Making a difference in our communities.
Press Releases
Five local charities vie for grand prize in FreeStar Financial Credit Union's $10K Charity Giveaway
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – August 1, 2019: In celebration of FreeStar Financial Credit Union’s newest branch opening in Shelby Township this fall, and their commitment to the community, they are giving away $10,000 to charities. The campaign’s nomination period ran through June, and voting began July 5.
The FreeStar Financial Credit Union $10K Charity Giveaway is more than halfway through the voting process, which ends August 15. The competition for the Grand Prize is intense with over 15,000 votes cast so far by community members for their favorite charity finalist.
The five (5) $10,000 Charity Giveaway finalists are:
· 4 Paws 1 Heart
· Animal Resource Funding Foundation
· Camp Quality USA Michigan
· PR Kids MIHP
· Turning Point
“I am very impressed by the Shelby Township community’s passion for philanthropy,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “Their enthusiasm and support are evident in the social media comments and the competitive voting statistics. I am so proud to be a part of an organization that makes giving back a priority, and we are excited to join Shelby Township’s vibrant community.”
Videos about the charities are featured at www.FreeStarFinancial.com/Vote and may help the community get an inside look at the enthusiasm behind the volunteers who run the charities. Check out their excitement and cast your vote before Aug. 15.
The campaign will award one lucky charity a $5,000 grand prize and the four runner-up charities $1,250 each.
The $10K Charity Giveaway is one of various community initiatives that FreeStar Financial Credit Union has planned through the summer and fall months to highlight their commitment to Shelby Township and their growing presence. The $10K Charity Giveaway directly aligns with the credit union’s mission to serve the community – which includes supporting local charities.
FreeStar Financial, named the Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best for 8 years in a row, operates four additional branches in Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Chesterfield, and at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where it began in 1957. The Credit Union has over $225 million in assets and serves more than 21,000 members. FreeStar Financial accepts members from 10 counties in Southeastern Michigan and military and veterans throughout Michigan.
To learn more about the $10K Charity Giveaway, visit www.FreeStarFinancial.com/Vote
###
Credit Union's Team is Growing to Accommodate Expansion
July 23, 2019 - FreeStar Financial Credit Union continues to experience growth this year, not only with its new Shelby Township location at 56350 Van Dyke Avenue, but welcoming new team members to the FreeStar Financial family. Melissa Chibani has been named as Director of Retail Sales and Bradley Powers is the Assistant Branch Manager at the Chesterfield Township branch.
Chibani comes to FreeStar Financial with over 20 years of retail sales experience. During that time, Chibani gained 12 years of banking experience from Citizens Bank and nine years of management experience. She graduated from Baker College with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies, with majors in Education and Mathematics.
Powers comes to FreeStar Financial with over seven years of retail management experience and three years of banking experience from both Huntington National Bank and Chase Bank. He graduated in 2007 from the University of Maine School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance.
“Melissa and Bradley have demonstrated their ability to lead and produce results with their previous employers,” said Jennifer Martines, Executive Vice President. “We look forward to their immediate contributions to the team and sharing their experience to support the growth of the credit union.”
FreeStar Financial, established in 1957, serves the community in 10 counties in Southeast Michigan and military throughout the state. It has been named the Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best for 8 consecutive years.
FreeStar Financial promotes new Sterling Heights Branch Director
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – FreeStar Financial Credit Union promoted Phillip Thompson to Branch Director of the Sterling Heights branch where he oversees day-to-day operations and manages six team members.
Thompson, who has been with FreeStar Financial for six years, has a Bachelor of Business Management that he received from Northwood University December 2016.
“Phil is a strong leader who works well with his teammates to achieve results,” said Anne Lester, Vice President of Branch Operations. “It’s gratifying to see where Phil started as a part-time teller and how he has steadily taken on more responsibility which has ultimately led to this promotion.”
During his time with FreeStar Financial, Thompson has received notable awards such as the Gung-Ho Superstar in December of 2014 and Employee of the Quarter in 2015.
FreeStar Financial serves residents in 10 counties in Southeast Michigan as a full-service financial institution. It has received the Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best Awards for 8 consecutive years.
# # #
$10,000 Charity Giveaway
June 4, 2019 - To underscore their commitment to the Shelby Township community, and to highlight their new branch office, FreeStar Financial Credit Union is launching a two-phase $10,000 Charity Giveaway campaign.
Isaac, President Drema“Local charities form the fabric of a community and touch the lives of so many people which makes this an ideal extension of our philosophy,” said and CEO.
The campaign will award one lucky charity a $5,000 grand prize and each of the four runner-up charities will receive $1,250. In the first phase, area residents are invited to nominate their favorite local 501c (3) charity. Nominations can be cast at any FreeStar Financial Credit Union office or via an online submission form at FreeStarFinancial.com/Vote through midnight June 30th.
The second phase will highlight the five (5) finalists and community members will vote on their favorite finalist to win the grand prize. Voting will continue through midnight on August 15th.
“Our credit union is based on the philosophy of people helping people,” said Isaac. “Through this contest, we can help multiple charities with needed resources to enhance our community. In Shelby Township, we are growing our community commitment with a new branch, new technologies and now an increased investment to help the charitable organizations in our community with both awareness and potentially a grand prize. But really, it’s the voice of the community that makes the choice, and we’re listening.”
The $10K Charity Giveaway is one of many initiatives that FreeStar Financial Credit Union has planned through the summer and fall to highlight their Shelby Township commitment and growing presence.
FreeStar Financial Credit Union
FreeStar Financial, named the Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best for 8 years in a row, operates four additional branches in Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Chesterfield, and at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Credit Union has over $220 million in assets and serves more than 20,000 members. FreeStar Financial accepts members from 10 counties in Southeastern Michigan and military and veterans throughout Michigan. For more information, visit www.FreestarFinancial.com.
To learn more about the $10K Charity Giveaway, visit www.FreeStarFinancial.com/Vote
Scholarships announced
May 30, 2019 – FreeStar Financial Credit Union will award $3,000 in scholarships to three high school graduates at a luncheon ceremony June 12.
The credit union annually recognizes students who model the credit union philosophy of people helping people by awarding a Community Action Scholarship of $1,000 each to two students. Elizabeth Czeiszperger, L’Anse Creuse High School-North, and Shawnita Evans, Cass Tech High School, are the recipients of the 2019 scholarship.
Czeiszperger plans to attend Macomb Community College in the fall to become a physician’s assistant. As senior class president, she led fundraisers to support Leader Dogs for The Blind and a jeans drive to donate to the less fortunate. Czeiszperger served in Link Crew, a freshman mentoring program to foster the success of incoming freshmen. She also performed over 106 hours of community service.
Evans, who is dual enrolled at Wayne County Community College, plans to attend Temple University in Philadelphia to study Health and Human Services to become a gynecologist. During high school, she volunteered weekly with Forgotten Harvest, assisted with Meals on Wheels, and provided after-school support to teachers. Evans was also the captain of her high school softball team.
The Military Honor Scholarship is awarded to members of FreeStar Financial Credit Union whose parent is active military, reserve or veteran. This year’s recipient of $1,000 is Abigail Mundt, Chippewa Valley High School.
Mundt, who is dual enrolled at Macomb Community College, plans to attend either Wayne State University or Northern Michigan University. She was active in Coalition Teen Council, advocates of drug-free and alcohol-free teens; Key Club, a community outreach club; and Be the Change, a committee of students who foster cultural acceptance. Mundt’s father retired from the Navy and works as a nurse practitioner at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit.
“Each year, we continue to be so proud and amazed by the talent and drive of these future leaders,” said Drema Isaac, President & CEO. “These outstanding students have developed a passion for helping others in their community while also maintaining academic excellence. We are proud to recognize their achievements and wish them the best of luck as they pursue their dreams.”
FreeStar Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution serving all those who live, work, or are educated in 10 counties in Southeastern Michigan and military throughout the state. For more information, contact Paula Rose, vice president of marketing, at 586-466-7806 or prose@freestarfinancial.com.
Credit Union adopts a Shelby Township roadway
May 20, 2019 – On Saturday April 27, a team of FreeStar Financial Credit Union employees and their families donned orange safety vests and removed litter on 26 Mile Road between Van Dyke Avenue and Jewell Road in Shelby Township as part of the annual Adopt-A-Roadway program organized by the Shelby Township Beautification Committee.
In advance of the August opening of FreeStar Financial’s fifth branch in Shelby Township at 56350 Van Dyke Avenue, just south of 26 Mile Road, the team wanted to get involved in the community by helping beautify the roadside.
“We were surprised how many plastic grocery bags were caught in the weeds and ditches,” said Maria Teno, one of the volunteers. “It really opens your eyes to the importance of disposing of trash properly, so it doesn’t become an eyesore to the community.”
“Credit unions are known for volunteering, and the roadside clean-up was a perfect opportunity to embrace our new community,” said Paula Rose, Vice President of Marketing and organizer of the clean-up effort.
FreeStar Financial, established in 1957, operates four branches in Macomb County. It was named Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best for seven consecutive years.
Credit union employee assists member with medical emergency
Credit union employee assists member with medical emergency
April 23, 2019 - On April 10, Carol Thompson, a Senior Member Access Center Representative, was recognized at a FreeStar Financial Credit Union Employee Appreciation Meeting by Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon and FreeStar Financial President and CEO Drema Isaac for going above and beyond to help a member who required medical attention.
When Carol answered the telephone on March 19, she expected to receive a basic inquiry such as, “What’s my account balance?” Quickly after answering the phone call, Carol realized the member needed medical attention. The member, who calls often, thought she had dialed 9-1-1, but instead was speaking to her credit union. Carol quickly realized that the member was having a medical emergency and called upon her supervisor, Jessica Reif, to phone emergency services while Carol continued to reassure the member that help was on the way. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and the police responded quickly and were able to assist the member further. Carol followed up with the member the next day and was comforted to know the member was able to receive the medical attention she needed.
For Carol’s actions, FreeStar Financial President and CEO Drema Isaac presented Carol with the Legendary Service Award. She also was awarded a Proclamation from the Clinton Township Board of Trustees.
“The service Carol provided to our member is beyond superior, it’s legendary,” stated Isaac. “We know that this emergency was outside the normal telephone calls Carol receives daily, but she handled this emergency with grace and professionalism. We are proud to have Carol as part of the FreeStar Financial team!”
FreeStar Financial, established in 1957, operates four branches in Macomb County. It was named Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best for seven consecutive years. For more information, please contact Paula Rose at 586-466-7806 or at prose@freestarfinancial.com.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96YrnNxrA1Y
Jan. 24, FreeStar Financial Credit Union hosts free Adulting Training
FreeStar Financial Credit Union hosts free Adulting Training
Jan. 24, 2019 – FreeStar Financial Credit Union presents “Adulting” at the Shelby Township Community Center Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9:45-11:30 a.m. to provide high school students and young adults with answers to many questions including, “How will I be able to do life after high school or college?”
The credit union hosts similar sessions at high schools reaching over 600 students annually since 2014. The interactive session pairs students to make buying decisions together on transportation, a home, child care, and more. Along the way, participants will encounter the Fickle Finger of Fate, either a small windfall or an unexpected expense like a traffic ticket or cracked cell phone. Students are required to track their income and expenses and care for a virtual child throughout the process.
“We are hosting this event on a Saturday so that students who may not be able to fit a business class into their high school class schedule can benefit from the financial education we provide,” said Laurie Cafagna, marketing specialist. “Feedback has been very positive to the program. Students quickly realize how expensive everyday needs and wants can be and why a budget is necessary.”
Other topics included in the Adulting session include understanding the difference between a debit and credit card, establishing credit, staying out of debt, paying off student loan debt, and more. Students will take home a Credit Union National Association (CUNA) booklet with additional information to aid them in planning for life after high school or college. The Adulting session will include refreshments, a Kahoot! challenge and chances to win prizes.
The Adulting session will be held at the Shelby Township Community Center at 51670 Van Dyke Avenue, north of 23 Mile Road. Register at https://www.freestarfinancial.com/adulting. For more information, contact Paula Rose, vice president of marketing, at 586-466-7806.
Credit union plans groundbreaking ceremony for Shelby Township branch
Credit union plans groundbreaking ceremony for Shelby Township branch
December 11, 2018 - SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – FreeStar Financial Credit Union plans to break ground on Monday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. for its newest branch at 56350 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, south of 26 Mile Road.
The new state-of-the-art branch will feature the latest innovative banking technology and offer members more choices and convenience. While continuing to provide the personalized service seen at traditional credit unions, the new branch affords a modern and exciting service experience designed for the ultimate in automation and member self-service.
The 2600-square-foot facility will be a full-service financial institution. The lobby will have an open, welcoming environment featuring four walk-up teller pods for personalized service. Two Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) in the drive-thru lanes will allow members to perform advanced self-service transactions or to video chat with credit union representatives during service hours. The branch will also have a lounge area, coffee bar, and technology café. Members who prefer to quickly and independently access advanced self-services can use the available computer workstations and iPads to perform banking transactions.
Three member service offices will also be staffed to personally assist members with their banking needs. Member service representatives are trained to craft solutions to fit individual needs and provide competitive savings and lending options. Shelby Township residents will appreciate the service that real estate lending experts provide throughout the financing process, and they’ll have familiar local branch representatives serving them throughout the life of their loan.
“Our credit union believes in building strong communities,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “We have been serving Macomb County since 1957, and are excited to offer superior service, technology, and convenience to Shelby Township residents and businesses.”
“FreeStar Financial is known throughout southern Macomb County, where Macomb Daily readers named the credit union ‘Best of the Best’ for 7 years in a row,” added Isaac. “We look forward to bringing our industry-leading service and support to the Shelby Township community and welcoming new members to the FreeStar Financial family. We also look forward to fulfilling the credit union philosophy of people helping people by supporting local charities and events in the Shelby Township area.”
FreeStar Financial operates four additional branches in Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Chesterfield, and at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Credit Union has over $200 million in assets and serves more than 20,000 members. FreeStar Financial accepts members from 10 counties in Southeastern Michigan and military and veterans throughout Michigan. For more information, visit www.freestarfinancial.com.
Nov. 29, Credit Union appoints new board member
Credit Union appoints new board member
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – In October, the FreeStar Financial Credit Union Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Jonel Jakupi, board director, and appointed a new member, Catherine Patyi, to fill the vacant position.
Jonel (Jon) Jakupi served as a board member for 1½ years. He was a Financial Controller and Chief Accounting Officer for Maserati and Alfa Romeo North America and formerly was an Investment Controller for several global platforms at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. During his time on the Board of Directors, his financial expertise provided valuable insight and ideas to guide the Credit Union.
Catherine (Catie) Patyi served as a Credit Union volunteer on the Supervisory Committee since January 2017 as an internal auditor and has been a Credit Union member since 1980. Patyi earned two Master of Science degrees from Walsh College in Management and Accounting. She works as a Senior Revenue Management Analyst at Trinity Health in Livonia and has over 10 years of financial experience. Patyi volunteers with the Accounting Aid Society to prepare income taxes for low-income community members.
“FreeStar Financial Credit Union members are privileged to have such a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors overseeing policy,” said Drema Isaac, President/CEO. “We will certainly miss Jon’s contributions as his extensive background in finance, accounting, and leadership added diversification to the FreeStar Financial Board of Directors. I’m confident that Catie’s background in management and accounting will be an immediate asset to the Board.”
FreeStar Financial Credit Union has been serving members since 1957. The field of membership encompasses 10 counties in Southeast Michigan and all military throughout the state.
Nov. 16, Credit Union continues support for Pets for Vets
Credit Union continues support for Pets for Vets
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The staff at FreeStar Financial Credit Union recently donated over $1,800 to Pets for Vets to fund a veteran - pet match bringing the lifetime support to over $33,000.
Pets for Vets is a non-profit charity dedicated to providing rescued companion animals to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Pets for Vets rescues pets from shelters and matches according to the veteran’s needs. The program includes training, pet immunizations, and basic care items for the pet, which costs $1,500 per match and is provided to the veteran at no cost. Since 2013, FreeStar Financial Credit Union has partnered with Pets for Vets providing support for 22 veterans.
“As a credit union founded by military members, we remain true to our roots by supporting charitable causes that support veterans who have given so much to serve our country,” said Paula Rose, vice president of marketing. “We are thankful for our members who are so generous in supporting charitable causes throughout the year. With the additional financial support from staff donations, we are able to support another veteran - pet match.”
In addition, FreeStar Financial partnered with several credit unions in the Metro East Chapter of Credit Unions to raise over $5,000 for Pets for Vets in October.
“We hope that our combined support as a Chapter will provide more veterans with a stable life once again,” added Rose.
Credit Union offers free community shredding day
Credit Union offers free community shredding day
September 17, 2018 – FreeStar Financial Credit Union is hosting its fourth annual community shredding day Saturday, Sept. 22, from noon-2 p.m. at its Chesterfield branch.
“As a credit union, we understand the importance of data security and keeping our members’ information secure is one of our top priorities,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “We are happy to provide an opportunity for our members and community to dispose of their confidential and personal information safely and securely. We hope to see many of our loyal members as well as new friends at the free shredding day.”
FreeStar Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution serving all those who live, work, worship or are educated in 10 counties in Southeastern Michigan and military throughout the state.
free shredding day will be held at 47011 Sugarbush Road (off 21 Mile Road, east of I-94) from noon-2 p.m., Sept. 22. For more information, contact Paula Rose, vice president of marketing, at 586-466-7806 or prose@freestarfinancial.com.
# # #
FreeStar Financial Credit Union named Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best for 7 years
FreeStar Financial Credit Union named Macomb Daily’s Best of the Best for 7 years
June 19, 2018 - The Macomb Daily announced that FreeStar Financial Credit Union is the winner of its Readers Choice Award for Best of the Best in the credit union category for the seventh consecutive year.
“We appreciate the dedication of our members who faithfully voted to ensure FreeStar Financial would be recognized as the Best of the Best for the seventh year in a row,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “Our Credit Union prides itself on giving members the exceptional service they deserve. The staff also enjoys giving back to the community by supporting our members and several charities throughout the year. I am grateful for everyone who is a part of the FreeStar Financial family.”
FreeStar Financial Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with four locations in Macomb County and plans to expand to Shelby Township (late 2018) and St. Clair Shores (2019). The credit union serves military members throughout the state, and community members in 10 counties in Southeast Michigan.
Credit union awards $4,000 in scholarships
Credit union awards $4,000 in scholarships
June 5, 2018 - FreeStar Financial Credit Union will award $4,000 in scholarships to four high school graduates at a luncheon ceremony June 20.
The credit union annually recognizes students who model the credit union philosophy of people helping people by awarding a Community Action Scholarship of $1,000 each to two students. Clayton Maksymiuk from Richmond High School and Ashley Pangan from Chippewa Valley High School are the 2018 winners.
Maksymiuk, graduating in the top 5 of his class, plans to attend the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) to study computer science and statistics. He served as the president of the National Honor Society, volunteered for Kids Against Hunger, and tutored kids in theater and other academics.
Pangan plans to attend Grand Valley State University (Allendale, Mich.) to study accounting. She volunteered regularly at the St. Louis Catholic Church food pantry and Chippewa Valley’s Key Club, where she was very active in “Be the Change” to foster the culture within the school by hosting inclusion events.
Two additional students earned the Military Honor Scholarship, which is awarded to members of FreeStar Financial Credit Union whose parent is active military, reserve or veteran. Calli Rechsteiner from Anchor Bay High School and Sarah Sawyer from L’Anse Creuse High School will receive $1,000 each as this year’s Military Honor Scholarship winners.
Rechsteiner plans to attend Northern Michigan University (Marquette) to become a physician’s assistant. Her father is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard. Rechsteiner holds her school record for pole vault at 10’9”, was active with the Key Club, and tutored middle school students in math and Spanish.
Sawyer plans to attend Kettering University (Flint, Mich.) to study mechanical engineering. She participated in dual enrollment at Baker College while in high school to student Computer Aided Design (CAD). Sawyer’s father is in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and served in Desert Storm. She volunteered with National Honor Society projects and with the Detroit Arsenal youth programs. Sawyer hopes to use her skills to support the military as a civilian in the future.
“Each year, we receive so many outstanding applicants that our decision becomes more difficult,” said Drema Isaac, President & CEO. “These amazing students have developed a pattern of helping in their community while maintaining academic excellence, and we are proud to recognize them.”
FreeStar Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution serving all those who live, work, worship or are educated in 10 counties in Southeastern Michigan and military throughout the state.
Credit Union offers chance to win free tickets to Legends of Wrestling
Credit Union offers chance to win free tickets to Legends of Wrestling
April 16, 2018 - FreeStar Financial Credit Union, named Michigan Credit Union of the Year in 2017, is a sponsor of the Legends of Wrestling event to be held April 21 at the Fraser Hockeyland Arena offering a chance to win the “Best Seats in the House from the Best Credit Union.” Registration to win one of five pairs of seats is ongoing through April 14.
Radio station WRIF will broadcast live from the FreeStar Financial location in Sterling Heights on Saturday, April 14, for a last chance to win tickets from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with Screamin’ Scott and the WRIF crew.
Wrestling matches and the meet and greet on April 21 will feature Sting, Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Jimmy Hart, Billy Gunn, Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, the Nasty Boys and more.
“We are excited to participate in this local, family friendly event and hope we get an opportunity to meet new people at our Sterling Heights branch on April 14th and demonstrate why our members have voted us best of the best credit union six years in a row,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO.
The live broadcast on April 14 will take place at 34642 Van Dyke, just south of 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights. To register for a chance to win tickets, visit https://www.freestarfinancial.com/contests. For more information, contact Paula Rose, vice president of marketing, at 586-466-7806.
Credit Union offers slam dunk savings with scratch and win tickets
Credit Union offers slam dunk savings with scratch and win tickets
March 3, 2018 - As teams and fans gear up for the basketball tournament, FreeStar Financial Credit Union is spreading excitement with Scratch and Win tickets beginning March 15.
Fans may win cash, prizes, or loan discounts on autos, boats, RVs or personal loans. The four branches will be equipped with Scratch and Win tickets during normal business hours.
“We offered a similar promotion during the Summer Olympics in 2016, and our members and guests enjoyed playing and winning,” said Laurie Cafagna, marketing specialist. “The loan discounts can really add up, so our members will benefit if they are in the market for a new vehicle or need a personal loan.”
Tickets will be available at the Chesterfield, Clinton Township, Selfridge ANGB, and Sterling Heights branches March 15 until supplies last. Full details on contest rules can be viewed at https://www.freestarfinancial.com/contests. For more information, contact Paula Rose, vice president of marketing, at 586-466-7806.
FreeStar Financial Credit Union offers $4,000 in scholarships-deadline approaching
FreeStar Financial Credit Union offers $4,000 in scholarships-deadline approaching
March 1, 2018 - With just one month remaining, FreeStar Financial Credit Union is looking for high school seniors to qualify for four $1,000 scholarships. The credit union offers two types: Military Honor and Community Action.
The Military Honor Scholarship pays homage to the credit union’s establishment at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The scholarship is awarded to a member of the credit union whose parent is active military, reserve or veterans in appreciation of the service and sacrifice they have given to our country. Two $1,000 scholarships are available.
The Community Action Scholarship recognizes students who exemplify the credit union principle of “people helping people” and serve the community. Young adults who take the time to assist the community and non-profit, charitable organizations are eligible for this financial award. Two $1,000 scholarships are available.
“Since 2009, the credit union has recognized outstanding students with scholarships to further their educational pursuits and achieve their career aspirations,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “Each year, we are amazed at the talent and drive of our young members and it is a pleasure to foster their development with these scholarships.”
Online applications are available at www.freestarfinancial.com/scholarships and are due by March 31. For more information, contact Paula Rose, vice president of marketing, at 586-466-7806.
Credit Union supports American Heart Association
Credit Union supports American Heart Association
February 27, 2018 - FreeStar Financial Credit Union staff members donned bright red T-shirts emblazoned with Get FiRED Up during selected dates in February to solicit donations for the American Heart and American Stroke Associations.
FreeStar Financial is partnering with over 20 credit unions in the Metro East Chapter of Credit Unions to raise donations for the American Heart and American Stroke Associations. So far, FreeStar Financial staff and members have already generated $1,250 for the cause. The generous donations from FreeStar Financial staff and members will be combined with the charitable donations from other Metro East Chapter credit unions and presented as one contribution to the American Heart and American Stroke Associations in April.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year, that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
“Credit unions believe strongly in supporting charities and giving back to our community,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO at FreeStar Financial and Chairperson of the Metro East Chapter. “Almost everyone has a personal story of someone in their life who has been affected by heart disease which is why this cause has garnered so much support from so many of our members. We hope that our combined support as a Chapter will assist the American Heart Association in their research to find a cure.”
Donations for the American Heart Association are accepted at any FreeStar Financial branch location through March. FreeStar Financial Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving 10 counties in Southeast Michigan and military throughout Michigan. For more information, visit www.freestarfinancial.com.
Credit Union rewards Certificate of Deposit savers, from 8 to 80 years old
Raymond Carpenter, 80, and Chase McCarthy, 8 years old, received nice gifts after Christmas from FreeStar Financial Credit Union. Carpenter won $1,000 in the Save to Win Certificate of Deposit (CD) multi-state quarterly drawing in December, while McCarthy received a Samsung tablet as the annual iSave CD winner from 2017.
Credit Union rewards Certificate of Deposit savers, from 8 to 80 years old
January 23, 2018 - The Save to Win CD, offered to credit union members, can be opened with as little as $25 with additional deposits accepted throughout the 12-month term. For every deposit of $25, the member’s name is automatically entered into a drawing for prizes. Savers can win monthly and quarterly cash prizes valued up to $5,000.
Carpenter, a member for 37 years, and his wife participate in the credit union’s Save to Win CD program monthly.
“The Save to Win certificate is designed so that everyone can participate with a small investment of $25,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “We believe strongly in developing a pattern of saving, and this program allows our members a great way to save money and win cash prizes. It combines the thrill of playing the lottery, without the risk,” added Isaac.
Members saved $1.174M to date in the Save to Win program.
The iSave CD program encourages youth up to 17 years old to save regularly. The CD requires just $25 to open and with each $10 deposit, the member is entered into the annual drawing for a tablet. In 2017, there were 3,542 entries.
FreeStar Financial Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving 10 counties in Southeast Michigan and military throughout Michigan. For more information on the Save to Win CD, visit https://www.freestarfinancial.com/investments/save-to-win-2018.
FreeStar Financial Credit Union donates to military charities
FreeStar Financial Credit Union donates to military charities
January 22, 2018 - FreeStar Financial Credit Union donated $2,800 to military charities in 2017 in conjunction with the VA (Veterans Administration) home loan promotion.
The charitable donation program began in January 2017 offering $200 to a military charity of the member’s choice when closing on a VA mortgage. The credit union has been serving the military since 1957 when it was established to serve those at Selfridge Air Force Base.
“Having served in our nation’s military is a source of pride for our veterans and they have a strong sense of duty and loyalty to our country; maybe even greater than their loyalty to our country is their loyalty to their fellow service men and women,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “There is a strong bond and comradery that is formed between men and women serving together in our armed forces. A bond that is so strong that fellow soldiers will go above and beyond to help each other out. FreeStar Financial’s VA mortgage donation program gives the new homeowner the feeling that they have helped make a small difference in another veteran’s life. It exemplifies the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” added Isaac.
FreeStar Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution serving 10 counties in Southeast Michigan and military throughout the state. FreeStar Financial Credit Union received three noteworthy awards in 2017: Credit Union of the Year from the Michigan Credit Union League, Best of the Best by Macomb Daily Readers for the sixth year, and Michigan state-level winner of the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award.
FreeStar Financial Credit Union offers $4,000 in scholarships
FreeStar Financial Credit Union offers $4,000 in scholarships
January 9, 2018 - FreeStar Financial Credit Union is offering high school seniors an opportunity to qualify for four $1,000 scholarships.
The Military Honor Scholarship pays homage to our beginnings at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. To honor the foundation of our credit union, the scholarship is awarded to a member of our credit union whose parent is active military, reserve or veterans. We appreciate the service and sacrifice they have given to our country. Two $1,000 scholarships are available.
The Community Action Scholarship recognizes students who exemplify the credit union principle of “people helping people” and serve the community. Our young members who take the time to assist the community and non-profit, charitable organizations are eligible for this financial award. Two $1,000 scholarships are available.
“Since 2009, the credit union has recognized outstanding students with scholarships to further their educational pursuits and achieve their career aspirations,” said Drema Isaac, President and CEO. “Each year, we are amazed at the talent and drive of our young members and it is a pleasure to foster their development with these scholarships.”
Online applications are available at www.freestarfinancial.com/scholarships and are due by March 31. For more information, contact Paula Rose, vice president of marketing, at 586-466-7806.