Whether it’s helping a member escape predatory lending, rebuild credit, weather an illness, save for a home, or simply be given a second chance, credit unions are uniquely equipped to provide a lifeline when other financial institutions can’t or won’t. Check out our collection of stories below–all submitted by Wisconsin’s credit unions. Have your own story you’d like to share? Submit your story here.

Dreaming of Life on the Farm
Viridiana and her family had always dreamed of living on a farm, and they found the perfect rehab opportunity, including several acres of land complete with three barns. After initially being denied/rejected for financing, they decided to apply with us.

Financial Success Through In-School Branch Education
Royal’s Rice Lake Branch Manager recently congratulated a Member on their great credit score. His response was, “I’ve had a great teacher since I was a part of the School $ense program in 4th grade!”
Story Collection
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Serving the Underserved as a CDFIRoyal became a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2015 and has received six grants under the CDFI program, totaling more than $7.59 million.
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Appreciating the Importance of CreditA student our Hennepin County correctional facility program recently expressed how hopeful he felt after participating in our program.
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“She treated me like a person, that doesn’t always happen.”Royal offers a series of financial education lessons at five county jails and four state Department of Correction prisons and one juvenile detention center in Wisconsin.
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Financial Success Through In-School Branch EducationRoyal’s Rice Lake Branch Manager recently congratulated a Member on their great credit score. His response was, “I’ve had a great teacher since I was a part of the School $ense program in 4th grade!”
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School $enseRoyal is celebrating the 30th year of its School $ense program and is proud to operate 31 school site locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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The Bigger PictureA member called us to apply for a loan after getting denied from another financial they had always used due to “metrics.”
What’s a Credit Union?
What makes credit unions different from other financial institutions, and why does it matter?
Don’t Tax My Credit Union
Credit unions are different than banks. As not-for-profit financial institutions, credit unions put people first. That’s why more than 140 million Americans choose credit unions as their trusted financial partner.
Credit Unions vs. Banks
What’s the difference between a credit union and bank? Check out this interactive infographic!
Share Your Stories
From accounts of above and beyond member service, to granted second chances, to responses to disaster, to meeting community needs, to returning funds back to their members through patronage, and more—your stories educate policymakers and the public about their banking options and are vital to preserving The Credit Union Difference.

