By StoryStudio
More and more these days, credit unions are emerging as the smart alternative to traditional banking. With plenty of options to choose from, Greylock Federal Credit Union stands out as a beacon of financial inclusion, dedicated to serving the community with a mission to care, educate, and inspire. More than just a financial institution, Greylock is a trusted partner, committed to fostering opportunity and growth for all.
At Greylock, the vision extends beyond traditional banking. “We’re widening the pathway to financial access,” says Greylock CEO and President John Bissell. “Traditional banking is built to be very selective and very judgmental. We’re built differently. We are here to deliver on financial inclusion, we’re not just here to talk about it. We’re really here for anyone who’s trying to build wealth and hasn’t had a pathway to it yet.”
Greylock’s commitment to financial empowerment for all drives every decision and action. Guided by principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, Greylock strives to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. And their deep roots in the community give them an access and perspective that couldn’t be found at a commercial bank. “Credit unions have always been the boots on the ground,” says Cindy Shogry-Raimer, Vice President and Director of Community Development at Greylock. “Everything is local, all of our lending. We’re here. We live here, we work here. I really think that helps build the trust, the familiarity. We really are all in it together.”
As a member-owned cooperative, Greylock Federal Credit Union operates with a different model than traditional banks. Here, members are not just customers; they are owners with a voice and a vote in how the Credit Union is run. This democratic approach ensures that all members benefit equally, with profits returned to them through dividends and comprehensive financial services. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, Greylock remains accountable to those it serves.
“The people that bank here own the place. Our board of directors are all volunteers. That means their sole motivation for being there is to do good for the community. That tone at the top really changes things, it really flows down. All of us feel a strong sense of accountability to the community mission, because our board shows that every day in their volunteer service,” says Bissell.
At Greylock, every interaction is more than a transaction. Whether visiting a branch, calling, or using online services, members experience a commitment to personalized service. The focus is always on building lasting relationships, ensuring that each member feels valued and supported.
Greylock offers a wide range of financial services designed to meet the diverse needs of its members. From checking and savings accounts to money market accounts and IRAs, Greylock provides secure and convenient options for managing finances. Mobile and online banking offer 24/7 access, ensuring members can manage their accounts anytime, anywhere. As a lending agent, Greylock always puts its members’ needs first, providing competitive rates and a seamless application process. Members can apply online and receive fast pre-approvals, making it easy to secure the financing they need.
At Greylock, members can rest easy knowing their money is safe and protected. “The level of digital security and physical security that you’d find at a conventional bank, we are as good as or better,” says Bissell. “In addition to that, another layer of safety and soundness that our members can count on is the simplicity of our business model. Whereas banks are allowed to own stocks and invest in speculative investments, credit unions are not allowed to do that. So, the resiliency and safety and soundness is the simplicity of the business model. We’re built to outlast any economic shock.”
Choosing Greylock means investing directly in the community. Member deposits are reinvested locally, supporting initiatives that strengthen and enhance the accessibility and vibrancy of the community. Whether through direct financial support or community programs, Greylock ensures that its success translates into community well-being.
This focus on uplift and inclusion led Greylock to build the Community Empowerment Center in 2019. This dedicated space offers financial education and empowerment resources to all, regardless of membership status. As the center’s Director, Shogry-Raimer works tirelessly with her team to reach people who may have been shut out by traditional banking.
“Running community development, it’s in sync with my heart. My role and my department are deeply embedded in our mission to serve as a trusted financial partner. We’re about helping people at a very deep level, helping the family and not just the individual,” she says.
Free workshops cover essential topics like budgeting, home buying, and identity theft, providing valuable knowledge to help individuals make informed financial decisions. In addition to workshops, Greylock supports teachers, business owners, and community groups with virtual and in-person financial wellness classes. These initiatives reflect Greylock’s commitment to raising up all members of their community.
Charliston Santos knows firsthand the benefits of being a Greylock Federal Credit Union member. As the owner of C&A Cleaning, he found the resources and support he needed to help his business not just survive, but thrive. “My lifestyle changed when I walked into Greylock,” says Santos. “They gave me the chance to go further with my business. They were really willing to trust me, to give me this opportunity. My business has grown from two employees to 22 employees. I’m so thankful to be a Greylock member. Without their help, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today.”
People have always been the key to Greylock’s success, and that model shows no sign of stopping. “We do millions of transactions a year, but we do them really well. We’re here with actual human beings that want to build up the community and work with you. We’re built for relationships,” says Bissell.
Shogry-Raimer agrees. “Getting the voice of your community to help drive your business model is very important, so that’s something we take a lot of pride in and take very seriously. Our members’ voices count, they really do,” she says.
Greylock Federal Credit Union invites you to join in its mission to foster financial inclusion and community empowerment. Visit greylock.org and experience the difference of a financial institution that prioritizes your needs and invests in the community. Together, opportunity grows here.