Rogue Credit Union Wins National Awards

(Medford, OR) - Rogue Federal Credit Union was awarded two national awards at the recent Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C. The Desjardins Award and the Dora Maxwell Award were both presented to Rogue recognizing their leadership at a national level. Rogue is honored and reaffirmed of their commitment to the education of young people in the areas of finance and financial responsibility.

Desjardins Award- Leadership in Youth Financial Literacy

The First Place Desjardins Award was presented to Rogue for its involvement in the development of the Money Mammals "Saving Money is Fun Kids Club" Teacher's Guide. Rogue impressed Desjardins' judge, Amy Rae Crowe, with the extent of the audience that Kerrie Davis, Community and Education Outreach Coordinator, reached with her financial literacy message.  "More than just sending out a press release or speaking with an individual legislator, the articles Davis wrote for local publications reached their entire combined circulation and raised awareness on a community-wide scale," Crowe notes. That balanced with Rogue's recognition of and response to a special need, was the deciding factor in their win. What started as the credit union's adoption of a national children's youth savings club was enhanced when Davis saw a need and created a curriculum for a commercial youth program, resulting in The Money Mammals "Saving Money is Fun Kids Club" Teaching Guide with lessons for children 0-11 years of age. The Money Mammals Teaching Guide provides credit unions, teachers, school groups, and other organizations with the proper tools to change the way kids think about money." This award recognizes leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of youth financial education to young members and non-members alike.

Dora Maxwell Award- Demonstrating Social Responsibility

Rogue was awarded the First Place Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award for the development of the Building Hope Foreclosure Assistance and Prevention Program. This program was developed in partnership with the Homebuilders Association of Jackson County and KDRV NewsWatch 12 to offer anyone near or in foreclosure free emotional counseling and financial classes. Over 700 families have participated in the financial counseling program offered by Rogue Federal Credit Union and over 70 families receiving emotional counseling to help them through their financial crisis. This program is now offered statewide through the Credit Union Association of Oregon, the State Home Builders Association and KDRV NewsWatch 12 and its ABC Affiliates. Any credit union in Oregon can obtain this turnkey program and partner with the Homebuilders Association in their area to offer help and assistance. The Dora Maxwell Award is presented to credit unions and/or chapters for making a commitment to innovative community involvement and to member financial education - both core values of the credit union pioneer whose name is associated with it.