Amanda Merz, community impact manager of SAFE CU (Folsom, CA), is Credit Union Magazine’s 2023 “Credit Union Hero of the Year”!
“Amanda Merz takes a holistic approach to her work,” says Credit Union Magazine publisher Michelle Willits. “She has a well-rounded focus on the physical, mental and financial health of members and the community. She knows the smallest actions can make the biggest impact.”
This year’s Credit Union Heroes demonstrate leadership through community initiatives, movement advocacy, exceptional member service, and a dedication to credit unions’ people helping people philosophy. Merz demonstrates that by going out into her community and helping those in need, seeing firsthand the impact small kindness can have on those who find themselves in a hardship.
For example, before an event to serve homeless veterans, thieves broke into a warehouse and took shoes designated for former servicemembers. SAFE stepped up, purchasing replacement shoes for the veterans.
During the event, a participant thanked Merz for providing shoes and other resources that assisted his transition to civilian life. Merz says, “He was so thankful he could transition from military service to having value as a civilian. And it felt great to be part of that with him. It meant a lot.”
Merz also works with a range of organizations that focus on SAFE’s three pillars of philanthropy: education, health care, and veterans. Read about Merz and the other Heroes at news.cuna.org/cuhero.
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