RTN’s top stories of 2018
WALTHAM, MA (December 31, 2018) — In 2018, RTN served our community in a variety of ways, from responding to a local disaster to helping members purchase a first home to empowering youth through employment and education. As we look to meet the challenges ahead, we take a moment to share some of RTN’s top stories from 2018.
RTN Donates $4,467 and Essential Items to Merrimack Valley Relief Efforts
RTN GoodWorks Foundation donated $4,467 to the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts following the September gas explosions in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. Funds collected in RTN’s branches totaled $2,233.62, with the Foundation giving a matching donation. In addition, RTN Employees Community Outreach Committee organized a collection drive in RTN branches of non-perishable foods, toiletries, blankets and towels, baby formula and diapers and other essentials. These items were delivered and donated to the Lawrence Senior Center in late October.
RTN Receives Greater Boston Sickle Cell Disease 2018 Corporate Partner Award
RTN received the 2018 Corporate Partner Award at the Greater Boston Sickle Cell Disease Association (GBSCDA) Red Ribbon Gala and Scholarship Awards event in March. RTN’s organizational partnership and support includes corporate donations, annual sponsorship, and volunteer participation in community projects. At the individual level, RTN’s Vice President for Operations Ann-Marie Gordon has been a GBSCDA volunteer for many years, and was the 2004 recipient of GBSCDA’s Community Award in recognition of her long-time service and dedication.
Helping First-Time Home Buyers
RTN expanded its special financing programs for first-time home buyers, and continued its ongoing efforts to help members navigate buying a first home. Nearly 200 people attended first-time home buyer seminars and learned from the experts what to expect during the process of looking for and financing a first home. Specific topics included how to research a new home, the importance of good credit in financing a home and the types of financing programs available for first-time home buyers.
RTN Supports Youth Initiatives and Education
Partnering with Waltham Partnership for Youth (WPY), Waltham Boys & Girls Club and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, this summer RTN helped local young people know more about credit unions and learn money management skills. RTN presented “Your Money and Your Future” to high school students participating in WPY’s Summer Internship program and was a participating local employer. RTN presented “Your Money and Your Future” to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Workforce Development summer student interns, and hosted Waltham Boys & Girls Club Junior Camp Leader Program students for a tour of the Waltham Branch. In addition, RTN GoodWorks Foundation donated $2,000 to the Waltham Youth Environmental Entrepreneurship Program (YEEP) to sponsor a Waltham High School student’s YEEP summer employment. Participating students attended two-hour workshops every week, including one presented by RTN, to get coaching about personal finances and professional conduct in a work environment.
RTN’s Walk Home 2018 Raises $21,000 the Homeless
RTN Federal Credit Union and RTN GoodWorks Foundation presented a check for $21,000 to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in September. The funds were proceeds raised from Walk Home 2018, which took place in June. Walk Home, the Credit Union’s signature fundraising event, brings together RTN members and staff, along with community residents, local and state dignitaries and politicians, and business sponsors. 5K Walk events were held simultaneously in Danvers, Dorchester, and Waltham. Walk Home funds are collected through the RTN GoodWorks Foundation and donated to help homeless teens and families in Danvers, Dorchester and Waltham, and support the work of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. RTN has raised close to $180,000 since the inception of Walk Home in 2011.
RTN staff and guests at GBSCDA Red Ribbon Gala
About RTN Federal Credit Union
RTN is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative committed to helping members achieve financial well-being through quality products and personalized service. Founded in 1945, RTN is one of the largest credit unions in Massachusetts, with over $1 billion in assets, nearly 50,000 members and 18 branches. RTN Federal Credit Union serves more than 1,100 employer groups including two major employers in Massachusetts – Raytheon Technologies and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
