Genisys Credit Union just snagged the Community Enrichment Award from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, and honestly? They earned it.
The recognition comes thanks to “A Path Forward,” a program that’s doing something most banks wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole — teaching financial literacy to justice-involved youth at Oakland County Children’s Village (OCCV). We’re talking about kids in the juvenile justice system who are about to re-enter the real world, often without the financial know-how that most of us take for granted.
More Than Just Monopoly Money
The program kicks off with what Genisys calls a “financial reality session.” Think of it as adulting boot camp. These young people get a mock monthly income and have to budget for actual expenses — rent, transportation, groceries, all of it. The catch? They’re also dealing with assigned credit scores and existing debt scenarios, just like many adults face in the real world.
But here’s where it gets good. Finish the session, and you’re not just walking away with theoretical knowledge and a participation certificate. You get an actual high-yield savings account with a $100 starting balance (funded by OCCV and Genisys together). That account earns 5.12% APY, which means participants can literally watch their money grow and see compounding interest in action rather than just reading about it in a textbook.
The education doesn’t stop there. Participants also complete a three-week course covering the financial survival essentials: budgeting, credit scores, and how to avoid getting scammed. Because let’s be honest — if you don’t know how credit cards work or why that “you’ve won a prize” text is bogus, you’re starting life with both hands tied behind your back.
So far, nearly 60 young people have gone through the program.
Breaking Cycles, Building Futures
“We’re not just focusing on programming while youth are at Oakland County Children’s Village; we are actively working to equip them with the tools and skills necessary for success in the future,” said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “Our goal is to offer a financial space where we are encouraging youth to see the positive aspects of having knowledge and control over their financial lives.”
The stakes here are genuinely high. When young people leave juvenile justice facilities without understanding basic money management — budgeting, credit, debt, savings — they’re at higher risk of ending up back in the system. Financial instability and recidivism often go hand in hand. “A Path Forward” is designed to interrupt that cycle before it starts.
Related:
Genisys CU and Community Garden Help Adults with Disabilities Grow More Than Just Vegetables
MCUL and MCUF Announce 2026 Award Winners; SELCO Community Credit Union Announces Retirement of Senior VP