The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has named SRP Federal Credit Union winners of four prestigious credit union awards.

SRP was named first-place winner of the Louise A. Herring Philosophy-in-Action Award. This award is given for a credit union’s practical application of the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” for internal programs and services that can benefit membership. The SRP entry was their Community Revitalization Project. This initiative worked with minority businesses and government agencies to provide low-income housing in communities in need of revitalization. It began with homes in the Laney Walker/Bethlehem area in Richmond County, Georgia, and was geared toward assisting combat and disabled veterans.

SRP’s Reality Fairs earned first place for the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award. Reality Fairs are interactive simulations aimed to teach students about the importance of budgeting. Students begin by receiving job titles along with salaries from which they need to budget their expenses. They then visit ten tables staffed by SRP team members representing various expenses such as housing, clothing, and technology. The students have the option to spend more or less on each item as long as at the conclusion of the exercise they remain within their allotted funds. The real-life scenario is an eye-opening experience for many students. At the end of 2023, SRP had held 22 Reality Fairs in 13 locations, reaching 1,884 students.

 SRP received second place honors for the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award. This award is presented to a credit union for its social responsibility projects which benefit the community. SRP was recognized for its collaboration with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta (B&G Clubs). In 2023, SRP began a five-year financial commitment to the B&G Clubs which includes sponsoring a Family Connections Center that provides free internet connectivity, computers, and educational resources for B&G Clubs members. A “Club-on-the-Go” was also sponsored by SRP which is a mobile B&G Club where SRP team members can volunteer as it goes out to do financial literacy games. In addition, SRP purchased and assembled bicycles at Christmas for twenty-five children in need from various B&G Clubs throughout the CSRA.

SRP was recognized as the second-place winner of the Desjardins Adult Financial Education Awards for its dedication to small businesses. In 2023, SRP launched a significant initiative focused on business banking and supporting small business owners by expanding its financial services for business members, a focus that continues into 2024. SRP hosted numerous Small Business Seminars aimed at helping business owners enhance their financial knowledge and address other requested topics essential for business success. These well-attended seminars, covering subjects like tax information, business insurance, digital marketing, and government contracts, remain ongoing today.

“We are honored to be recognized with these four awards, especially knowing the great work other credit unions in our region are doing,” states Eric Jenkins, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union. “SRP believes in the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” and we strive daily to make that happen. Whether you are a member-owner receiving service in one of our branches or a member of our community who has been touched in some way by our seminars, events, or volunteerism, SRP is here to help. Good things are happening at SRP!”