Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union celebrates 60 years

The credit union is located on Wayne Road in Westland.

By Jenny Johnson –

The credit union used to be located in Wayne on the corner of Sims and Second Street. Today it is on Wayne Road in Westland.

The Wayne-Westland Federal Credit Union, your community Credit Union, celebrated their 60th anniversary on April 4. Their employees are proud of the work they do, the people they help and the service they offer to the entire community. The credit union started as the Kaiser-Frazer Employees Federal Credit Union. When the plant lost its government contracts at Willow Run after World War II, the Board of Directors of the Kaiser-Frazer FCU petitioned for a new charter. . . a community credit union charter. The Board realized that a credit  union where people help other people in the community was still a great idea. The community charter was granted in 1954. Now, Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union serves the financial needs of over 10,700 members/owners. Its asset size is over $76 million. “A business doesn’t stick around for 60 years without the right purpose. Since the credit union’s philosophy has always been ‘people helping people’ that makes it the right purpose,” said Thelma Dasho, CEO, Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union.  “It really takes the right people to run the business. When you have employees that understand and live your purpose you have success.” Employees at WWFCU agree with Dasho. “The community spirit that drives WWFCU is probably one of our best features. It’s easy to feel at home when you walk through the lobby doors. The employees are happy and you know they are there to help,” said Joleen, senior lending specialist. “I think we are more than just a credit union to the community and the members are more than just account numbers to us. We actually care what they are going through. From the loan department to the collection department, their stories matter to us,” said Jennifer, account adjustment specialist.

“I went through a very expensive divorce in 2012. WWFCU helped me reduce my payment on the joint loan that I was assuming. They gave me peace of mind and a more manageable payment that I could afford,” said Alicia, cash supervisor. “We have a great foundation. You need a great foundation to build anything. We have been through some pretty rough times and have not faltered. We are strong, we are solid and we are here for the community. The NCUA may consider us a small credit union. Wayne County may consider Wayne and Westland small cities but we have a BIG heart. We have big plans and we have a big commitment to our communities,” said Ruth, human resource manager.  WWFCU has been a very stable and supportive member of the Wayne and Westland community for decades. “WWFCU is a very community-oriented financial institution where most financial institutions are not. WWFCU sponsors and donates for many community events, which is awesome. So many other financial institutions are very formal. They have strict procedures that their customers must abide by, such as always filling out a withdrawal slip or deposit slip. WWFCU is much friendlier. Members can walk right up to the counter and take care of their transactions without filling out any paperwork. Usually, at least one of the tellers can identify that member by name. Even if I didn’t work here, I wouldn’t have my account anywhere else,” said Ashley, assistant cash supervisor. Because WWFCU is such a long-standing institution in the community their members have relied on them for many of the milestones and changes in their lives. “I was just talking with a member the other day. He was in for a loan so he could move his mom into an assisted living facility. We were talking about how long he has been a member here and how much we’ve been through together. He has had loans for home improvement, new and used cars, and loans for his children’s college, graduations and weddings and now to help his mom,” said Tracy, compliance manager. “He brought all of his kids in to get their first auto loan with us too. We’ve been a big part of his life for a long time. We’re friendly and convenient. Who could ask for anything more?” Melanie, accounts adjustment specialist, said “Our group of employees is made up of people who live in the community, who have faced family and financial struggles, and are here to help you when you need it most. They have a personal understanding and always have the member’s best interest in mind.” “WWFCU has been there for the community during both good and bad times. They are a great asset and part of the backbone to the Wayne Westland communities,” said Dave, IT manager.

“At the credit union, you’re a person not just a number. I would never waste time or money on a bank again,” said Crystal, accounting. “In these days of big business and corporate mergers, I think it is refreshing for people to belong to a credit union that has been a fixture in the communities of Wayne and Westland for so many years,” said Becky, accounting. WWFCU offers more personal service than a large bank. “If you go to a big bank, you are nothing but an account number to them. Only at a credit union like us can you feel like family when you walk in the door. That’s what sets us apart from the rest,” said Sara,, greeter. “We are invested in the financial success of our members, from our youth to our seniors which is evident in the products and services we offer,” said Sheila, accounting.

“Before, I never realized the difference between banks and credit unions. Frankly, I didn’t see the big deal when people would correct me when I called their credit union a bank. I started noticing the difference when a big bank started treating my elderly grandma poorly by charging her absurd fees and making her stand for long periods of time with only one teller available,” said Chelsea, teller. “It was then that I decided to switch to WWFCU. Not only do I know where my money is going but also that my money is working for me. Now I understand why people say bank is a four letter word.” Credit Unions are self-insured on member deposits through the NCUA with the number one priority being safety and soundness for member deposits. They were built on the philosophy of people helping people–a tradition that continues today and that captures the spirit of America. Member confidence is extremely important at WWFCU. They appreciate the support, trust and confidence of their member-owners as WWFCU continues working toward their members’ financial success.