Mentor-based Cardinal Credit Union gets top mark from statewide group
Oct. 2—Mentor-based Cardinal Credit Union has been recognized by The Ohio Credit Union League with top honors for adult financial education.
Cardinal was awarded first place for the 2023 Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award in the category of $250M to $1B in assets in Ohio, according to a news release.
The Ohio Credit Union League is a state trade organization representing the collective interest of 218 credit unions through advocacy, compliance and information services, educational opportunities, communications, media and outreach support.
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions owned and democratically controlled by their members. Ohio credit unions provide savings, loans and other consumer-friendly financial services to more than 3,00,000 members, according to the release.
The Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award program recognizes leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of financial education for members and non-members of all ages.
The award, named after credit union pioneer Alphonse Desjardins, emphasizes the movement's longtime commitment to financial education.
According the release, Cardinal Credit Union provides financial education to adults in the community through its ongoing seminars and education tools. It offers free monthly educational workshops for home buying and quarterly financial wellness sessions.
In addition, credit union members and non-members can meet at no charge with certified financial counselors who can discuss household budgeting, debt management, credit repair and financial problem-solving.
By understanding financial wellness, individuals can implement plans to buy a new car, a new home and to properly save for retirement as well as meet other financial goals, the release stated.
CCU also offers integrated financial education programs to five area high schools and Lakeland Community College, where Cardinal operates several in-school branches. It is here that students have a chance to learn more about positive money management through a hands-on approach to finances.
"Cardinal takes great pride in the work we do for the community and our members," said CEO Christine Blake. "We are honored to rank first in Ohio for our adult financial education programs, all of which we provide to the community at no charge.
"In addition to our statewide showing for adult education, we have been ranked nationally for our financial programs aimed at youth," she added. "And now with our Cleveland Browns partnership, we are providing financial education to the youngest members of our community through the Lil Brownies Savings Program. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in every way we can."
CCU has eight local branches.
