West Community Credit Union just put $20,000 where it counts—splitting the funds between Junior Achievement and Veterans Community Project, two organizations doing serious work in the St. Louis area.
The money didn’t just appear out of thin air. It came through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Member Impact Fund, which essentially matches contributions up to 3:1. Think of it as a financial multiplier effect that turns good intentions into actual community impact.
Teaching Kids About Money (Before They Need to Learn the Hard Way)
The first $10,000 went to Junior Achievement, the organization that’s been teaching young people about financial literacy, career planning, and entrepreneurship—basically all the stuff most of us wish we’d learned before signing our first lease or credit card application.
“Support from community partners like West Community Credit Union helps us provide students with the skills and confidence they need to build brighter futures,” said Tracie Roberson, Senior Development Manager at Junior Achievement. “This generous donation will directly impact the young people we serve by expanding access to programs that prepare them for successful careers, financial independence and lifelong achievement.”
The donation helps fund real-world experiences that give students a fighting chance at understanding how money actually works before they’re drowning in student loans or wondering why their paycheck disappears so quickly.
Making Sure Veterans Have a Place to Call Home
The other $10,000 went to Veterans Community Project, which focuses on something that shouldn’t be controversial but somehow still needs advocacy: making sure veterans have stable housing and the support services to keep it that way.
We’re talking about people who served their country facing homelessness. Veterans Community Project steps in with innovative housing solutions and comprehensive support that goes beyond just putting a roof over someone’s head.
“Every investment in Veterans Community Project is an investment in the veterans we serve,” explained Deshauna Barber-Echols, Executive Director. “This gift from West Community Credit Union will help us continue providing critical housing and support services that empower veterans to regain stability, rebuild their lives and achieve long-term success.”
When Banking Actually Means Community Building
Lori Hudson, Community Engagement Manager at West Community Credit Union, put it simply: “Organizations like Junior Achievement and Veterans Community Project are making a lasting difference in our communities every day. We are honored to support their important work and grateful to FHLB Des Moines for providing funding that allows us to strengthen our investment in organizations that create opportunities and improve lives.”
The FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund is part of a larger initiative aimed at supporting underserved and financially vulnerable populations while promoting affordable housing and community development. It’s a voluntary program that encourages financial institutions to partner with nonprofits and government entities—essentially incentivizing banks and credit unions to be good neighbors.
“At West Community, our commitment to people helping people extends beyond traditional banking services,” Hudson added. “By partnering with organizations that share our values, we can help create stronger communities and expand opportunities for those who need them most.”
It’s a straightforward approach: identify organizations doing meaningful work, amplify their impact with funding, and build stronger communities in the process. No complicated formulas needed—just a credit union living up to what credit unions were actually designed to do in the first place.