Unitus has received the Age-Friendly Business Award from the City of Portland for their commitment to serving older adults in the community.
Unitus entered the running for the award by chance. Months ago, a member of Elders in Action stopped by the Unitus Plaza branch to handle her own finances. While there, she noticed a Unitus Member Advocate working with a member in his 80s to help set up online banking. The Unitus employee not only answered his questions and walked him through the site, but showed personal interest and kept him company longer than most would. At the end, the member was left in tears describing how rare it was that he felt so thoroughly seen, heard, and respected.
“Connecting people and building an inclusive community are at the heart of our work every day,” said Jason Werts, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Unitus. “It’s right there in our name, ‘Unitus.’ Overlooking the older among us does a disservice to all of us. Their unique wisdom and talents help provide insights and impacts others can’t. As a society we would do well to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to them with more interest, not less.”
Age-Friendly Portland recognized Unitus for a number of reasons detailed in their official release. For starters, “every employee is trained on the dangers older adults face in financial scams, which helps branch staff identify when an older adult may be in a compromised position.” Further, the credit union “designs materials so older adults can easily read and interpret them. And, all Unitus branches are designed to accommodate all ages from the youngest to the oldest.”
Unitus representatives Lori Fink, Matthew Micetic, and Jorjia Fields received the award at Portland City Hall on October 31 during the inaugural award ceremony. After honoring the winners, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler proclaimed October 31st Age-Friendly Business Day. The award was presented in partnership with Elders in Action, AARP Oregon, and Venture Portland, among other community partners.
