Freedom Federal Credit Union Donates $10,000 to MD Food Bank to Aid SNAP Benefit Families

Freedom FCU’s donation comes just as SNAP benefits stop for millions of Americans

Freedom Donates 10K to MD Food Bank — The check presentation took place in the massive 93,000 sq ft warehouse of the Maryland Food Bank in Baltimore (L to R): Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union; Mary Wright, Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Maryland Food Bank; Lisa Snodgrass, Director of Business Development at Freedom FCU; and Carmen David Mirabile, Chief Growth Officer of Freedom FCU.

November 7, 2025 – In response to the suspension of SNAP benefits effective November 1, 2025, Freedom Federal Credit Union, through The Freedom to Help Foundation, is proud to announce a $10,000 donation to Maryland Food Bank to provide immediate relief to households that will be impacted. This contribution will help provide approximately 10,750 meals for nearly 700 households across Maryland.

“At this critical time, Freedom Federal Credit Union’s generous gift will help the Maryland Food Bank bridge the gap and provide nutritious meals to neighbors across the state,” remarked Elise Krikau, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Maryland Food Bank. “We are profoundly grateful for your partnership and care for our community.”

“With so many community members facing uncertainty as SNAP benefits pause, we saw an opportunity to join forces and make meaningful impact,” said Mike MacPherson, President & CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. “At Freedom, our mission is rooted in uplifting our community. In this moment of uncertainty and need, that community needs our support—not just as a financial institution, but as a trusted partner and neighbor. We may not be able to eliminate the need, but we can do our part.”

Through this donation, Freedom is supporting the Maryland Food Bank’s efforts to extend access to nutritious food, reduce food insecurity, and strengthen community wellbeing during this critical moment. As families adjust to the discontinuation of SNAP benefits, there is sure to be an increased demand for food assistance. To donate to the Maryland Food Bank, please visit mdfoodbank.org.

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.

About The Maryland Food Bank

The Maryland Food Bank works to provide food to vulnerable Marylanders and collaborates with hundreds of food pantries and outreach programs statewide to address hunger, build resilience and foster community.

Ten Educators Honored With Freedom Federal Credit Union’s 2025 Golden Apple Awards

Educators from across Harford and Baltimore County/City Were Recognized on August 13

Freedom Federal Credit Union awards grant funds to its 2025 Golden Apple Annual Education Award recipients (L to R): Rhea Butler, Julia Bailey, Michelle Curry, Mike Homishak, Jessica Todd representing Lisa Brown, Tara Recor, Melissa Berardelli, Amanda Coyne representing Lindsey Gilmour, Melissa Adler representing Taylor Herring, and Jim Renaud.

August 19, 2025 – Freedom Federal Credit Union honored ten local educators at its 14th annual Golden Apple Awards reception, held at Mountain Branch Grill & Pub in Joppa, Maryland on Wednesday, August 13. Established in 2011, the Golden Apple Awards provide grants to help educators bring innovative classroom and schoolwide initiatives to life and enhance student learning.

This year marked the first time the program expanded beyond Harford and Baltimore Counties to include educators from Baltimore City. Freedom also increased the number of grants awarded, presenting ten awards totaling $10,000: two at $2,000, four at $1,000, and four at $500.

The top $2,000 awards went to educators using podcasting technology to give students new ways to learn and lead. Tara Recor of Prospect Mill and Emmorton Elementary Schools in Harford County will implement podcast-powered “learning walks,” blending physical activity with academic enrichment. Taylor Herring of Chesapeake Terrace Elementary in Baltimore County is launching a student-led podcast that will build confidence, communication skills, and leadership opportunities across her school community.

At the $1,000 level, educators are focusing on STEM innovation and sustainability. Jim Renaud of Western Tech High School in Baltimore County will expand engineering opportunities to spark creativity and confidence in his students. Mike Homishak of Aberdeen High School in Harford County gained support for his two newly launched electives in Bacteriology and Zoology, allowing students to experience college-level science in high school. At Edgewood Elementary, Lisa Brown will create both a mobile Makerspace cart and a permanent Media Center station, bringing hands-on STEM to every student in her school. And in Baltimore City, Julia Bailey of Darchei Noam Montessori is co-leading a schoolwide environmental sustainability program that brings science and horticulture to life.

Finally, the $500 awardees are tackling innovative ways to support the whole child and connect learning beyond the classroom. In Baltimore City, Rhea Butler of Success Academy West will establish a calming Wholeness Room to give students and staff a safe space to recharge emotionally. Melissa Berardelli of C. Milton Wright High School in Harford County is bridging algebra with the real world, using motion analysis and data science to show the power of math in everyday life. At Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary in Harford County, Lindsey Gilmour is creating take-home learning kits to empower IEP students and strengthen school-to-home partnerships. And at Patterson Mill High School, Michelle Curry is building a more tactile and engaging pre-school space where her students can gain hands-on experience in early childhood education.

“Each of these educators has taken a bold idea and transformed it into an opportunity to inspire, empower, and support their students,” said Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. “For fourteen years, the Golden Apple Awards have been a way to give back to the people who dedicate their lives to shaping our communities’ future, and we are proud to continue growing this program.”

The program opened with remarks from Councilman David Marks of Baltimore County, a strong advocate for the awards since their expansion into his community. “As an educator and as a Councilman, I know that partnerships are key to achieving academic success. Just as teachers need to build partnerships with parents to help students, schools need partnerships with the private sector to often get things done,” Marks shared. “Freedom Federal Credit Union deserves a Gold Star for its outstanding support of our teachers and schools.”

Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Eric Davis, Deputy Superintendent for Operations at Harford County Public Schools, who spoke about the essential partnership between HCPS and Freedom Federal Credit Union. “Freedom Federal Credit Union continues to be an extraordinary partner to Harford County Public Schools,” said Dr. Davis. “They go above and beyond for our staff and students, consistently stepping up whenever there is a need. The Golden Apple Awards are just one example of how Freedom helps spark innovation and encourages educators to dream bigger for their students. We are deeply grateful for Freedom’s ongoing investment in the people who make the greatest difference in our schools.”

Freedom also recognized key partners, including Clever Cat Marketing for the event’s centerpieces, and Comcast and The Maryland Ad Network for helping to promote the program to schools and educators across the region.

In addition to the guest speakers, Freedom was honored to bring together many special guests including the awardees, their families, school administrators, and HCPS Teacher of the Year, Shelby Hultquist, and several members of local government and the HCPS Board of Education.

The annual awards are intended to support Freedom Federal Credit Union members who are employed at a Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or Carroll County school and have a creative vision for education that can only be met with community support. All applicants were asked to submit an essay demonstrating how their idea would serve their students, class, school, or their local community. To apply for a Golden Apple Award or learn more about the other benefits for educators offered by Freedom, visit freedomfcu.org/golden-apple/.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

About Baltimore County Public Schools

Baltimore County Public Schools, the nation’s 22nd largest school system, is focused on raising the bar and closing gaps to prepare our students for the future. Thanks to innovative and talented leaders, teachers, staff, and students, BCPS celebrates many honors.

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.

Freedom Federal Credit Union Expands Field of Membership to Serve Baltimore City and Carroll County

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.

READ THE MEMBER COMMUNICATION

About Freedom Federal Credit Union