Financial literacy matters most to the young people who never got a head start on it, and that’s exactly who Kitsap Credit Union is now funded to reach.
The credit union has won a $25,000 grant from the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF). It’s one of just 24 credit unions chosen for this year’s cohort. The competition was stiff, too: NCUF says it received the strongest response to a call for applications in the program’s history, so this pick carries real national weight.
Who the money is for
Working with its existing community partners, Kitsap Credit Union plans to widen its reach to three groups of young people:
- Those experiencing housing instability
- Those aging out of foster care
- Those involved with the juvenile justice system
These are young people who often have to figure out money on their own, with little margin for error and no safety net to catch a misstep.
What participants get
The program pairs financial education and one-on-one guidance with a practical nudge. Participants learn the basics, build confidence, and figure out their next steps. Those who open an account with Kitsap Credit Union also receive a financial incentive to get started. That way, lessons don’t stay on a whiteboard. They get tested with a real account and real money.
Ginny Heller, Advocacy Community Development Manager at Kitsap Credit Union, says the partnerships have made the obstacles plain. “Through our community partnerships, we’ve seen firsthand the barriers young people face as they work toward financial stability,” she said. “We know that each young person’s needs are different, and this opportunity allows us to meet them where they are with the tools, guidance and support they need to build healthy financial habits and greater financial wellbeing.”
President and CEO Shawn Gilfedder framed it as a matter of mission. “Kitsap Credit Union was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a path to financial security, no matter their circumstances,” he said. “This opportunity reflects the strength of our partnerships with the community and the important work we can accomplish together. We are proud to be part of this work and to help young people build a stronger financial future.”
What to do with this news
If you work with youth in the Kitsap area, whether at a shelter, a foster care program, or a juvenile justice agency, reach out to Kitsap Credit Union about partnering. The program runs through community connections, so the people already serving these young people are the natural way in. And if you know a young person who could use a first account and some straight talk about money, point them toward the credit union.