Credit Union Supports Literacy and a Brighter Future for Local Youth with More than $750 Donation

Photo: Assistant Branch Manager of Connex Credit Union’s Hamden Branch Lamar Weaver (left) presents Assistant Director of New Haven Reads Fiona Bradford (right) with a check worth $753.24. These funds were raised through Connex’s Coins-for-Change program.

Hundreds of young students will have the opportunity to improve their reading comprehension thanks to a donation of more than $750 from Connex Credit Union as part of its ConnexCares philanthropic initiative. Contributions to the credit union’s Coins-for-Change program by visitors to the Hamden branch during the first quarter of 2017 were recently tallied and provided to New Haven Reads.

New Haven Reads promotes children’s literacy through free personal tutoring, educational family support and a community book bank. The organization envisions a Greater New Haven in which every child has the opportunity to master reading and increase their odds of becoming a successful adult.

“We are so grateful to Connex Credit Union and its members for assisting us in our mission to share the joy and power of reading within our community,” said Fiona Bradford, assistant director, New Haven Reads. “These funds will support our one-on-one tutoring program which supports over 500 students weekly.”

To volunteer, or donate, please visit newhavenreads.org.

The Coins-for-Change program charges a five percent fee to members, and a seven percent fee to non-members, to use Connex’s coin-cashing machines. Each fiscal quarter, 100 percent of this money is donated to different charitable organizations in the local community, contributing more than $13,000 annually.

Local non-profit or charitable organizations interested in participating in the “Coins-for-Change” program, are encouraged to contact Roquita Johnson at Connex Credit Union, at 1-800-CR-UNION or rjohnson@connexcu.org.

About ConnexCares:

ConnexCares is Connex Credit Union’s charitable and philanthropic program. The mission through ConnexCares is to promote financial literacy, well-being and understanding to our members and the greater communities Connex serves.

About Connex Credit Union:

As the Unbank, Connex Credit Union is one of Connecticut’s largest credit unions serving more than 48,000 members at 7 branches throughout greater New Haven. Headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut, Connex is a full-service member-owned credit union that offers members a full-range of financial services and products, including savings and loans, Unbank Checking, Smart Score credit score range, free online and mobile banking and more. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex or Fairfield Counties. Connex Credit Union helps guide and improve members’ financial lives through the Connex Advocacy Promises: We will always work in your best interest; we will work with you to understand your goals, identify your financial needs and provide solutions to improve your life; and we will be responsive to you and make your experience simpler, faster and friendlier. It’s time to Unbank! For more information, please call 1-800-CR-UNION or visit connexcu.org.