Security Service Federal Credit Union Raises $10,000 for Junior Achievement of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO: Security Service Federal Credit Union raised $10,000 for the Rock-N-Bowl fundraising event benefiting Junior Achievement of Colorado. Security Service employees from Colorado Springs and Pueblo participated in the event, forming 18 teams and raising an average of $110 each. The money raised will go toward helping Junior Achievement purchase much-needed classroom materials for its volunteer teachers.

“We are always excited to participate in Junior Achievement events and activities, especially the Rock-N-Bowl,” said Rick Weber, senior vice president for Security Service. “It’s a great way for us to have fun and raise money at the same time for a wonderful organization that helps so many deserving kids in our area.”

Each year Security Service employees volunteer in Junior Achievement programs by teaching students in grades K-12 important life skills including financial literacy. Last year credit union employees taught over 2,000 students in 80 classes at local schools on topics such as “What is Money?” and “How to Write a Resume.” The program helps students improve their chances of success in the business community after graduation.

Security Service FCU Salutes Purple Heart Recipients

Colorado Springs, CO – A strong military supporter, Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) honored 75 Purple Heart recipients, stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., at the recent Colorado College versus Air Force Academy hockey match in the World Arena in Colorado Springs. In addition to treating the soldiers to the match, Security Service held a moving ceremony, during the match’s intermission, to recognize the soldiers for their hard work and dedication. Other highlights included an opportunity for patrons to “Take a Shot at the Goalie.” Above, Army Specialist Ryan Coulson aims at Security Service employee and stand-in goalie, Doug Lamson.

Security Service Receives Top Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Honor Fifth Year in a Row

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union Senior Vice President and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s South Texas Chapter President, Mike Martinez (left), recently accepted the Corporate Platinum Award, the Society’s highest honor, from Corporate Walk Chair, John Hornbeak, at the charity’s annual awards ceremony. The credit union received the award for raising more than $56,000 during the Society’s 2007 “Light the Night” Walk in San Antonio. Of the five years Security Service has been involved in the walk, the credit union has received the award every year, and has contributed more than $220,000 to the Society’s mission to find a cure for blood cancers.

Security Service Donates New Truck to Help Kids Stay off Drugs

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) President and CEO, David E. Reynolds (left), receives a Plaque of Appreciation from Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Uvalde Officer, Wayne Sieple, in recognition of the credit union’s recent donation of a 2006 Ford, four-door, F-150 truck for the Uvalde D.A.R.E. program. Through the D.A.R.E. program, Uvalde police officers visit area schools and educate students on how to avoid drug use, violence, and gangs. The program’s previous vehicle had not been replaced in ten years.

Also pictured: Julie Balboa, SSFCU Branch Manager, Uvalde.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Recognized for Outstanding Support

Pictured from left: Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado President, Ken Wasoba; SSFCU Representatives, Rick Weber, Darla Francisco, Jennifer Andrew; and Junior Achievement Chairman of the Board, Randy Reynolds.

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Security Service Federal Credit Union recently received the Spirit of Achievement Award from Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado, in recognition and appreciation of the credit union’s outstanding support to the organization. Board members representing Colorado Springs and Pueblo presented the top honor at the Junior Achievement Annual Corporate Meeting to SSFCU Vice President, Rick Weber, and SSFCU Education Officer, Darla Francisco.

In addition to the credit union award, Weber received an individual award for Exceptional Volunteer Participation, and Francisco received the Top Board Member award.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Awards Grants to Deserving, New Teachers

Security Service employee, Javier Cano (left), along with Cable Elementary Principal, Brenda Farias, and Northside Education Foundation mascot, “Apple Eddie,” present an $100 grant to art teacher, Richard Villarreal.

San Antonio, Texas- Security Service Federal Credit Union officials, in partnership with the Northside Education Foundation, recently surprised five new teachers in the Northside Independent School District with $100 grants, to help fulfill the teachers’ request for innovative teaching tools and projects that enhance the learning process. Above, Security Service employee, Javier Cano (left), who was part of a prize patrol that visited five different schools, presents $100 to R.R. Cable Elementary art teacher, Richard Villarreal.

Additionally, award recipients included Laura Garrison – Westwood Terrace Elementary, Elva Cordova – J.B. Passmore Elementary, Linda Kaiser – Anson Jones Middle School, and Kimberly Fleming - Adams Hill Elementary.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Opens New Facility at Rigsby and 410 on City's Southeast

(from left) Fifth graders Christian, Kevin, Reyna and Maya from Hirsch Elementary brightened the opening of the new southeast side Security Service Federal Credit Union service center at Loop 410 and Rigsby. The students and principal accepted a grant for $3,000 to purchase high tech classroom technology. Back row (from left): Ruby Mata, Security Service FCU service center manager; Hirsch Elementary principal Mateen Diop; and Jim O’Farrell, second vice chairman of the Security Service FCU Board of Directors.

The new service center features five teller stations, six drive-thru lanes, two ATM drive-up lanes and a night deposit box. It also offers mortgage and investment services for members.

As part of the opening celebrations, Security Service FCU donated $3,000 to San Antonio Independent School District’s Hirsch Elementary School to purchase innovative, interactive classroom technology.

"San Antonio’s southeast side community is growing, and we are delighted to continue our history of service to that market. We are also pleased that we were able to share the celebration of this new location with our local schools,” says John Worthington, senior vice president for Security Service FCU. “We recently made a commitment to donate $25,000 to schools through our It’s So Easy membership campaign. This is just one more step to encouraging our students to do better and go farther,” he adds.

$5,000 Gift Helps Elementary Students To Be College Ready

Local sweepstakes winner chooses Southside elementary to receive matching gift

San Antonio, TX: For students at Highland Park Elementary, the number 2200 is not only the passing grade on the TAKS Test but also means college ready. This Southside school is already prepping students for 2017 and 2016. Teachers and staff wear their college colors to add to the excitement but it takes more than cheers, posters and burnt orange to make a student ready for college. And thanks to Victor Garcia who was a lucky winner of the Security Service Federal Credit Union’s “It’s So Easy!” campaign, success has been made possible for these hard working students.

Today, Highland Park Elementary was given a gift that will provide teachers and faculty the means to provide students materials and technology needed to prep them for their futures. A check presentation awarding $5,000 to the school was presented in front of third and fourth graders, faculty and community guests.

“It’s all about the kids. Work hard and good things will happen. We love the kids and we believe they can go to college, these are high expectations and we know they can exceed them, “ says Manual Caballero, Principal of Highland Park Elementary.

He introduced the winner of the “It’s So Easy” campaign, Victor Garcia, as the most important person in the room. “Mr. Garcia picked this school and we will do great stuff to help these kids go to college. We plan to buy science stuff for the graduates of 2016 and 2017,” says Caballero.

Victor Garcia, a sanitation worker from San Antonio, decided to become a member of Security Service FCU and open a new checking account that automatically entered him in the credit union’s “It’s So Easy!” membership sweepstakes benefiting new members and local schools.

As a winner, Garcia not only gets additional cash for his pocketbook, but he was also able to choose a local school to receive a matching $5,000 donation from the credit union.

This is the first school presentation in a series that will eventually land five schools a total of $25,000. The outreach is an effort to support local schools and communities. The “It’s So Easy!” campaign has the credit union giving away five $5,000 cash prizes to five lucky winners. Each of those winners will then get to choose a school within SSFCU’s field of membership to receive a matching $5,000 donation from the credit union. New members who open a new checking account between now and the end of the year are automatically entered to win one of the cash prizes. There is no minimum balance required and no monthly service charges on a basic checking account. SSFCU offers several additional checking options, including dividend-accruing, business and member reward accounts. A free “SwitchKit” is available online at www.ssfcu.org to take the hassle out of switching financial institutions.

“What better way is there to do a promotion than one that benefits both our members and local schools at the same time?” asks John Worthington, senior vice president for SSFCU. “With the increase costs of so many everyday necessities, members who win can ease some of their financial burdens, and schools will have some additional monetary resources for their students – it’s a win, win situation for all.” To learn more, visit any SSFCU service center, visit the credit union’s website or call 1-800-WIN-ME-5K (1-888-946-6355).

Security Service Federal Credit Union Volunteers Prepare Over 100 Care Packages for Deployed Military Personnel

SAN ANTONIO, TX: The Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) Volunteer Corps recently helped the Alamo USO build over 100 care packages with toiletry items, snacks, thank you cards, and other needed items for deployed military personnel currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Founded by members of the U.S. Air Force Security Service Command, the credit union was proud to use this opportunity to show its gratitude and support for our service men and women overseas.

(Right): SSFCU volunteer, Rosa Gonzalez, includes CDs, t-shirts, and snacks in her care packages.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Names Youth Week Scavenger Hunt Contest Winner

SAN ANTONIO, TX: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) celebrated National Credit Union Youth Week with a financial scavenger hunt for youth. Each participant was required to depict 10 money management scenarios on film to get a chance to win $500. Sean Macias, age 4, with the help of his mother and father, Janelle and Mark, submitted the winning entry. The grand prize cash award was deposited into Sean’s SSFCU Money Marshal Young Savers Account. Cassandra Garcia (left), SSFCU education officer, presented the award to Sean and his family.

Security Service Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in San Antonio and the 11th largest in the nation. The credit union has $4 billion in assets and more than 590,000 members in Texas, Colorado and worldwide. There are 22 South Texas locations and nine facilities in Colorado.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Named Top Fundraising Team by Local Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

(Right): Security Service Federal Credit Union’s (SSFCU) J.T. Cody (left), senior vice president of risk management, pictured with News 4 WOAI reporter, Leila Walsh, accepts the honor of “Top Fundraising Team,” for SSFCU, at the Lone Star Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walk awards ceremony. Through fundraising efforts, the credit union raised nearly $20,000 for the foundation in support of medical research. Cody serves as vice president on the board of the South Texas Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Security Service Federal Credit Union and Y100's Penny Drive Will Help Grant Wishes to 11 Wish Kids

(Above): Y100 representatives, Mark Bowka and Sarah Rolston, SSFCU Service Center Manager, Melissa Bridgehouse, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas Regional Director, Sarah Gaye Connor and Cox Radio San Antonio representative, Marty Choate.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The recent success of Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) and Y100’s 18th Annual Make-A-Wish Penny Drive will help the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant wishes to eleven Central and South Texas children living with life threatening illnesses. The Penny Drive generated over $58,000 during a two-day, live radio-a-thon at Ingram Park Mall and through donations collected at SSFCU branches in San Antonio. Several area schools and businesses participated by bringing in hundreds of dollars in collected change.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Recruits Numberous Savers for Defense Department's Military Saves Program

(Above): Gerry Lopez, Operations Officer (left) at the SSFCU Kelly service center, outlines the various benefits of joining the Military Saves program to Master Sergeant Alberto Campos, Air Force Reserve.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) reported a phenomenal response from their recent promotion of the Defense Department’s “Military Saves” Week Campaign at SSFCU service centers. During the week of February 25 through March 4, over 1,600 SSFCU members entered into the money wise program, representing almost 20% of the campaign’s national enrollee total. Security Service has strong military ties established with Kelly Air Force base and is proud to participate in a program that helps provide financial opportunities and education for its military members. The campaign encourages military personnel and their families to employ greater savings habits to build wealth and reduce debt by providing money saving tips, financial awareness, and encouragement.

Military Saves is part of the nationwide campaign, America Saves, sponsored by Consumer Federation of America, the Department of Defense, the NASD Investor Education Foundation, and a nationwide network of Defense Credit Unions and Military Banks. Part of the DOD Financial Readiness Campaign, Military Saves encourages leaders to focus attention on encouraging their troops to get out of debt and save money.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Chevy Giveaway Winner

(Above): Forget black cats, broken mirrors and other superstitions -- Friday the 13th was a good luck day for Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) member Laura Perez (far right).

In celebration of the credit unions 50th anniversary, she won a completely refurbished 1956 Chevy Bel Air, one of the most recognizable American cars of all time.

More than 150,000 credit union members logged on SSFCUs online banking platform, CompuBranch, between June and September and were automatically registered in the drawing. Perez received the keys during a special party featuring Kris Winston (kneeling) and Alyce Ian (left) from San Antonio radio station Y-100.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Named First Credit Union as an SBA Preferred Lender in San Antonio

(Above): Pamela Sapia (left), acting district director for the Small Business Administration (SBA), presents David Reynolds, president and CEO for Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU), with plaques depicting the credit union’s Preferred Lender and SBAExpress designations. Security Service FCU is the first credit union in the SBA’s San Antonio district to reach Preferred Lender status. SSFCU also became the first credit union in San Antonio to offer SBA loans in 2003. Also pictured on the right is Yvonne Fernandez, SSFCU assistant vice president of business services.