane recalls, “The journey wasn’t easy, and Tahnikah had some financial ground to cover before she could be considered mortgage-ready. But she never gave up on her goal.”

Tahnikah’s perseverance paid off. She raised her credit score more than 150 points and began the home-buying process. The GLCU Foundation provided her with lender referrals to shop for the best rate and down payment/closing cost assistance options. We also provided her with referrals for other members of her homebuying team, including a realtor who helped her negotiate a seller credit, which are funds from the seller to help with closing costs.

Today, Tahnikah is a proud homeowner. In fact, she and her daughters now share the housing expenses of their very own 2-flat and pay less to own than it cost for them to rent an apartment.

What made Tahnikah’s journey even more meaningful was the impact it had on her daughter, Janae. Inspired by her mother’s accomplishment and encouraged by conversations with Wilane, Janae began her own savings plan, already thinking ahead to the day she would purchase a home of her own. One achievement became a legacy in motion.

For an inside glimpse of Tahnikah’s story, watch this video.

Help Empower Our Communities this Giving Tuesday

Strong communities don’t happen by accident. They are built intentionally, person by person, family by family. Strengthening our communities remains at the heart of GLCU and the GLCU Foundation. Our Banking for a Greater Good philosophy shapes everything we do and drives our commitment to financially empower everyone in the communities we serve, regardless of socioeconomic status.

This year, on December 2, if you’re able, please consider making a lasting impact by supporting the GLCU Foundation and our housing and financial counseling program. Your donation helps us provide essential resources, programs, and support to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of those around us.

Check out how your donation can help others in need, and truly make an impact:

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

DONATE TODAY

In many communities, there are often individuals and families facing challenges that go unseen, such as food and clothing insecurity, financial hardship, and limited access to essential resources. Yet, alongside these challenges is something just as powerful: the people and organizations who step up to help.

At GLCU and the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, community giveback is at the heart of our mission, Banking for a Greater Good. This guiding purpose shapes everything we do and fuels our commitment to create meaningful, lasting impact.

From volunteering at local food banks to sorting clothing at community closets and cleaning up neighborhood parks, GLCU and the GLCU Foundation’s employees uplift our neighbors in need, strengthen local communities, and foster opportunities that make a lasting difference.

Take a look at our impact so far in 2025:

Community Partnerships Drive Our Success

Through strategic partnerships with local community organizations whose missions align with those of GLCU and the GLCU Foundation, we are able to provide community members with the necessary resources they need to face challenges, find their financial footing, and improve their overall well-being.

We value our partnerships with community organizations, including Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries, United Way of Lake County, Bernie’s Book Bank, HOPE Food Distribution, and many others. What’s more, the GLCU Foundation’s financial and housing counseling team provides additional financial literacy resources that help community members facing eviction, homelessness, and other barriers to safe, affordable housing.

A Culture of Giving Back

At GLCU and the GLCU Foundation, we know that community impact isn’t just a program. It’s a part of who we are. By encouraging employees and partners to participate in volunteering and giveback initiatives, we live the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”  As a non-profit financial institution, GLCU is able to give back through financial literacy programs, provide employees with volunteer time off, support small businesses, and help communities thrive by strengthening our local economies.

At its core, community giveback is about investing in the neighborhoods we call home. When we volunteer, we help build safer communities, support local families, and create opportunities that might not exist otherwise.  

At GLCU, we turned CU Kind Day – a day when credit unions across the country come together through acts of service and kindness – into a full week of volunteering. GLCU and the GLCU Foundation were proud to have more than 150 employees give back at nearly 20 organizations for a total of more than 400 volunteer hours, improving the financial and environmental well-being of local communities.

We’re proud to continue empowering our members and communities by making a meaningful difference and embracing our “Banking for a Greater Good” mission. 

Help Empower Our Communities this Giving Tuesday

This year, on December 2, if you’re able, please consider making a lasting impact by supporting the GLCU Foundation and our ongoing community giveback initiative. Your donation helps us provide essential resources, programs, and support to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of those around us. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

The GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment believes that it’s never too early—or too late—to start teaching your kids money management skills. That’s why GLCU and the GLCU Foundation are dedicated to financially empowering youth of all ages through education, specialized accounts, tools, games, and more. 

Here’s our youth financial education impact for 2025: 

Read on to learn more about our youth financial education programs, giveback efforts, and impact! 

Helping Kids Get Money Smart with Financial Education 

One of the ways we financially empower local youth is through the Money Mammals Saving Money Is Fun™ Kids Club—a program that helps parents raise money-smart kids. With fun resources such as interactive apps, games, books, and videos, we get kids excited about managing money and learning valuable money management skills.  

During the program, children explore the value of money and develop positive habits around saving, spending, and sharing. Money Mammals is also an extension of our youth savings account, giving kids the opportunity to watch their money grow as they learn. 

For teens, the Adolescent$ product teaches financial independence through educational videos, materials, and hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, the GLCU Foundation offers Bite of Reality budgeting simulations for teens, where they’re assigned jobs, given families, and are tasked with balancing salaries, family expenses, and making big financial decisions like buying a home—allowing them to get a sense of what real-life budgeting is like. 

Community Giveback: Providing Educational Opportunities for Youth 

The GLCU Foundation is dedicated to financially empowering youth by meeting their needs both in and outside of the classroom. Each year, the GLCU team holds an annual school supply drive where GLCU staff collect and distribute essential supplies to local schools.  

GLCU branch managers and their teams personally coordinate deliveries to ensure resources reach children who need them most. This summer, we collected and distributed more than 10,000 school supplies to support local students’ success. 

For members pursuing higher education, this year the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment awarded eight $2,500 scholarships to students attending accredited technical schools, trade schools, and four-year colleges and universities.  

These scholarships embody our mission to empower members and strengthen the communities we serve by helping young people achieve their educational goals.  

Supporting Community Partnerships That Make a Difference 

Collaboration with other local organizations amplifies our impact. The GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment has supported the Economic Awareness Council and its workforce development programs like One Summer Chicago—offering checking and savings accounts to students so they can experience the confidence and security that comes with being banked. 

In 2024, 8,164 students opened bank accounts through this program, increasing the percentage of youth with bank accounts from 56% to an impressive 84% by summer’s end. We’ve also partnered with the EAC to offer financial education to students at City Colleges of Chicago, empowering even more young adults with essential life skills. 

Our Great Wave volunteer program connects GLCU employees with community initiatives like Read Across America, Stuff the Bus, and Early Learning Trails through the United Way of Lake County, ensuring kids are set up for success from the start. 

In 2025, the GLCU Foundation expanded its youth financial education efforts by adding new partners and initiatives, including: 

New Money Mammals Partners 

New Bite of Reality Partners/Initiatives 

New Adolescent$ Partners/Initiatives 

Support Us This Giving Tuesday 

Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 2, 2025! This year, please consider donating to the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment to help us expand our youth financial education program and provide more resources for our communities.  

By supporting the GLCU Foundation, you are helping us provide the tools, resources, and guidance our youth need to thrive. Together, we can create brighter, more financially empowered futures for everyone in our community. 

Ready to make a difference? Donate to the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment this Giving Tuesday and be a part of our ongoing commitment to financially empower the youth in our community. 

At Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), we believe that a financial institution should be more than a place to put your money—it should be a force for positive change for people and the communities they call home. That’s why we’re committed to our mission of “banking for a greater good”—a mission that embodies the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” 

For us, “banking for a greater good” means financially empowering everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, providing full-service banking for every step of your financial journey, putting our members at the heart of what we do, and supporting local communities through giveback efforts and volunteerism. 

Unlike traditional for-profit banks, GLCU’s not-for-profit structure means your success—and our community’s financial well-being—are always our top priority. 

Read on to learn how we put our banking for a greater good mission into action every day. 

Financial Empowerment 

Financial empowerment at GLCU includes providing access, support, and tools for everyone. Whether you’re new to the financial world, a seasoned investor, or a savvy small business owner – when you succeed, we succeed. 

A few examples of how we financially empower our members and communities include: 

Community Giveback 

Through these partnerships, including our collaboration with the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, we’re breaking down barriers and giving more people the power to meet their financial goals and live life on their terms. 

Your Financial Partner 

GLCU is dedicated to supporting our members at every stage of life. Our full-service approach means you always have access to expert guidance and tailored financial solutions that fit your unique needs, no matter where you might be on your financial journey. 

With GLCU, you get the services of a big bank, but with low to no fees and a mission-driven approach that puts members’ needs first. 

Here’s what being your financial partner looks like: 

Our extended “family of companies” is also here to help you on your journey:  

Every product and service is designed not only for your benefit, but to also give back—through lower fees, better rates, and reinvestment in our community. When you bank with GLCU, your choice helps us put our banking for a greater good mission into action. 

Member-Driven 

At GLCU, you’re not just a number—you’re a member-owner. What does that mean? 

Here’s how being a GLCU member benefits you: 

The more you bank with GLCU, the more we can reinvest in both you and our wider community. Together, we form a partnership that supports you and turns banking into a force for good. 

Community-Focused 

Giving back is at the heart of GLCU’s banking for a greater good mission. Through donations, volunteerism, and partnerships, we invest in programs that empower people and the neighborhoods where we all live, work, and play.  

Our community work spans financial education, events, and direct support to local organizations, including: 

Community Outreach: Our employees give time to our “Great Wave” volunteer program. 

Support for Local Nonprofits: We’re proud to financially support dozens of nonprofits in our community. 

Events: From first-time homebuyer workshops to webinars, we’re here to provide the financial guidance you need. 

By choosing GLCU, you help fuel greater opportunities and positive change for all through our community-focused mission. 

Banking for a Greater Good Together 

GLCU’s commitment to banking for a greater good shapes every product, service, and interaction. Whether you’re opening your first savings account, securing a mortgage, or finding financial stability, we’re here to empower you—and our community—every step of the way. 

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. 

Buying a home was a dream for 42-year-old Carla. As a renter her entire life, she longed for a place that she and her wife Genie and their young son could call their own.

Working for years as an assistant director of a not-for-profit, Carla enjoyed helping improve the lives of others. When it came to her own financial future, however, she was less confident. “As a first-time home buyer with no experience in the process, I was very nervous and had no idea what to expect,” Carla recounts.

Overwhelmed with the prospect of making such a large investment, she wanted to understand the complexities of the process. She researched resources that she, too, could rely on to capitalize on the goodwill of organizations that could help people in her situation.

That’s when she discovered the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment. The GLCU Foundation’s HUD-certified housing and financial counselors partner with clients to understand their unique needs, guide them through personalized action plans, and help put into practice theories that genuinely work.

During Carla’s meeting with Housing and Financial Counselor Jessie Flores, they discussed the steps necessary to begin the home-buying process. Jessie took Carla through the process every step of the way, beginning with a comprehensive overview of Carla’s financials, including household income, expenses, debts, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and more. This provided a snapshot of Carla’s financial picture and gave them insight into what she could afford. Carla also attended a home-buying class and afterwards, Jessie answered her many questions, even offering to help Carla’s wife track her spending and improve her credit.

What’s more, Jessie connected Carla with a mortgage lender and other experts in the homebuying field. Due to Carla’s income, she qualified for a grant that covered up to $17,500 in down-payment and closing cost assistance after taking the class and the counseling sessions. 

Because Carla and her family were motivated to achieve their goals, they put in the hard work. Carla took her class and counseling very seriously. She interviewed the various professionals Jessie connected her with to find the best fit for her family’s needs. Together with regular meetings with Jessie, Carla set achievable short-term goals and made continuous progress toward her goal of homeownership. Genie continued to work on improving her credit and decreasing debt.

All their hard work paid off! In March of 2025, Carla closed on their new “forever home” in Mount Prospect. She and Genie plan to set roots and raise their child in their beautiful new neighborhood. Carla happily relates, “I am very grateful to the GLCU Foundation and specifically Jessie Flores for all her guidance. I would recommend this program to anyone considering homeownership.”

The information in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. You should consult a licensed financial advisor before investing in any financial product or service.

Brittney wanted to determine if she could one day become a homeowner. However, for years, a single issue had been a major source of stress, rendering her too afraid to confront it. So, when the 36-year-old initially visited the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, she addressed her situation with Senior Housing Counselor John Borthwick.

Saddled with debt following a car accident that severely devalued her vehicle, Brittney had found herself in collections after her car was repossessed. During their initial meeting, John addressed the situation head-on. He called the collections company and discovered that the balance had been transferred to a law firm that was only a month away from taking it to court. John worked with the law firm and persuaded them to settle the debt for roughly $3,800.

John began making calls to lenders to figure out who might be able to give Brittney an affordable loan. He also checked with his teammates, and someone strongly recommended the non-profit Jewish Free Loan Chicago (JFLC). The GLCU Foundation worked with JFLC on preparing Brittney’s paperwork and they successfully qualified her for a zero-interest loan with an affordable minimum payment that would start in 2025.

Brittney would also be able to use tax rebate money to pay off the loan almost immediately, going from an $18,000 collection to being 100% debt free! This was the one major obstacle from beginning the pre-purchase timeline for her since it had such a large impact on the debt to income needed to qualify for a home.

Together with Brittney, John went over different options available to her. Besides working on her credit, another goal that stood out was building her savings to eventually qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home within the next year or two, as Habitat for Humanity takes its applications every fall. 

Like Habitat for Humanity, the GLCU Foundation believes affordable housing plays a critical role in developing and sustaining strong and stable communities. After meeting with John and facing her fears about the old debt, Brittney felt a renewed sense of purpose and remains determined to continue working with the GLCU Foundation to qualify for Habitat for Humanity and accomplish the dream of homeownership one day.

If you or someone you know is in need of free financial and housing counseling assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out  and  schedule a free screening. 

The information in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. You should consult a licensed financial advisor before investing in any financial product or service. 

The GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment embodies the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” through the work it does in the community. In 2024, GLCU partnered with 158 community organizations to provide financial resources, volunteer support, and education. The GLCU Foundation spent 167 hours with United Way Lake County, 159 hours with the Northern IL Food Bank, and 140 with HOPE Food Distribution Services, to name a few. 

“[COOL Ministries Food Bank] helps over 5000 [people] monthly in the community, and it is so great to be with GLCU while making that impact possible,” said GLCU employee Mike Villarreal of his experience volunteering with one of the GLCU Foundation’s community partners.

More than half of GLCU employees volunteer annually with the GLCU Foundation’s “Great Wave” volunteer program. Through this program, GLCU employees provide the necessary support local nonprofits need in order to make a meaningful impact in the communities we call home.

“It is always a rewarding experience to work with others while providing service to the community,” said Lisa Hopton, a GLCU volunteer.

From sorting and packaging produce to putting together sensory kits for children in need, GLCU volunteers and its partner organizations made a tangible difference for those in need in 2024.

“[These are] great opportunities to give back to kids in need,” added GLCU volunteer Blake Siegel.

In total, the GLCU Foundation spent 4,384 hours on community outreach in 2024.

“We love how GLCU is supporting the community,” said Youth Conservation Corps, a GLCU Foundation partner.

By donating to the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, you become a critical part of a powerful mission to promote economic stability and financial literacy. Your generous contribution directly helps us provide invaluable resources, education, and tools for individuals striving to secure their financial future. Donate today!