Author: Ashira Quabili

DID YOU KNOW: Where the idea for Credit Unions comes from?

How and Why Credit Unions Got Started

The idea for CREDIT UNIONS began in Germany in the mid-1800s when peasants were being charged unfair rates to borrow money from their landlords. They got together and pooled their resources to help each other.  Then when someone needed to borrow they were able to lend the funds at a very reasonable rate. They got better rates on savings, too. They made enough to continue.

Credit Unions were born — for the benefit of all their members. People Helping People!

Freedom Federal Credit Union began as MATCOM in 1953 in Baltimore. We moved to Harford County in 1956 to what was then Edgewood Arsenal, the Army post, which later merged with Aberdeen Proving Ground. We still have a branch there today, serving the military and civilian employees of APG. Now we also have four additional branches, and a charter to serve all of Harford County.

What has not changed? The CREDIT UNION PHILOSOPHY!  People Helping People.  Charging fair rates on loans and credit cards, awarding fair dividends on savings.  When our members participate fully, bringing all their banking needs to the credit union, we can do the most.

We are not the biggest or most well-known of Maryland’s Credit Unions, but we live in and know about Harford County. We take pride in our community and give back every way we can—through sponsorships, donations, scholarships, and employee volunteerism. If you, too, care about Harford County and helping your community, join us and be a part of something special!

Recap: 2016 Annual Meeting of Members

63rd Annual Meeting of Members Held on April 12, 2016

Freedom held its 63rd. Annual Meeting of Members on April 12 at the McFaul Center in Bel Air. To begin the evening, attendees received a small gift and mingled over refreshments.

Starting the meeting, cadets from the Maryland National Guard, Freestate ChalleNGe Academy presented the flag. This was followed by employee Jay Jones’ fantastic rendition of the national anthem. Who knew Freedom had such multi-talented employees?


In a Board of Directors overview, Mike Kaiser, Board Chair, briefly touched on the Credit Union’s annual report, “Belong To Something Special”, and reviewed last year’s activities. Mr. Kaiser also thanked members, volunteers and employees for contributing to the Credit Union’s success. Following Mr. Kaiser, Board Director George Heidelmaier, talked about 2015’s sponsorships, donations and employee volunteerism. Nick Pindale, a member of the Supervisory Committee, reported on the Credit Union’s financial condition. Additional Board members Ben Casole, Vice Chairman; Jim Church, Secretary; Tony Belcastro, Director; Ronnie Davis, Director; Lisa Ermatinger, Director; Rick Gerety, Treasurer; and Kirk Kinder, Director also participated.

In his keynote speech, Mike MacPherson, President/CEO, traced the history of Credit Unions to Germany in the mid-1800s. Mr. MacPherson noted Freedom continues to operate by the Credit Union principles of “People Helping People” and “Not-For-Profit, Not-For-Charity, But for Service.” After his presentation, Mr. MacPherson and Mr. Kaiser answered questions from members in attendance.

Following the business at hand, 12 door prize winners were chosen. Prizes consisted of gift cards, ranging from restaurants to Amazon online. In a nod to spring, prize recipients also took home small plants in cheerful ceramic pots.

Board Business Summary:

  • This year’s Nominating Committee slate of candidates for the Board of Directors was approved–Jim Church, Richard Gerety and Kirk Kinder were each re-elected to a three-year term.
  • Officers were appointed for the 2016/2017 year. Mike Kaiser returns as Chair. Richard Gerety will serve as Vice Chair. Jim Church will serve as Secretary and Tony Belcastro will serve as Treasurer.

Patriot Program Rewards Civic Knowledge and Patriotism

Civics Program Support Now Reaching 24 Local Schools

We understand the importance of informed, active citizens. To this end, the Patriot Programs offered by many of Harford County’s public schools help students learn about their country. Each school’s program is voluntary, teaching national and state geographic facts, patriotism, and our history. The Patriot Program grows students’ sense of citizenship and pride in our shared American heritage.

For years we have underwritten the materials used to reward Patriot Program graduates. We have added several schools over the last few years, and our support now extends to 24 Harford County schools! Schools supported include the following:

  • Bakerfield Elementary
  • Bel Air elementary
  • Church Creek Elementary
  • Churchville Elementary
  • Dublin Elementary
  • Edgewood Elementary
  • Emmorton Elementary
  • Forest Hill
  • Forest Lakes Elementary
  • Fountain Green
  • Havre De Grace Elementary
  • Hickory Elementary
  • Homestead Wakefield Elementary
  • Joppatowne Elementary
  • Meadowvale Elementary
  • Norrisville Elementary
  • North Harford Elementary
  • Prospect Mill Elementary
  • Red Pump Elementary
  • Ring Factory Elementary
  • Roye Williams Elementary
  • William Paca Elementary
  • William S James Elementary
  • Youth Benefit Elementary

We look forward to continuing and growing our support of this great program in 2017. If you would like to discuss support for your school’s Patriot Program, please contact our Marketing Department, at marketing@freedomfcu.org.