ATHENS, GA (July 20, 2026) |
Demonstrating the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” the Southeast Management School Class of 2026, part of the Southeast Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS), completed a community service project that supported local families facing food insecurity and made a meaningful impact throughout the Athens, Georgia, area.
Under the leadership of Class President Justin Callaway from Marshland Credit Union, the Class of 2026 was tasked with selecting and executing a service project that would positively benefit the local community. During the fall of 2025, class members participated in a “Pick Your Passion” survey, selecting from five local charitable organizations. The class chose to support The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia as its charitable focus.
The class's fundraising efforts were coordinated by the Fundraising Committee, led by Jordan Barto from Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, which worked diligently to secure contributions in support of the selected cause. Following the class vote, Service Project Committee Chair Tim Young from Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union contacted the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia to explore opportunities for an on-site volunteer project during the SRCUS schedule.
While volunteer slots at the food bank were unavailable, the organization connected the class with one of its partner agencies, City of Refuge Athens, which was seeking volunteers for a community food distribution event. The SRCUS Class of 2026 enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to serve.
Through the class's combined fundraising efforts and hands-on volunteer support, the project contributed to helping 1,361 families in the Athens community address food insecurity. During the volunteer event itself, the class assisted City of Refuge Athens in serving more than 200 families in a single day.
Following the event, Geoff and Connie Rushing of City of Refuge Athens expressed their appreciation for the class's commitment to service:
“We really enjoyed having the team volunteer with us. It was very evident to Connie and me of the servant's heart that each one of you have. We have talked numerous times about y'all being the best volunteer group that City of Refuge Athens has ever had. We served over 200 families Monday, and it would have been impossible without your team coming alongside us to bless our community.”
The organization also expressed its desire to welcome future SRCUS groups to volunteer in Athens.
Reflecting on the project's success, Tim Young, Service Project Committee Chair, said:
“The SRCUS Class of 2026 is a group of dedicated and caring credit union professionals. It was our honor to serve the Athens community in this small way. The passion this class showed the Athens community is only a representation of the work we do on a daily basis at our credit unions in the communities we serve back home.”
The service project stands as a visible example of the credit union movement's longstanding commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities. By combining charitable giving, volunteer service, and community partnership, the SRCUS Class of 2026 demonstrated how credit union professionals work together to create meaningful change beyond the workplace.
The class extends its sincere gratitude to its instructors, organizers, supporters, and community partners whose guidance and encouragement helped make the service project both meaningful and impactful.
