Sat. May 16:Community Shred Day at Freedom’s Swan Creek from 9AM–Noon (or until full).
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Hunt Valley branch ATM will be unavailable from 1:00 PM on May 9th until 6:00 AM on May 11th. We apologize for any inconvenience. Visit our branch locations page to find the closest ATM to you.
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Drive Through at the Forest Lakes Branch on Rock Spring Rd will close one hour early (5pm) on May 5th for maintenance. Please use our locations pageto find another branch or atm near you.
Notice
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Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Drive Through at the Fountain Green Branch on Churchville Rd will close one hour early (5pm) on April 29th for maintenance. Please use our locations pageto find another branch or atm near you.
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Drive Through at the Park Avenue Branch on Emmorton Rd will close one hour early (5pm) on April 28th for maintenance. Please use our locations pageto find another branch or atm near you.
Branch Closure
Freedom’s Park Avenue Branch in Bel Air will close early at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 15th for the Annual Meeting.
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Edgewood branch location is temporarily closed, and will reopen on Monday, March 16th, under normal operating hours. Please use our locations pageto find a branch near you. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Community-voted honors recognize Freedom Federal Credit Union’s commitment to
exceptional service and member experience
July 10, 2026
Bel Air, MD – Freedom Federal Credit Union has been named the Best Bank/Credit Union in both The Baltimore Sun’sBest of Baltimore and Best of Harford County readers’ choice awards. Voted on by members of the community, the honors recognize Freedom among both banks and credit unions serving the greater Baltimore region.
Selected through public voting, these annual awards recognize organizations that have earned the confidence and support of the communities they serve. Receiving top honors in both Baltimore and Harford County reflects Freedom’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service, trusted financial guidance, and meaningful community impact.
“We’re honored to receive these awards because they reflect the trust our members and communities place in Freedom every day,” said Mike MacPherson, president and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. “Our mission is to help more individuals, families, and businesses across the greater Baltimore region achieve financial wellness, and this recognition tells us we’re making a meaningful impact. We’re grateful to everyone who voted for us and to our employees, whose dedication makes this possible.”
Established in 1953, Freedom Federal Credit Union offers a full range of personal and business financial services to individuals, families, and organizations throughout Baltimore City as well as Harford, Baltimore, and Carroll counties. With eight branch locations, convenient digital banking solutions, and a strong commitment to giving back through The Freedom to Help Foundation, Freedom continues to empower its members and strengthen the community.
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. Freedom was founded in 1953 and currently has eight locations throughout Harford and Baltimore Counties. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.
Freedom’s Bright Beginnings Program awarded grants to seven educators from Celebree Schools and Caliday Programs for innovative classroom initiatives
Carmen David Mirabile, Chief Growth Officer; Aaron Piccirilli, Treasurer, Board of Directors; Lisa Snodgrass, Director of Business Development; and Brian Peller, Community Relations Officer, presented the check on behalf of Freedom Federal Credit Union alongside Richie Huffman, President and CEO of Huffman Family Brands, and members of the Huffman Family Brands leadership team to Sarah Park and Talitha Lyons, representing the Bright Beginnings Grant Program recipients.
June 18, 2026
Bel Air, MD – Freedom Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Bright Beginnings Grant Program. Created in partnership with Huffman Family Brands, the program supports early childhood educators and innovative classroom initiatives that enhance learning and development.
Through the 2026 program launch, Freedom awarded $8,000 in grant funding to seven educators across Celebree Schools and Caliday Before and After School Programs. The initiative recognizes creative, sustainable, and impactful ideas designed to enrich the educational experience for young learners while supporting the educators who serve them every day.
A check presentation for the Bright Beginnings Grant Program was held on June 10th, bringing together grant recipients alongside representatives from Freedom Federal Credit Union and Huffman Family Brands, to celebrate the program’s inaugural year and the impact of the selected projects.
Applications for the Bright Beginnings Grant Program were reviewed by a panel of judges and evaluated based on creativity, impact, and sustainability.
Bright Beginnings Grant Recipients
Tracy Flora of Celebreein Annapolis is creating an Indoor Infant Sensory Garden Experience that brings nature-inspired exploration into the classroom through tactile materials, sensory stations, and interactive play.
Sumayya Ahmed of Celebree in Frederick is enhancing her classroom with immersive sensory stations, flexible learning spaces, and dramatic play experiences designed to engage two-year-old learners through exploration and creativity.
Sarah Park of Celebree in Forest Hill is creating a more inclusive learning environment through playground enhancements, a calming quiet space, and an engaging sensory play area designed to support children of all abilities.
Keona Carmichael of Caliday at Pot Spring Elementary School is implementing Mighty Movers, a health and wellness initiative that integrates active play with structured movement and nutrition-based learning.
Talitha Lyons of Caliday at William S. James Elementary School is developing a Future Innovators Lab that combines STEM exploration with early financial literacy concepts.
Jeremy Mundell of Caliday at Timonium Elementary School is implementing a Flexible Learning and Calm Corner Initiative designed to support student focus, engagement, and emotional regulation.
Jolanda Graham of Caliday at Woodholme Elementary School is creating a Healing and Enrichment Corner designed to provide students with a safe, supportive space for both learning and emotional regulation.
“The Bright Beginnings Grant Program reflects Freedom’s commitment to invest in our educators at every stage of a child’s learning journey,” said Aaron Piccirilli, Treasurer of Freedom’s Board of Directors. “Early childhood educators play a critical role in shaping young minds, and through our partnership with Huffman Family Brands, we are proud to support innovative ideas that will positively impact children and families now and for years to come.”
Reflecting on the impact of the program, recipient Sarah Park shared, “I am grateful for this amazing opportunity to make a difference in my school. Thanks to Freedom Federal Credit Union and their generous donation and support, my ideas to improve Celebree school in Forest Hill are going to become real. No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Talitha Lyons also expressed appreciation for the grant opportunity, stating, “I am so grateful for receiving this grant for my school at William S. James. Receiving this grant is an incredible honor and a meaningful investment in the work that lies ahead for my center.”
Richie Huffman, President and CEO of Huffman Family Brands, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating: “Celebree, Caliday, and Huffman Family Brands are thrilled to create a true partnership with Freedom Federal Credit Union and its Bright Beginnings program. We are honored to be the first early childhood education providers selected to pilot these grants. The $8,000 in grant funding, which will be shared across seven programs under Huffman Family Brands, will help enhance classrooms, strengthen school environments, and enrich the overall educational experience for hundreds of children and families.”
Huffman Family Brands is a suite of organizations focused on early childhood education, business growth, and community impact. Through Celebree Schools, Caliday programs, and the Huffman Family Foundation, the organization is committed to strengthening communities and supporting the next generation of learners.
The Bright Beginnings Grant Program reflects Freedom Federal Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to investing in education and empowering educators to bring innovative ideas to life. Building on the success of Freedom’s Golden Apple Awards, which has supported PreK-12 educators for 14 years, Bright Beginnings focuses specifically on early childhood learning environments, fostering creativity, confidence, and foundational skills that benefit children both inside and outside the classroom.
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. Freedom was founded in 1953 and currently has eight locations throughout Harford and Baltimore Counties. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.
Huffman Family Brands (HFB) is a unified platform company dedicated to fostering social development, innovation, and community empowerment through its portfolio of powerful and beloved brands. Led by founder Richard Huffman, HFB builds on decades of success with brands like Celebree School, Caliday School Age Programs, Celebree Enterprise, and more. Together, all operating brands under HFB provide early childhood education, enrichment programs, franchise opportunities, and philanthropic support to communities across the United States. With over 150 locations open or in development in 15 states, Huffman Family Brands continues to lead the way in supporting families, entrepreneurs, and communities. For more information, visit huffmanfamilybrands.com.
freedom is giving away 3 $25 Amazon eGIFT CARDs in celebration of nurses week
Look for our #NationalNursesWeek Nomination Post on our social media pages starting Wednesday May 6th, 2026 running until 11:59 PM on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.
Nominate a nurses who lives or works in Harford County, Baltimore County, Carroll County or Baltimore City in 3 easy steps:
1. POST the nurse’s name and agency/organization in the comments on our Facebook or Instagram post
(Feel free to include a picture or comment with your nomination, where applicable!)
2. FOLLOW our social media page
3. SHARE our social media post
We will announce our winners on Wednesday, May 13th!
*Nurses may live and/or work in Harford County, Baltimore County, Carroll County or Baltimore City. Nurses are welcome to self-nominate. One nomination per person, but nurses can be entered multiple time by other individuals to increase their chances of winning.
Program will award $10,000 in grants to educators across Harford County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Baltimore City
March 26, 2026 – Freedom Federal Credit Union is now accepting applications for its 2026 Golden Apple Annual Education Awards, an annual program that will provide $10,000 in grant funding to local educators across Harford County, Baltimore County, Carroll County and Baltimore City. Eligible applicants include employees of public and private primary and secondary schools, including teachers, administrators, and support staff. Applicants must be new or existing Freedom members to receive an award.
For more than a dozen years, the Golden Apple Awards have helped local educators bring impactful ideas to life in their classrooms, schools, and communities. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the Golden Apple Educator Awards program has grown over the years,” said Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. “What began as a way to honor and support our members who are educators has continued to expand, allowing us to invest in innovative ideas that positively impact students, energize schools, and strengthen communities.”
Freedom will award ten Golden Apple Educator Awards this year, including two $2,000, four $1,000, and four $500 awards to local education employees. The program recognizes educators with innovative ideas that can positively impact students, classrooms, schools, and the broader community.
As part of the application, entrants must submit an essay addressing one or more of the following questions:
What is your creative idea or initiative to benefit your students, classroom, or school, and how will you bring it to life 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?
Interested applicants can complete the entry form available at freedomfcu.org/golden-appleand submit their completed application materials to enter@freedomfcu.org by May 31, 2026. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of Freedom employees, volunteers and community partners. Award recipients will be contacted by June 22, 2026 and will be honored guests at an awards reception in August.
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. Freedom was founded in 1953 and currently has eight locations throughout Harford and Baltimore Counties. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.
We are now accepting entries for this year’s BRIGHT BEGINNINGS GRANT PROGRAM!
AWARDING FOUR $500 GRANTS TO CALIDAY EDUCATORS
Applicants must be employed at a Caliday Before and After School Program location.
Freedom is proud to support early childhood educators through the Bright Beginnings Grant Program. This year, we are awarding four $500 grants for educators at Caliday Before and After School Program locations, to recognize innovative ideas that positively impact young learners.
Applications will be evaluated based on creativity, impact, and sustainability, with preference given to ideas and initiatives that can be implemented and sustained over multiple years. Applicants are encouraged to include links to products and a brief breakdown of supplies and associated costs, if applicable.
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges.
As an additional ‘thank-you’, any center with a winning application will also be treated to a staff appreciation event, hosted by Freedom, to celebrate the entire team’s dedication and hard work.
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 below and submit an essay that demonstrates the significance of your idea or initiative and how it will be beneficial.
The application deadline is March 31, 2026
Applicants must be employed by a Caliday Before and After School Program location
Selected grant recipients will be contacted by the end of April
Freedom Federal Credit Union proudly supports early childhood educators with Celebree School and Caliday Before and After School Programs through the Bright Beginnings Grant Program, awarding $8,000 in total grants to recognize innovative ideas that positively impact young learners.
New Business Development and Community Relations Officers to expand outreach efforts
January 21, 2026 – Freedom Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce three new appointments to its growing Business Development and Community Relations Team. Brent Howard and Kevin Wiley join Freedom as Business Development Officers, bringing more than 50 years of combined experience to the Credit Union. In addition, Brian Peller continues his distinguished tenure with Freedom in his newly appointed role as Community Relations Officer, bringing more than 30 years of financial services experience to the position.
As a new Business Development Officer, Brent Howard brings more than 20 years of experience strengthening businesses and communities throughout the Baltimore region. His career spans multiple industries, from helping startups find their footing to expanding the impact of established organizations. Most recently, Howard served as President and CEO of the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce from 2018 to 2025. He is an alumnus of Morgan State University, with a background in political science and government. A resident of the greater Baltimore area, Howard is married and a proud girl dad to two daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys attending live concerts and sporting events, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. A Lego enthusiast, he especially enjoys sharing that creative outlet with his children.
“After spending over two decades building relationships and supporting businesses throughout the Baltimore region, I’m excited to bring that same passion to Freedom Federal Credit Union,” said Howard. “What attracted me to Freedom is its genuine commitment to being a member-owned, community-focused organization. I look forward to connecting with local businesses in my new role.”
Kevin Wiley joins Freedom as a Business Development Officer with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of roles in branch management, lending, business banking, merchant services, investment banking, business development, and financial education. A lifelong resident of Harford County, Wiley brings deep local knowledge of the communities and businesses within Freedom’s field of membership. He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter (when she is home from college), and their two beloved pets. In his free time, Wiley enjoys watching movies and cooking shows, taking walks, traveling, and indulging his lifelong love of comic books.
“I am excited to work for a company where the culture revolves around making sure members, employees, and the community are the priority,” Wiley said. “I recognize the need for financial literacy in our area and look forward to sharing my knowledge with the community and business partners as part of the Freedom Team.”
With more than 30 years of experience, Brian Peller has held a variety of member-facing and community-driven roles in the financial services industry and continues that work as Freedom’s Community Relations Officer. Previously, Peller served as a Business Development Officer for Freedom. He grew up in Rosedale and has lived in Bel Air for 29 years. His wife, Gina, is a long-time teacher in Baltimore County, and their twin daughters work in the medical and higher education fields. A lifelong Orioles fan, Peller also enjoys traveling, especially to Disney World. In his new role, he will serve as a liaison between Freedom, local community organizations, and The Freedom to Help Foundation.
“I am so pleased to be serving our community in my new role as Community Relations Officer,” said Peller. “In my 30 years in the financial services industry, I have seen the importance of financial literacy and responsible, informed banking decisions. I am proud of Freedom’s commitment to financial education and look forward to helping connect community resources with everything Freedom has to offer.”
“The appointment of these three accomplished professionals underscores Freedom Federal Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to the communities we serve in Harford and Baltimore Counties, as well as our continued expansion into Carroll County and Baltimore City in the year ahead”, stated Carmen David Mirabile, Chief Growth Officer of Freedom. “Along with our entire Business Development and Community Relations Team, I look forward to them continuing to strengthen local partnerships, supporting businesses and individuals, and deepening our community engagement.”
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. Freedom was founded in 1953 and currently has eight locations throughout Harford and Baltimore Counties. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.
We are now accepting entries for this year’s BRIGHT BEGINNINGS GRANT PROGRAM!
AWARDING ONE $2000 GRANT PER CELEBREE DISTRICT
Applicants must be employed at a Celebree School.
Freedom is proud to support early childhood educators through the Bright Beginnings Grant Program. This year, we are awarding three $2,000 grants for Celebree Schools (one award per district), to recognize innovative ideas that positively impact young learners.
Applications will be evaluated based on creativity, impact, and sustainability, with preference given to ideas and initiatives that can be implemented and sustained over multiple years. Applicants are encouraged to include links to products and a brief breakdown of supplies and associated costs, if applicable.
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges.
As an additional ‘thank-you’, any center with a winning application will also be treated to a staff appreciation event, hosted by Freedom, to celebrate the entire team’s dedication and hard work.
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 below and submit an essay that demonstrates the significance of your idea or initiative and how it will be beneficial.
The application deadline is March 31, 2026
Applicants must be employed by a Celebree School
Selected grant recipients will be contacted by the end of April
Freedom Federal Credit Union proudly supports early childhood educators with Celebree School and Caliday Before and After School Programs through the Bright Beginnings Grant Program, awarding $8,000 in total grants to recognize innovative ideas that positively impact young learners.
We are now accepting entries for this year’s Golden Apple Educator Award!
FEATURING TWO $2,000 AWARDS – FOUR $1,000 AWARDS – FOUR $500 AWARDS
Freedom Federal Credit Union 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.
Entrants must be a current Freedom Member*
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?
