AUBURN HILLS, MI (June 12, 2026) |
Genisys Credit Union has been honored with the Community Enrichment Award by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, recognizing its innovative "A Path Forward" program — a financial literacy initiative designed to equip justice-involved youth at Oakland County Children's Village (OCCV) with the skills they need to build independent financial futures.
The award acknowledges that Genisys' work goes beyond traditional financial education, actively removing barriers and creating real opportunities for youth as they transition out of the juvenile justice system.
A Program Built for Real-World Success
Through "A Path Forward," Genisys offers OCCV residents the opportunity to participate in a financial reality session where they learn to budget a monthly income for real-world expenses — housing, transportation, groceries, and more — while navigating financial decisions within an assigned credit score and debt scenario.
Youth who complete the session receive their own high-yield savings account, earning 5.12% APY with a $100 initial deposit funded jointly by OCCV and Genisys. The account gives participants a tangible head start on their savings journey and a firsthand look at how compounding interest works.
The program also includes a three-week course educating them on budgeting, credit scores, and scams and fraud protection — providing in-depth, foundational knowledge that extends well beyond the sessions. To date, Genisys has supported nearly 60 youth through the program.
Investing in Lives Beyond the Classroom
"We're not just focusing on programming while youth are at Oakland County Children's Village; we are actively working to equip them with the tools and skills necessary for success in the future," said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. "Our goal is to offer a financial space where we are encouraging youth to see the positive aspects of having knowledge and control over their financial lives."
For youth in juvenile justice settings, gaps in financial knowledge — from budgeting basics to understanding credit and debt — can inhibit long-term success and contribute to returning to the legal system. "A Path Forward" aims to break that cycle.
