First Harvest Credit Union Completes Over 85 Acts of Kindness During Milestone Anniversary Year

First Harvest Credit Union celebrated its 85 years of service by delivering over 85 Acts of Kindness to its 49,000+ members and by reinvesting in the Southern New Jersey community it proudly serves. First Harvest’s commitment to the “people helping people” credit union philosophy was on display throughout the year during dozens of employee-volunteer events, member giveback initiatives, Select Employer Group (SEG) appreciation gestures, and meaningful commitments and contributions that focused on strengthening community partnerships.

The First Harvest team collectively supported 65+ organizations, donated over $85,000, and spent over 350 of their time delivering on the credit union’s social commitments and supporting causes important to them.

Completed Acts of Kindness include:

• Reinvesting in local colleges and university students through pledged endowments and scholarships funding, establishing the First Harvest Financial Innovation Lab at Rowan College of South Jersey, an endowed scholarship at Stockton University, and revitalizing the Student Life Center at Atlantic Cape County Community College.
• Connecting with high school students to teach budgeting skills through the Financial Reality Fair program, showcase career opportunities through the Future Bankers program, and support the paths of higher education for First Harvest student-members with their annual Scholarship Program.
• Appreciation efforts for local HealthCare workers, first responders, teachers and faculty, and other community partners within First Harvest’s South Jersey footprint.
• Cleaning local green spaces through the Adopt-A-Highway program and elevating community parks through the NJ Tree Foundation in Camden and Gloucester Counties.
• Expanding food access in the state of New Jersey through the New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative, which brought together 15 credit unions, opening dozens of drop-off collection sites. In total, the program collected and donated over 5,100 pounds of essential food items supporting over 20 food pantries and organizations throughout the state of New Jersey.
• The expansion of inclusive and accessible financial services through increased ATM access within the AtlantiCare healthcare facilities, Rowan College of South Jersey, and Atlantic Cape Community College, along with the relocation of the First Harvest Voorhees branch in Camden County, adding drive-thru capabilities to focus on greater convenience.
• Various member and community giveback initiatives throughout the year, including a free shredder event, local business gift card giveaways to support small businesses, and special promotional savings and loan rate offerings to help members reach their financial needs.
• Supporting impactful programs that help uplift local families through hands-on projects with Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity and Adopt-A-Family holiday gift donations.
• Donation efforts hosted by the employee-led Charitable Journey team throughout the year that benefited breast cancer awareness efforts at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, BookSmiles, National Brain Tumor Society, and The Larc Norcross School.
• Other give-back initiatives include sponsoring the Eastern High School Robotics program and a scholarship pledge, endowments benefiting community partners in healthcare, senior care, and more.

"For 85 years, our members have remained our top priority, and our team is committed more than ever to delivering quality financial solutions, inclusive banking programs, and exemplary member service. We’re excited to have deepened our commitment to our membership and the Southern New Jersey community through our various giveback and reinvestment projects,” stated First Harvest President & CEO, Mike Dinneen.

First Harvest is the largest credit union headquartered in Southern New Jersey by assets and membership and is the largest low-income designated credit union in New Jersey by membership. "We have an inherent mission to provide affordable and inclusive banking services as well as deliver on our social commitments that directly benefit the families and residents throughout South Jersey," stated Dinneen.