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Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union celebrated 70 years

By Sarah Shurge process,” said Bowman.
Wayne Westland Federal Credit WWFCU is working on increasing
Union (WWFCU) has been serving its digital footprint with the younger
the local community since 1954. In generation.
April, WWFCU celebrated its 70th “The community and credit union
anniversary! has changed dramatically in the 70
The credit union first opened its years we've been here. We’re honored
doors in 1952 in Willow Run, as the to remain in the community,” said
Kaiser-Frazer Employees Credit Bowman.
Union for workers at the short-lived WWFCU only has one branch but
automaker. However in 1954, it is open to all of Wayne County. If you
switched from being an employee have any connection or dealings
credit union to a community-char- within Wayne County (ex: live, work,
tered one and changed its name to go to church), you can join.
Wayne Community Federal Credit “We’re looking forward to further
Union. Then in 1974, when Nankin successes,” said Bowman. “We’ve
Township officially became known been in the community for 70 years,
as the City of Westland, it became and we’re nowhere near ready to
Wayne Westland Federal Credit stop.”
Union. CFO Becky Schoonover, COO Tracy Whittaker, CEO Joleen Bowman, and CIO Dave Wayne Westland Federal Credit
“Credit unions are not-for-profit, Union is located at 500 S Wayne Rd,
which is a big deal because they sup- Story celebrate Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union’s 70th birthday in style. Westland, and is open 9:30 a.m. - 5
port the little guy more than banks and $100 million in assets. them turn it around,” said Bowman. p.m. Monday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. -
can,” said Joleen Bowman, WWFCU “We’re owned by the people, and Bowman has been working for 6 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer. “They’re here for the people. It’s a people help- WWFCU for 17 years, Chief Execu- Saturday.
owned by their members, so every ing people environment,” said Bow- tive Officer (CEO) for four years, and For more information about
member is an owner and every mem- man. a member since she was six years Wayne Westland Federal Credit
ber has a voice.” WWFCU’s vision is to support old. Union, visit wwfcu.org or call
To celebrate 70 years in April, members through financial educa- Her mother, Thelma Dasho, was (734)721-5700.
WWFCU gave away swag (t-shirts, tion while sharing the common goal WWFCU CEO for 33 years before You can find them on Facebook
mugs, glasses, etc.), and has contin- of improving their financial well- Bowman took over. and Instagram by searching “Wayne
ued celebrating every month since. being. “I grew up at the credit union,” Westland Federal Credit Union.”
WWFCU has been doing some- “Credit unions are there for the said Bowman. “It was just meant to Congratulations to Wayne West-
thing different every month, alternat- people one hundred percent. Our be.” land Federal Credit Union on 70
ing each month between something mission and vision never varies for Bowman’s cousin, Melanie Grif- years!
for the staff and for the members. that,” said Bowman. “Credit unions fom, also works there as well.
One month, the staff was taken exter- accept people in all stages of life.” “I love my staff and to see them
nally to The Legendary Axe, another WWFCU is a low-income desig- succeed and grow and learn. I have
month was member exclusive certifi- nated credit union. WWFCU’s earn- wonderful and talented staff on my
cate rates, while another month was ings go back to the member owners team,” said Bowman.
a food truck rally. in the form of lower loan rates and Bowman also cares for the suc-
“We want to give back to our mem- fewer fees. cess of the members.
bers in many different ways,” said “Most successfully, we help mem- I love hearing and seeing mem-
Bowman. bers in the community establish bers' success stories. A lot of mem-
WWFCU has grown from just 109 credit. We offer a financial hardship bers come to us to establish credit to
members and assets of $94,840, to program which provides necessary purchase their first house and we get Member service specialists Maria
now more than 11,000 members resources to guide them and help to see them all the way through that Pacitto, and Tracy Samland.

The Wayne Dispatch · November 2024 · 5