Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union celebrated 70 years

CFO Becky Schoonover, COO Tracy Whittaker, CEO Joleen Bowman, and CIO Dave Story celebrate Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union’s 70th birthday in style.

By Sarah Shurge – Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union (WWFCU) has been serving the local community since 1954. In April, WWFCU celebrated its 70th anniversary!
The credit union first opened its doors in 1952 in Willow Run, as the Kaiser-Frazer Employees Credit Union for workers at the short-lived automaker. However in 1954, it switched from being an employee credit union to a community-chartered one and changed its name to Wayne Community Federal Credit Union. Then in 1974, when Nankin Township officially became known as the City of Westland, it became Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union.
“Credit unions are not-for-profit, which is a big deal because they support the little guy more than banks can,” said Joleen Bowman, WWFCU Chief Executive Officer. “They’re owned by their members, so every member is an owner and every member has a voice.”
To celebrate 70 years in April, WWFCU gave away swag (t-shirts, mugs, glasses, etc.), and has continued celebrating every month since.
WWFCU has been doing something different every month, alternating each month between something for the staff and for the members. One month, the staff was taken externally to The Legendary Axe, another month was member exclusive certificate rates, while another month was a food truck rally.
“We want to give back to our members in many different ways,” said Bowman.
WWFCU has grown from just 109 members and assets of $94,840, to now more than 11,000 members and $100 million in assets.
“We’re owned by the people, and here for the people. It’s a people helping people environment,” said Bowman.
WWFCU’s vision is to support members through financial education while sharing the common goal of improving their financial well-being.
“Credit unions are there for the people one hundred percent. Our mission and vision never varies for that,” said Bowman. “Credit unions accept people in all stages of life.”
WWFCU is a low-income designated credit union. WWFCU’s earnings go back to the member owners in the form of lower loan rates and fewer fees.
“Most successfully, we help members in the community establish credit. We offer a financial hardship program which provides necessary resources to guide them and help them turn it around,” said Bowman.

Member service specialists Maria Pacitto, and Tracy Samland.

Bowman has been working for WWFCU for 17 years, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for four years, and a member since she was six years old.
Her mother, Thelma Dasho, was WWFCU CEO for 33 years before Bowman took over.
“I grew up at the credit union,” said Bowman. “It was just meant to be.”
Bowman’s cousin, Melanie Griffom, also works there as well.
“I love my staff and to see them succeed and grow and learn. I have wonderful and talented staff on my team,” said Bowman.
Bowman also cares for the success of the members.
I love hearing and seeing members’ success stories. A lot of members come to us to establish credit to purchase their first house and we get to see them all the way through that process,” said Bowman.
WWFCU is working on increasing its digital footprint with the younger generation.
“The community and credit union has changed dramatically in the 70 years we’ve been here. We’re honored to remain in the community,” said Bowman.
WWFCU only has one branch but is open to all of Wayne County. If you have any connection or dealings within Wayne County (ex: live, work, go to church), you can join.
“We’re looking forward to further successes,” said Bowman. “We’ve been in the community for 70 years, and we’re nowhere near ready to stop.”
Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union is located at 500 S Wayne Rd, Westland, and is open 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday.
For more information about Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union, visit wwfcu.org or call (734)721-5700.
You can find them on Facebook and Instagram by searching “Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union.”
Congratulations to Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union on 70 years!