One of the harder things about our merger—and the time it will take to finalize—is the occasional need to refer to one credit union or another by name as a separate entity when we are really one. Yes, certain systems and aspects cannot be completely transitioned until year end, but the mere reference of two names, at times, feels like it drives a wedge between us.
I also recognize for the members and team of (taking my lead from Prince) “The Credit Union Formerly Known as AFFCU,” this can be confusing because the impact is more significant, the change more tangible. Despite how good the change or how it will benefit everyone long term, not truly being “complete” can be a tad unnerving and may cause uncertainty or anxiety.
It’s important, therefore, to stress that we are, without question, all Freedom. We are, therefore, working hard and fast to bring as much together as possible to alleviate concerns.
It’s also important to realize that it’s not the name alone that defines us. Yes, a business needs a legal name to operate under, a name with which to build a brand and reputation. However, it’s what we do that makes our name. It’s how we serve our members, support the community and provide for our team members so they can, in turn, serve and support.
It is our words, actions, and deeds that matter most. So, as we grapple with the bits that create a temporary separation, let’s focus on what unites us: that we’re all in this together, that we share the same goal, that we are “one Freedom.”
I recently came across my old camcorder and video cassettes from the 90’s. There were videos of family (with some long passed), vacations, sports, birthdays and so on. As I watched hours and hours of footage over several days, I couldn’t help but wonder how present I was in all that time. Sure, I was capturing the moment, but was I in that moment experiencing the joy and wonder around me?
At the time you think you’re documenting something for posterity, something you’ll look at over and over to relive the experience, but do you? Do the emotions you feel as you rewatch moments of your life and life around you compare to what you felt, or could have felt, as things happened? I pondered this question and wondered if so much time living life through a lens was worth the recordings that have gathered dust for 30 years over what I may have missed if I was more invested in the moments that will never come again.
Today, like everyone else, I have a smart phone. Gone is the camcorder replaced by the ability to take a picture, record a moment and share it immediately with the world if so inclined.
The equipment has changed, but the danger, because of the ease and immediacy, is greater. I, unlike so many that are glued to their screen who can’t seem to experience anything without full documentation, have the benefit of hindsight from a different time. I now know how to snap a quick pic or record a 10 second guitar riff, versus record for an hour only occasionally looking up. I have learned that seeing it with my eyes, experiencing it, and remembering it, is more fulfilling and long lasting because if I do that then when viewed years from now, a single picture or brief clip will bring back that moment in a more meaningful way versus watching a long recording where you can hear your son in the background calling your name repeatedly and saying “watch me dad”.
At Freedom, we often talk about what’s truly important – family, community, meaningful connections and partnerships. So, no matter what you’re doing, revel in your time with others, share moments that matter, and if you choose to memorialize them remember, less is more. Don’t let your experiences be dependent on what or how much you can see or capture through a lens. The best memories aren’t the ones we record; they’re the ones we feel.
We are now accepting entries for this year’s Golden Apple Educator Award!
Entrants must be a current Freedom FCU or Atlantic Financial FCU Member* and an employee at a Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or Carroll County school (public or private, PreK-12th).
now FEATURING
TWO $2,000 Awards – FOUR $1,000 Awards – FOUR $500 Awards
To enter, submit an entry form and essay. The essay must describe how you would use the funds and why you should be selected for an award! Scoring favors proposals demonstrating the greatest impact on local schools, classes, students, and/or the community at large.
Freedom Federal Credit Union has once again increased the number of grant awards available, and is pleased to offer TEN Annual Educator Awards ranging from $500 up to $2,000. Eligible applicants are Education Employees who may be a deserving teacher, school administrator or school support employee from a Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or Carroll County school.
Scoring favors submissions with the greatest impact and creativity with a strong preference for ideas/initiatives that are sustainable over multiple years.
.TO ENTER: Complete the entry form and submit an essay that demonstrates the significance of your idea or initiative and how it will be beneficial. Your essay may address any or all of the following questions:
What is your creative idea or initiative to benefit your students, your class, or your school? If you win this award, how will you make it happen using the funds from this award?
How will your idea or initiative support or improve the learning experience of your students or benefit your classroom or school overall?
Will your idea or initiative benefit the overall community? If yes, how so?
*New members are also welcome to apply! Educators that are members of Atlantic Financial FCU are now apart of our Freedom FCU family and are also welcome to apply.
‘Twas just before Christmas and oh what a year
With changes a plenty, we move forward without fear;
The mission was set for a new beginning to start
And a time for each of us to play an important part.
The staff were all nestled tight in their chairs,
With goals to be met hanging high in the air;
And me in my office with bright Christmas tie,
Had just settled in knowing year end was nigh,
When out in the branch there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Out through the door and to the railing I took
Then I leaned way over to get a good look.
The lights in the lobby and those on the tree
Gave a glow to the people and to all I could see,
When what, in amazement, should I finally spot,
But a sleigh and some reindeer out in the lot,
And a little old man running up to a teller,
That I just knew was dear Santa that jolly fat fella.
Faster than a cheetah to the line he did scurry,
And he appeared to be in a terrible hurry.
“Please help me, oh help me!” I heard him yell out
”I need some assistance,” he continued to shout.
“I’m short on supplies and my cash is depleted”
“I don’t know what to do and I’m feeling defeated.”
As I heard his plea I knew just what to do
But before I could blink into action staff flew.
To an FSR station he was gently escorted,
And a loan application taken so his problems be thwarted.
Then, in a twinkling, lending staff took the lead
And approved an amount that met all of his needs.
He was also provided other services like access online,
That made his life simpler and gave peace of mind.
His eyes started twinkling, his laugh grew quite merry
His cheeks got all rosy and his nose like a cherry;
He jumped to his feet and starting dancing around
And he ran through the branch with a leap and a bound.
“You’ve saved Christmas”, he shouted, “and not just for me,”
“But for everyone everywhere, just wait and you’ll see.”
I can restock supplies that have been so diminished
So the elves can be paid and the toys all get finished.
“But well beyond that, what means most to me,
Is you treated me with kindness, the way I wanted to be.
You asked about my needs and gave me just what was right
To ensure the success of my Christmas time flight.”
“It’s not always what you say or what it is that you do,
But the way you make a person feel that really shines through.”
He thanked everyone and rushed out to his sleigh
And said one more thing as he went on his way.
“Remember”, he bellowed, “it’s the experience folks remember”
“Don’t limit that to today or the month of December”.
Then we heard him exclaim, as he went out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
Freedom Federal Credit Unionand The Freedom to Help FoundationSellOut 1st Annual Bull and Shrimp Roast in Support of Local Community Initiatives
Rockstar vibes took center stage as contestants shredded their way through the Freedom Rocks ’24 Air Guitar Contest, delivering electrifying performances that had the crowd cheering and the room buzzing. Credit: Lisa Snodgrass
November 26, 2024 Bel Air, MD –Freedom Federal Credit Union, through The Freedom to Help Foundation, hosted its first-ever Freedom Rocks ’24 Bull and Shrimp Roast on Saturday, November 16th, raising over $21,000 to support its mission of enriching the community. The event brought together attendees for a night filled with food, fun, and philanthropy at Boumi Shriners in Rosedale, MD.
The proceeds from the sold-out event will directly benefit The Freedom to Help Foundation, which provides critical resources to support education, health and wellness, and military families throughout the communities it serves, which now includes Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County.
The evening’s festivities included highlights such as an air guitar contest, a glow stick party, a TapSnap photo booth, basket auctions, a money wheel, 50/50 raffles, and a playlist of the greatest rock hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Attendees, dressed in their best concert gear, embraced the spirit of the night and helped make the event a tremendous success.
Every guest had an opportunity to visit the Freedom Rocks Merch Stand and select a complimentary Freedom Rocks T-Shirt to remember the night.
Freedom Federal Credit Union extends its deepest gratitude to all the sponsors who contributed to making this event possible. Special thanks go to The Kelly Group (Headlining Sponsor), Velera, and The Baltimore Sun Media Group, whose generous support made a significant impact.
Additional thanks go to the other event sponsors: Bravura, Community College of Baltimore County, MD|DC Credit Union Association, Elegant Restoration, Enradius, Harford Community College, Hartman Executive Advisors, Jones Junction, TB3, The Servion Group, Redmer Insurance Group, Kearly & Company, SIAB, Ben’s Tires, CBIZ Insurance Services, Dolphin Debit Access, Gerety Insurance, Global Memories Travel, Hopkins Farm Brewery, Origence, and Pixelspoke.
The Freedom to Help Foundation, established in 2023, continues to fulfill its mission of empowering communities, providing resources for individual success, and supporting those in need. Events like Freedom Rocks ’24 demonstrate the power of community partnerships in driving positive change.
The Freedom to Help Foundation supports Freedom Federal Credit Union’s commitment to the people and communities of Baltimore and Harford Counties. Established in January 2023, the Foundation’s mission is to enrich the communities we serve, empower individual success through education, provide resources for health and wellness, and to support our military and their families. Learn more at freedomfcu.org/foundation.
About Freedom Federal Credit Union
Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering business banking services and consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.
Credit Union’s Field of Membership Now Includes Businesses and Consumers in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County
August 28, 2024 – Freedom Federal Credit Union announced today that they received approval from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), regarding their request to expand the organization’s field of membership. Effective immediately, Freedom membership is now open to businesses and any individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer, attend school, or have family in Baltimore City and Carroll County. Prior to this expansion, Freedom’s field of membership included Baltimore County and Harford County.
Additionally, the Freedom Board of Directors unanimously approved and ratified the new charter.
“With NCUA’s approval, we can now provide what we call the ‘Freedom Advantage’, our unique credit union service offering, to serve a broader range of individuals and businesses, particularly those who have been underserved by other financial institutions,” stated Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom.
“Making Freedom membership available to all businesses and individuals in Baltimore City and Carroll County is part of Freedom’s long-term strategic growth plan,” continued MacPherson. “Over the years, many businesses and individuals from these areas have expressed a strong interest in partnering with Freedom and becoming members. We are confident that Freedom is exactly the kind of financial institution that Baltimore City and Carroll County have been asking for and need.”
Freedom Federal Credit Union was founded in 1953 as MATCOM Federal Credit Union. The Credit Union started in Baltimore and later moved to Harford County in support of the Edgewood Arsenal, which became part of Aberdeen Proving Ground. Freedom received their Harford County community charter in 1999 and changed their name to Freedom Federal Credit Union in 2000. The expansion of their charter to Baltimore County was ratified in July 2020.
“The Board of Directors saw the vision and strategy of expanding into Baltimore City and Carroll County, and enthusiastically approved the new charter,” stated Lisa Ermatinger, Chair of the Freedom Board of Directors. “Because credit unions are financial cooperatives, the health and strength of the organization is dependent on its members actively engaging and using its products and services. The more members that are an active part of Freedom and that use our products and services, the better the ability we have to offer lower cost loan options, higher deposit rates, less fees, better technology and access, and more community support.”
As part of the expansion, Freedom will look at all options with respect to new physical locations throughout its entire field of membership, as well as how to best leverage technology for those who prefer to conduct business electronically.
Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering business banking services and consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.
