First Financial Federal Credit Union recently expanded their support of the TU Outstanding Young Women’s Leadership Program with a $30,000 sponsorship benefitting students from Baltimore County Public Schools and now, Carroll County Public Schools.

The Outstanding Young Women Leaders program offers select high school students from Baltimore and Carroll County the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills and gain valuable experience that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional lives. Participants also have the chance to network with professional women in the area, helping them build connections that can support their future success.

“As an education-based credit union, First Financial is committed to supporting education and helping young women become the leaders of tomorrow,” said First Financial President/CEO Eric Church. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these programs have on our community, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

This initiative, in partnership with Towson University, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), and now Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS), marks the first time the Program has been expanded to include a second school district. Beyond financial support, First Financial staff members actively participate as mentors, offering guidance and expertise to the young women in the program.

To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.

First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU), a member-owned credit union that prioritizes giving back, concluded 2023 with over $35,000 in donations and support to several local community partners within the Baltimore, Carroll, Somerset, and Worcester County areas. Overall, First Financial donated over $300,000 to community partners and organizations throughout 2023.

Most recently, FFFCU joined WBAL Radio for their annual WBAL Kids Campaign live event in Baltimore County. The credit union was thrilled to present an $8,500 check to the campaign that benefits Baltimore youth with academic scholarships, summer programs, and grants to provide toys and basic needs for children and their families over the holiday season. 

Additionally, First Financial donated $9,500 to purchase holiday hams, provided by Hahn’s of Westminster, to Carroll County Food Sunday (CCFS). Carroll County Food Sunday provides weekly nutritious grocery packages to over 550 families served between the Westminster, Eldersburg, and Taneytown locations.

To continue the holiday giveback, First Financial participated in the annual gift drive for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County (BGC). FFFCU employees adopted 26 children in the gift drive and donated $850 towards programs at the Clubs.

First Financial also donated $2,500 to each Families in Transition (FIT) programs at Worcester County Public Schools and Somerset County Public Schools. The FIT program provides homeless students with access to clothing, food, transportation assistance, and occasional temporary housing.

The Judy Centers that work in conjunction with the Somerset and Worcester County public school systems each received $2,500 from First Financial. The Judy Centers provide support to disadvantaged families with young children and connects them with local service providers for resources such as adult education, health screenings, engagement activities, parenting classes, etc.

In November, First Financial donated $10,000 to new partner, the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute. Funding was used to provide leadership programming and resources to Baltimore County Public School professionals.

To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 1-800-903-3328.

First Financial Federal Credit Union deepened its commitment to the Carroll County community by donating a total of $35,000 to benefit three Carroll County partner organizations.

The credit union recently pledged $100,000 over a 5-year period to the Carroll Community College Foundation. Beginning in 2023 through the 2027/2028 school year, First Financial will donate $20,000 each year to the Foundation. Proceeds will benefit their Athletic Program, New Start Program, and Student Emergency Assistance Fund. First Financial and Carroll Community College have partnered for the benefit of the Carroll County community for 25 years. This commitment will allow the organizations to continue their partnership for years to come.

First Financial also made a $10,000 donation to Carroll County Food Sunday (CCFS), a non-profit organization who has played a critical role serving the food-insecure population within Carroll County since 1982. Every week, CCFS distributes nutritionally balanced grocery packages that consist of meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, bread, and milk to over 400 families in the Carroll County community. First Financial’s donation will help purchase food and resources to support their weekly distribution.

Additionally, FFFCU made a $5,000 donation to its partner of 32 years, Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS). The donation will go toward the Student Support Fund of CCPS and will give families in the community access to a variety of resources such as clothing, shoes, musical instruments, food, and clean bedding when it is needed the most.

“First Financial has been committed to the Carroll County community for over 30 years,” said Eric Church, President and CEO of First Financial. “These organizations have been successful in assisting those in need throughout Carroll County and partnering with them helps pave the way to an even stronger community that First Financial is honored to support and serve.”

September 16, 2021 (Sparks, MD) – To help prepare for a successful school year, First Financial Federal Credit Union pledged $1,000 to support educators, who often use personal funds to purchase needed classroom supplies. This financial assistance was given to fulfill the classroom wish lists of ten area educators through its “FFFCU Clears the List” campaign.

As an education-based credit union, First Financial rallied local support and gathered nominations of educators who go above and beyond from its members and the community. Nominations were accepted for educators within Baltimore County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Schools and private schools within the credit union’s field of membership.

By the conclusion of the campaign, First Financial had received more than 180 nominations, from which it selected 10 recipients. In honor of their outstanding contributions, each educator received $100 along with a certificate of recognition from First Financial. See First Financial’s Community Site for full list of recipients and to read their inspirational stories.

Cindy Jones, CEPF, First Financial Youth Outreach Manager was thrilled by the enthusiastic response from the credit union’s members who were eager to recognize outstanding teachers in the community. “We share our members’ deep admiration for hardworking educators. Our Clear the List campaign was our small way to honor and celebrate all that they do, going above and beyond for their students, schools and communities,” she said.

To learn more about First Financial and membership eligibility, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060, option 5.