TALLAHASSEE, FL (May 27, 2025) |
With 81% of Americans reporting moderate to high financial stress and 62% struggling to regularly make ends meet, the need for financial empowerment has never been greater. First Commerce Credit Union’s nonprofit subsidiary, the FCCU Foundation, responded during April’s Financial Literacy Month by equipping more than 1,000 individuals with essential financial knowledge—engaging 350 attendees in in-person workshops, nearly 400 participants in online financial education, and hundreds of credit union members, team members, and community participants in an exciting Scavenger Hunt challenge focused on financial empowerment.
Financial Literacy Scavenger Hunt
The FCCU Foundation joined thousands of financial institutions across the country to celebrate National Financial Literacy Month and generate awareness about the importance of building strong financial habits. The FCCU Foundation created a unique online “Financial Literacy Scavenger Hunt,” which engaged FCCU members and First Commerce team members alike in web-based challenges using the credit union’s digital financial literacy resources on SmartMoney Online, powered by Enrich. Weekly prize incentives drove participation and challenged community members to explore the interactive activities and resources the FCCU Foundation offers, including tools and courses related to money mindfulness, budgeting, financial stress, and more. Hundreds of people participated for the chance to win gift cards, theme park tickets, and other perks. Children were also invited to participate by completing financial education activity sheets that could be exchanged for treats from Sammy Squirrel, FCCU’s official savings mascot.
Engaging Activities and Community Impact
The FCCU Foundation's efforts also extended beyond the digital realm, with a variety of customized financial education events held across North Florida and South Georgia during Financial Literacy Month. Highlights included a professional development workshop on financial empowerment for college faculty, Financial Fitness Fair “adulting simulations” at area high schools, workshops for teens on managing financial stress, and educational programs for elementary school entrepreneurs, as well as middle and high schoolers on topics such as basic personal finance and building good financial habits. Events like this are held year-round, reinforcing the FCCU Foundation's ongoing commitment to empowering people to achieve their financial aspirations.
"Financial literacy is a cornerstone of well-being at any stage of life,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce Credit Union. “As a credit union dedicated to empowering generations and transforming communities, it is gratifying to see the impact of the Foundation’s efforts during Financial Literacy Month, and throughout the year. We are committed to continuing this vital work."
Summer Activities: Finance FUNdamentals
The Foundation’s Financial Literacy Month events have sparked excitement for a summer of activities focused on youth. In June and July, First Commerce will partner with area Boys & Girls Clubs and summer camps in North Florida and South Georgia on a new financial education series. Known as “Finance FUNdamentals,” the summer series is focused on personal finance with an emphasis on “fun!” These weekly lessons, presented by the FCCU Foundation and First Commerce team members, will share essential personal finance skills to help young people manage the financial challenges of growing up in today’s world.
"We are incredibly excited about our 'Finance FUNdamentals' program. The series was designed to make learning about personal finance engaging for our young audiences,” said Mandy Schnittker, Financial Education Coordinator for the FCCU Foundation. “By partnering with local organizations, we can reach the age groups that will benefit most from this education and make lessons on personal finance fun and accessible."
Building Relationships for the Future
Building on the momentum of Financial Literacy Month, the FCCU Foundation is already charting an ambitious course for the upcoming school year. The Foundation’s commitment to financial education continues to grow, offering both hands-on workshops and innovative digital resources. At the heart of FCCU’s digital initiative is SmartMoney Online, powered by Enrich (FirstCommerceCU.org/Enrich), a comprehensive platform featuring engaging videos and articles, and personalized learning paths. Users can also gain valuable insights through tools like the Financial Stress and Money Personality assessments, tailoring their financial journey to their unique needs. Schools, churches, businesses, and organizations interested in customized financial education workshops can contact the FCCU Foundation to reserve a date on the 2025/2026 calendar at FCCUFoundation@FirstCommerceCU.org. In partnership with local communities, the Foundation is building a stronger financial future in the region—one workshop, one lesson, and one relationship at a time.
