American 1 contributed over $1 Million to its communities in 2019

American 1 is currently holding a bottle drive to raise money for the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council, Inc. and sponsored a half-court shoot-out at the Manchester High School boy’s varsity basketball game on Friday.

submitted by American 1 Credit Union

American 1 has been putting community first through sponsorships, donations, major gifts, and volunteer efforts since they were founded in 1950.

“We want to create a lasting impact in the communities we serve,” said Martha Fuerstenau, President/CEO of American 1. “American 1 and our Board of Directors are passionate about contributing to the growth and education of our communities through purposeful donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.”

In 2019 American 1 gave to 255 organizations in Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Calhoun counties totaling more than $1 million. Some of the most notable giving was $600,000 to the Jackson YMCA toward their capital campaign and $250,000 to Spring Arbor University for The Arena Sponsored by American 1 Credit Union. An additional $151,287 in funding was gifted to area nonprofit organizations including Hot Air Jubilee, Talons Out Honor Flight, Bright Walls, and many more.

“American 1 developed the Community Partnerships department to emphasize the importance of consistent and thoughtful community engagement. I am proud to work for an organization and lead a team that genuinely values community,” said Janelle Merritt, VP of Community Partnerships.

Other American 1 community initiatives included:

• Partnered with nine credit unions through the Southern Michigan Chapter of Credit Unions to abolish $2.5 million in medical debt for 3,182 people in surrounding counties
• Joined forces with CP Federal Credit Union to host the 19^th Annual Hit ‘em Fore Hospice Golf Benefit and raised a record-breaking $65,000 to benefit the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home
• Provided $10,000 in scholarships to 10 graduating seniors through Skip-a-Pay program
• Donated 15,840 bottles of water to community events
• Contributed 428 hours of Volunteer Time Off by American 1 staff members

Established in 1950, American 1 Credit Union today serves over 57,000 members with branches in Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Lenawee, and Wayne counties. American 1 is proud to serve the members of their communities by creating financial wellness through personal everyday banking.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.