HOPE inside Destinations Credit Union
BALTIMORE, MD (July 3, 2019) — The U.S. economy remains strong, but many Americans, particularly in the Baltimore area, are financially stressed and have a tough time making ends meet. According to the Federal Reserve, total credit card debt has eclipsed $1 trillion and 40 percent of Americans would have trouble finding $400 to pay for an emergency.
To help people get back on track and stay on track financially, Destinations Credit Union is the first credit union in the country to partner with Operation HOPE to offer free credit and money management education and coaching through the HOPE Inside office at its Parkville branch. The program is available to the entire Greater Baltimore community, not just members of Destinations.
At HOPE Inside Destinations, a HOPE financial wellbeing coach provides clients with the tools to improve credit scores, make better financial decisions, break disabling mindsets, increase savings, and manage debt.
In just the first quarter since opening the HOPE Inside office, Destinations Credit Union is making a difference:
- A client’s home was prevented from going into foreclosure
- Clients’ average credit scores went up by 56 points
- Savings balances went up an average of $382
- Average debt went down by $9,350
Destinations Credit Union will hold a Grand Opening for our HOPE Inside office at our Parkville branch on July 18, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE and nationally-recognized leader is the featured speaker. Mr. Bryant, along with Destinations Credit Union CEO, Brian Vittek, will be available for interviews prior to the event on July 18th. Yolanda Hobbs, HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach, will be available along with a few HOPE Inside clients who can talk about their experiences and how this initiative has helped them.
About Destinations Credit Union
Destinations Credit Union is a $60 million financial institution located in the Parkville area of Baltimore County. It was originally chartered the Baltimore Transit Company Credit Union (later MTA Credit Union) and now serves over 250 employers, community groups and associations in the Baltimore area.
Since 1935, Destinations Credit Union has operated as a not-for-profit, member-owned and operated financial institution. Destinations Credit Union exists to promote thrift and a source of low-cost credit for individual members. In essence, our only reason for being is to help our members do better financially.
