In preparation for the 2025-26 academic school year, First Financial Federal Credit Union has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County to donate $34,568 in support of their Power Hour program. This after-school initiative will provide homework support, tutoring, and creative learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
This donation will enable the Clubs to hire tutors from fellow First Financial partner McDaniel College, who will provide homework support, one-on-one tutoring, and small group study sessions throughout the academic year.
As a credit union founded by educators in 1953, First Financial understands the importance of supporting our youth in their academic journey. This program not only provides much-needed academic support but also teaches kids resilience and grit to overcome any challenges that may come their way.
“Programs like Power Hour offer students the academic enrichment they need to succeed,” said Eric Church, First Financial CEO/President. “At First Financial, we’re proud to help make those opportunities more accessible for youth in our community.”
First Financial Federal Credit Union presents a check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County for the Power Hour program.
First Financial Federal Credit Union proudly announces that readers of The Baltimore Sun have once again voted First Financial as Baltimore’s Best Bank/Credit Union. This is the second consecutive win for the Credit Union and the fourth in six years. Each year, the Baltimore Sun conducts a “Reader’s Choice Baltimore’s Best” online poll that recognizes businesses and organizations throughout the Baltimore area for their exceptional commitment to local service and customer experience.
“We’re so proud and honored to be chosen for this award, thanks to the unwavering support of our loyal members and community,” said First Financial President and CEO, Eric Church, in reaction to the news. “Being acknowledged by those we serve is incredibly meaningful. We’re grateful to everyone who voted and to our Board and professional team for their continued commitment to our mission.”
First Financial, a member-owned credit union serving many businesses, hospitals, and school systems within the Baltimore and Eastern Shore areas, strives to deliver service excellence while providing their members with products, tools, and resources to live financially well. In addition to offering numerous rewards programs benefitting their members, the credit union also supports their local community through volunteerism and financial donations to partner groups such as Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester and Somerset County Public Schools, Baltimore-area hospitals, and community service organizations.
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 recently partnered with the Academy at MedStar Health to support their Surgical Technology Apprentice Program with a $15,000 donation.
The Academy at MedStar Health supports associates who want to explore new career paths by providing financial assistance and access to professional training. Participants gain the skills needed to grow within the organization. On June 10, the second class of the Surgical Technology Apprentice Program, a key initiative supported by philanthropic contributions, graduated and attended the Completion Ceremony.
“At First Financial, we care about the future of healthcare and are proud to invest in the growth of our medical professionals,” said First Financial President/CEO Eric Church. “We’re honored to support our healthcare partner and witness the significant impact these initiatives have on our community.”
In partnership with Howard Community College and Prince George’s Community College, the 2025 graduates will soon join perioperative teams across the MedStar Health system.
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 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.
To support the graduating class of 2025 in the local youth community, First Financial Federal Credit Union has awarded $165,000 in scholarships to 55 graduating seniors for post-secondary education through its Scholarship Program.
The program is open to graduating students who attend Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester, and Somerset County Public Schools as well as private schools within the credit union’s field of membership. Scholarship recipients were recognized at the credit union’s 72nd Annual Meeting on April 17, 2025. Since the commencement of the annual scholarship program in 1998, First Financial has granted scholarships totaling $2.7 million awarded to over 860 students.
To be eligible for the $3,000 scholarship, First Financial’s student members were required to submit an application, transcripts, references, and a written essay. The credit union’s volunteer-based Scholarship Committee selected finalists.
“As a financial institution that puts members first, we are committed to investing in the future education of our youth and providing financial support,” stated Eric Church, First Financial CEO/President. “With our annual scholarship program, our hope is to alleviate some of the costs associated with higher education.”
To learn more about First Financial and membership opportunities, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.
First Financial Federal Credit Union scholarship winners were recognized at the credit union’s 72nd Annual Meeting on April 17, 2025. $165,000 was awarded to 55 high school students within the credit union’s field of membership.
First Financial Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its merger with St. Joseph Medical Center Federal Credit Union (SJMCFCU), a healthcare-based credit union in Towson, Maryland. The merger was approved by the SJMCFCU membership on March 18, 2025.
St. Joseph Medical Center FCU serves all the employees of the St. Joseph Medical Center family including its employees, physicians and contracted staff. “We are excited for the opportunities this merger brings to St. Joseph Medical Center FCU members. First Financial offers a variety of financial products, convenient services, and the personal service our members have come to expect from their credit union,” stated Tom Gronert, SJMCFCU Board Chair. As a result of the merger, First Financial adds a fourth major hospital to its field of membership which also includes more than 25 healthcare service organizations, four county school systems and over 150 select employer groups within their service region.
“We are honored to have been chosen by the SJMCFCU leadership and members to be their credit union of the future,” said Eric Church, First Financial FCU President/CEO. “First Financial will continue their standard of service excellence and also deliver all the benefits and value that First Financial membership brings. We are excited to welcome aboard the SJMCFCU members and look forward to being a part of their community.”
First Financial will continue to operate the SJMCFCU branch located on the campus of St. Joseph Medical Center. The legal merger date has been set for April 16, 2025, with a final conversion date of June 1, 2025.
For more information about belonging to First Financial and how to experience the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org.
In a ceremony held on October 30th, First Financial Federal Credit Union recognized and celebrated Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) educators by awarding 10, $1,000 Putting Students First Grants. This is the third of a five-year commitment to the BCPS grant program totaling $50,000.
The Putting Students First Grant was created by First Financial, in partnership with the Education Foundation of Baltimore County, to support innovative educational programming developed by BCPS educators. Grant funding will be utilized to plan exciting learning experiences and to purchase additional resources and supplies to meet the individual needs of the students and classrooms.
Recipients for the 2024-2025 school year include Catonsville High School, General John Stricker Middle School, Glyndon Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Hernwood Elementary School, Martin Boulevard Elementary School, Milbrook Elementary School, Pikesville Middle School, Sparrows Point Middle School, and Western School of Technology and Environmental Science.
In 1953, First Financial was created by and for BCPS employees to serve their financial needs and provide financial wellness and ultimately financial freedom to all. “The Putting Students First Grant program is one of the many ways we bring our mission to life, and recognize and support BCPS educators and students,” said Stephanie Peltzer, First Financial VP/Chief Marketing Officer. “First Financial is proud to honor the impactful work of education professionals in our community and celebrate this important collaboration between our organizations.”
For the second consecutive year, First Financial Federal Credit Union proudly partnered with the Delmarva Shorebirds to host Teacher Appreciation Night at the Shorebirds vs. Salem Red Sox game, held at Franklin P. Perdue Stadium on August 30th. In honor of the occasion, First Financial donated $4,500 to the local public-school systems across the Delmarva region.
As a credit union founded by a group of educators, First Financial is dedicated to supporting area schools that are paving the way to success for future generations. The credit union donated $500 to each local school system, including Accomack, VA; Caroline, MD; Delmar, DE; Dorchester, MD; Queen Anne’s, MD; Somerset, MD; Talbot, MD; Wicomico, MD; and Worcester, MD.
“We were thrilled to host Teacher Appreciation Night with the Delmarva Shorebirds once again and recognize the true dedication of our educators in the community,” mentioned Eric Church, First Financial President and CEO. “It is a privilege to be a part of the school system community here on the Eastern Shore and be able to contribute to another successful school year.”
For details on First Financial outreach initiatives held throughout the year, visit firstfinancial.org/community. To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.
For a third time, readers of The Baltimore Sun have voted First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) as Baltimore’s Best Credit Union/Bank. Every year, the Baltimore Sun runs a “Reader’s Choice Baltimore’s Best” online poll recognizing businesses and organizations across the Baltimore area for their exceptional service, decided upon through popular vote by their readers. The awards specifically honor these businesses for their remarkable dedication to local service and consumer experience.
First Financial, a member-owned credit union serving many businesses, hospitals, and school systems within the Baltimore and Eastern Shore areas, strives to deliver service excellence while providing their members with products, tools, and resources to live financially well. In addition to offering numerous rewards programs benefitting their members, the credit union also supports their local community through volunteerism and financial donations to partner groups such as Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester and Somerset County Public Schools, Baltimore-area hospitals, and community service organizations.
“We are humbled to receive this award yet again by our loyal members and community,” said First Financial President and CEO, Eric Church, in reaction to the news. “To be recognized by those you serve is truly the highest honor. We are thankful for all who voted and everyone at First Financial who contributed to this award.”
To learn more about being a part of the First Financial difference, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.
To support the graduating class of 2024 in the local youth community, First Financial Federal Credit Union has granted 54 graduating seniors a total of $162,000 in scholarships for post-secondary institutions through its Scholarship Program.
The program is open to graduating students who attend Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester, and Somerset County Public Schools as well as private schools within the credit union’s field of membership. This marks the 26th year of the program with scholarships totaling $2.5 million awarded to over 800 students. The scholarship recipients were recognized at the credit union’s 71st Annual Meeting on April 18, 2024.
To be eligible for the $3,000 scholarship, First Financial’s student members were required to submit an application, transcripts, references, and a written essay. The credit union’s volunteer-based Scholarship Committee selected finalists.
“One of the greatest aspects of Youth Outreach at First Financial is our annual Scholarship program,” stated Cindy Jones, Youth Outreach Manager of First Financial. “I am grateful for the opportunity that we provide to the students within the communities we serve, and I am proud to serve on the Scholarship Committee.”
To learn more about First Financial and membership opportunities, visit firstfinancial.org or call Member Services at 410-321-6060.
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