New Benefits for Educators

Freedom Federal Credit Union Introduces New Financial Program Exclusively for Educators

Freedom Federal Credit Union is pleased to introduce a new financial program exclusively for educators in Harford and Baltimore Counties. The Golden Apple Program was created to provide financial products and services to employees working within public and private schools in the two counties.

Among the benefits of the Golden Apple Program, Freedom offers the new Educator Visa® credit card, which provides teachers and school support staff a way to organize and save on school supply purchases. Once approved for the credit card, educators will have access to a $1,000 credit line at an annual percentage rate (APR) equal to the rate of prime, currently 8.50%, as of December 19, 2023.

According to the Harford County Education Foundation, 99.5% of teachers purchase basic school supplies for their students out of their own pockets. Additionally, teachers spend approximately $500-$1,000 each year on school supplies from their personal funds. The Educator Visa credit card is intended to lessen the burden of these purchases by providing educators with a way to organize all their school-related purchases on one card, and avoid paying an APR on those expenses that is double or triple the rate of prime, if not higher.

In conjunction with the new Educator Visa, Freedom is also updating their Educator Savings Program, which now offers school employees a much higher annual percentage yield (APY) on their savings. At 2.50% APY*, educators can earn interest well above the national average for savings accounts, which the FDIC is currently reporting to be just 0.058% as of December 2023. Freedom requires no minimum balance or fees for the account, just initial proof of employment with a school.

“Those who know us well, know that our support for educators extends well beyond our community-based sponsorships. Our real involvement comes from being there on a personal level for each and every educator and support employee that we can assist,” states Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. “As we look ahead to the rest of the school year, we know that our school employees are under immense pressure, and we can’t think of a better time to reach out to help in our own way – to ease financial stress and assist in securing their future financial well-being.”

Also included in the Golden Apple Program, new Freedom members can receive a $100 bonus with direct deposit and eStatement enrollment, a high yield checking account, 2 free Skip-A-Pays on certain loans, auto refinancing specials, a mortgage bonus, matches on new youth accounts, and eligibility to apply for Freedom’s annual classroom grant awards program. Additionally, Harford County Public School employees are able to access their pay a full day in advance of their standard payday. For full Golden Apple Program details and requirements, please visit freedomfcu.org/golden-apple/.

LEARN ABOUT THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS OFFERED TO HARFORD COUNTY EDUCATORS- EXPLORE THE REST OF THE GOLDEN APPLE PROGRAM!

* Qualifying applicants will earn 2.50% APY on balances up to $10,000 and 0.35% APY on balances of $10,000.01 and higher. No minimum balance requirements. No minimum to open account. Membership eligibility applies. Federally insured by the NCUA.

WMAR-2 News Covers the #FreedomToHelpChallenge in a special segment

WMAR-2 News Segment and Article on Freedom’s #FreedomToHelpChallenge
WMAR-2 News recently interviewed Freedom Federal Credit Union Marketing Communications Coordinator, Ashira Quabili, on their 3rd annual #FreedomToHelpChallenge.

“The best part about the #FreedomToHelpChallenge is any charity any non-profit big or small can be involved and get something great out of it, you can enter a photo and reach thousands of people in a week that may never have heard of your cause,” said Ashira Quabili, the Marketing Communications Coordinator for Freedom Federal Credit Union. She added, “all of these charities are doing amazing things in our communities and this is a great opportunity for them to get their name out there and get their missions out there.”

Learn More about the Freedom To Help Challenge

Read more:
WMAR-2 News Segment and Article on Freedom’s #FreedomToHelpChallenge
About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom serves and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, volunteers, or has family in Harford or Baltimore County, MD. As a credit union, we are committed to putting you first, not shareholders, and helping you achieve your financial goals. Learn more at freedomfcu.org or call us 800-440-4120 to see how we can help.

Your Turn: Submit a photo for the #FreedomToHelpChallenge. Post a picture on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Don’t forget to include the hashtag: #FreedomToHelpChallenge and tag us @FreedomFCU on Facebook and @FreedomFedCU on Twitter or Instagram.

Banking Reimagined My Foot

December 4, 2020

You know what annoys me? Commercials. One in particular gets under my skin. It’s the commercial for Capital One. It’s bad enough they talk about having no fees or minimums on checking accounts like they just thought of it or that you can bank on the go with a mobile app like no one else offers that. No, it was the phrase “banking reimagined”. You know what banking reimagined is? A CREDIT UNION!!!

All you need to do is look at our history to know that banks are still banks no matter what kind of pretty package you put it in or spin you put on it. You still get your best deal, have your best experience, at a credit union and with people like you.

Mike

Overcoming 2020 Challenges Together

November 5, 2020

Dear Freedom Members,

Over the years, we promised to uphold our core value of people helping people by focusing on creating a memorable experience for members, employees and the community we serve. Year after year we stayed true to this philosophy as it drove achievements and stability. Now as we near the end of the year, that strategic focus has proven vital in successfully navigating in 2020.

In recent years, we worked on our infrastructure and improving various processes, products, delivery channels, etc. We put greater effort into expanding and enhancing call center capabilities and online services and refined every avenue to allow you to conduct business virtually to provide the options and convenience that would create a better experience. As it turned out, these efforts were also the key in adapting to the “contactless” world thrust upon us by an unexpected pandemic. Before times had changed, we were already preparing for you to have the ability to conduct business without leaving your home.

As a result, and despite the situation, we never shut down, we never stopped serving. Yes, we had to keep our distance, we had to modify some operational aspects for everyone’s safety, but, like always, we were here, we heard you and we responded. We responded not just to the normal business of the day, but to those of you who needed extra help created by the impact of the virus on our lives and economy.

We helped 95 businesses by providing more than $2 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans. We processed over 1,400 payment deferral requests on loans and mortgages. We provided lunches and PPE supplies to first responders and over 25 Harford County organizations and, even though some plans and events were cancelled, Freedom maintained our financial support of each organization as originally committed.

Of course, you, our members, were also key to our ability to successfully adapt to this crisis. Every step of the way you have been resilient, understanding, supportive and more. You demonstrated the most important part of a cooperative; that we achieve more together when we work towards a common purpose. We are grateful for you and we appreciate you.

Finally, I cannot be more proud and appreciative of all the employees of Freedom, especially those who are on the front lines, who come in every day, and work tirelessly to ensure they provide the hands-on service you have come to expect.

Freedom will continue to earn your trust by holding to the values we established over 67 years. Our name is built by living up to our vision and mission. Our name is synonymous with respect, compassion, service, integrity, trust, and safety. Our name reflects all of the good and dedicated people that help and serve. Our name is Freedom and Freedom will continue to care for our community, one member at a time.

Sincerely,

Michael MacPherson
President and CEO
Freedom Federal Credit Union

#FreedomToHelpChallenge 2020

Win $1,000 for your favorite local charity!

Freedom Federal Credit Union believes in people helping people and we are challenging Harford and Baltimore County volunteers, companies, and non-profits to participate in the award-winning 3rd annual #FreedomToHelpChallenge photo contest this holiday season. Showcase volunteerism in Harford or Baltimore County for the chance to win a $1,000 charitable donation for your local non-profit of choice and other weekly prizes.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Like or Follow Freedom Federal Credit Union on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

2. Post public photos showcasing volunteerism in Harford or Baltimore County from November 2^nd through December 10^th, 2020

3. Include a description of the volunteer effort along with the searchable hashtag, #FreedomToHelpChallenge on every post

4. Visit us on Facebook every Friday to participate in public voting to increase your chances to win! (Every like equals a vote!)

On Instagram? Tag Freedom @FreedomFedCU or DM us to follow you if your account is private.

The #FreedomToHelpChallenge was recognized by CUNA in 2019 with The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award

Read Full Contest Rules and Details Here.

Grand Prize Info: The Final Showdown

Public Voting for finalists will be available on Freedom’s Facebook page on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 10:00 am for 24 hours from the start of the voting period. Every like equals a vote. Share with your friends to increase your votes. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced via Freedom’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page on or before December 16^th, 2020.

*Selected charity must be a registered 501(C)3 with a proven focus in Harford or Baltimore County.

2020 Annual Meeting Details

Thank You For Registering!

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Time: 4:00pm

Join us LIVE for Freedom’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting, Join LIVE*

*Current Freedom Federal Credit Union membership is required to attend in this meeting.

* REVIEW THE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT *

Agenda:

2019 Business Summary / Chairman and CEO Remarks
2020 Business Update
Board Elections
Committee Reports
Approval of Minutes (Annual Meeting Minutes – 04-09-19)
New Business / Q&A

MEETING DETAILS:

https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1491327680?pwd=YmUxb1pFRm55QVdGdjgxKzcvcjVpUT09

Meeting ID: 149 132 7680
Password: 017363

— OR CALL IN —

iPhone one-tap :

US: +1(312)2630281,,1491327680#

+1(470)8692200,,1491327680# (US East)

Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1(312)2630281

US East: +1(470)8692200

Meeting ID: 149 132 7680

Thank you for your membership in Freedom Federal Credit Union!

*Due to COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions, Freedom’s Annual Meeting, originally scheduled to take place in April 2020, will now be a fully virtual meeting.

2020 Annual Meeting

Join Us Virtually…

Due to COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions, Freedom’s Annual Meeting, originally scheduled to take place in April 2020, will now be a fully virtual meeting.

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Time: 4:00pm

To Register for the Virtual Annual Meeting, Please RSVP Online.

Agenda:
2019 Business Summary / Chairman and CEO Remarks
2020 Business Update
Board Elections
Committee Reports
Approval of Minutes
New Business / Q&A

Register Here

Current Freedom Federal Credit Union membership is required to attend in this meeting.
Login instructions will be sent via email to all registrants closer to the meeting date.

Thank you for your membership in Freedom Federal Credit Union. We wish everyone continued health and safety.

Freedom Federal Credit Union Donates Face Masks and Thermometers to Harford County Public Schools

August 11, 2020

^{Harford County Public School (HCPS) and Freedom Federal Credit Union leadership and staff representatives gather on the steps of HCPS Headquarters to showcase the new masks that will be distributed to HCPS employees across the school system.}
^{Seated (Left to Right): HCPS Transportation Coordinator Tina Hockaday, representing HCPS support staff, and Halls Cross Roads Elementary School Teacher Laura S. Pohlenz, representing HCPS teachers.}
^{Standing Left from Freedom Federal Credit Union (Front to Back): President and CEO Michael MacPherson, Business Development Director Lisa Snodgrass, and Senior Vice President of Marketing Carmen Mirabile.}
^{Standing Right from Harford County Public Schools (Front to Back): Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Jean Mantegna, and Chief of Administration Eric Davis.}

Freedom Federal Credit Union, in partnership with Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), is providing all teachers and support staff with protective, reusable face masks for the upcoming school year. Six thousand masks will be distributed to all teachers, office workers, food service staff, facilities staff, transportation staff, teacher substitutes, and new hires.

Additionally, 30 infrared no-contact thermometers have been donated by Freedom for use in all HCPS school buildings and offices to supplement similar thermometers already available in each school’s health suite. The $26,000 contribution to purchase the masks and thermometers is intended to show appreciation for every HCPS employee’s contribution and dedication, and to provide critical protective equipment to help support HCPS protocols to keep all HCPS employees safe and healthy during the upcoming year.

Freedom Federal Credit Union was originally slated to sponsor the HCPS Annual Employee Service Recognition Program and Awards Dinner, which they have sponsored since 2013. The program recognized hundreds of employees annually who had reached 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years of service milestones. Due to the statewide closure of schools, and social function restrictions, the 2020 recognition program was cancelled. Freedom, working closely with school administrators, believed that the face masks would be a great way to show appreciation for all HCPS staff- both in and out of the classroom.

Prior to the decision on whether or not the upcoming school year would resume in person or virtually, both Freedom and HCPS administration recognized that many hundreds of staff members will continue to be required to report in person either regularly or periodically, and that all staff, including those working remotely, would continue to need face coverings for use in any public setting.

“In the best of times, we have always made it a priority to show our teachers that we care about their well-being and appreciate their dedication to the children in our community,” stated President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, Mike MacPherson. “In what now feels like the worst of times, we know that the pressures our educators, and all those who support our education system, face, will be great, and we hope this sponsorship will show our appreciation for all they do while supporting their health and safety.”

Invited to represent HCPS teachers in a photograph showcasing the new masks, Laura S. Pohlenz, a vocal music teacher at Halls Cross Roads Elementary School, recently completed her 30th year teaching for HCPS. Ms. Pohlenz expressed, “I am happy to represent teachers in this partnership with Freedom Federal Credit Union, and would like to personally thank them for this generous gift of face masks to the school system, in an effort to ensure the safety for our students and staff during this time.”

Representing HCPS support staff in this partnership, Transportation Coordinator, Tina Hockaday, who has been with HCPS for 14 years, remarked, “We are extremely grateful for our partnership with Freedom Federal Credit Union. Thank you for thinking of the safety of our students and staff.”
In the July 29, 2020 Superintendent’s Bulletin, Dr. Sean Bulson, acknowledged the contribution. “This year, FFCU has chosen to recognize all employees of HCPS by donating a protective face mask for every employee. By means of this generous contribution, they would like to honor and show their appreciation for the work done by every HCPS employee as we continue to educate the students of HCPS, while maintaining a safe and protected environment for staff and students. We hope that you will join us in expressing our appreciation to Freedom Federal Credit Union for this generous contribution!”

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford and Baltimore Counties. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford and Baltimore Counties. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.

About Harford County Public Schools

The mission of Harford County Public Schools is that each student will attain academic and personal success in a safe and caring environment that honors the diversity of our students and staff. The vision of the Board of Education of Harford County is to inspire and prepare each student to achieve success in college and career.