The sun’s out, and so are we—active in the community and planning for an exciting summer ahead!
May was a busy and energizing month here at Breakwater. From volunteering at local events to collaborating with local schools to promote financial literacy we’ve been working hard to make a difference. As we head into summer, we are excited to work towards our vision of empowering our members and community by providing valuable financial resources and exceptional service. Our financial literacy outreach helps us achieve our mission by reaching youth and families in our community, building lifelong relationships, one member at a time, and introducing essential financial concepts from the start.
Breakwater Federal Credit Union is dedicated to improving the financial well-being of the communities it serves. Through financial literacy programming, we hope to empower our members and community with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions, build healthy financial habits, and achieve lifelong financial stability. By partnering with local organizations and schools, we can provide financial education to youth, families and individuals throughout Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw counties. Our goal is to continue expanding our financial literacy initiatives to provide accessible financial education and resources to everyone in our communities.
After a successful Money Matters event at the Portage Lake District Library at the end of April, we were invited to Kim Peltier’s 2nd grade classroom in Dollar Bay. Students were introduced to the credit union difference, practiced counting and identifying money, and explored the importance of saving and making smart spending choices. After reviewing basic money concepts, we played a fun game of Money B-I-N-G-O where we asked money trivia questions and students had to find the correct answer on their B-I-N-G-O cards. The game not only reinforced the lessons they had learned but encouraged active participation and made financial education fun and engaging for all the students.
After hearing about the Houghton High School Financial Reality Fair, L’Anse Area High School asked if we could host an event at their school. We were excited to collaborate with them to provide juniors and seniors with an interactive learning experience that would help prepare them for the “real-world” after high school. Students chose a career, started earning a salary, then had to make financial decisions about how they would allocate their income for essentials like housing, utilities, and groceries, as well as discretionary spending on entertainment, savings, or future goals. Through this event, students gained a deeper understanding of the realities they will face after graduating high school and living on their own. By making decisions about adult expenses, they learned how building smart spending habits can prepare them for a future of financial stability, even when faced with unexpected expenses or financial challenges. Special thanks to Michigan Credit Union Foundation for awarding us a $1,500 grant that was used to purchase the new tablecloths and banners seen in the images below.
This June, Breakwater will be collaborating with the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Tech to provide two financial literacy workshop sessions for the TRIO Upward Bound summer camp program. The first workshop will introduce students to the credit union difference, needs vs. wants, paycheck deductions, and budgeting for adult expenses. The second workshop will provide students with financial tips – from securing financial aid for college to using coupons when buying groceries. We hope that these events help prepare students for life after high school and support their financial well-being into adulthood.
Breakwater continues to seek opportunities to provide financial literacy education in our communities. If your school or organization would like to partner with us, please contact Breakwater’s Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator, Kayleigh White: Kayleigh.white@breakwaterfcu.org . If you are interested in volunteering at future financial literacy events, please join our volunteer network for updates.
Interested in volunteering for future financial literacy events? Join our volunteer network!
Sign Up Here!“People helping people” is a core credit union philosophy that is at the heart of what we do. Our team takes great pride in supporting causes that create a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of our members and community. Collectively, our team aims to volunteer 168 hours this year to support local organizations and initiatives that enhance the overall well-being of our community. Currently we are 47.62% towards reaching that goal!
Spring brought new volunteer opportunities and outdoor fun to Hancock with the annual Pitch in for Parks event. Held May 8th this year, this community-wide cleanup helps refresh our shared community spaces after a long winter. Our employees worked with other volunteers to remove debris, rake leaves, and freshen up flower beds at Montezuma Park. Nichole Este, our Member Resolution Specialist at Breakwater, shared her enthusiasm for the event with Upper Michigan’s Source (TV6) saying, “Every employee is encouraged to get out there in the community and volunteer. I’m glad to be here doing this… just kind of saw it on the calendar and thought it would be a good opportunity to help out.”
Breakwater is committed to giving back to the community and supporting local organizations and events that positively impact the lives of our members. This month, we were able to support Lake Linden- Hubbel Sportsmen’s Club, Dollar Bay 4th of July, Kaleidoscope’s Drama Camp, the Big Annie Statue Fund, LETR’s Flame of Hope Torch Run, Pine Mountain Music Festival, and South Range’s 4th of July Celebration.
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Subscribe Here2025 is the International Year of Co-ops, and we are excited to announce a special partnership with Keweenaw Co-op designed to raise awareness about the co-op model and how member-owned organizations make a difference right here at home.
The International Year of Co-Ops celebrates how cooperatives build a better world—through shared values, community commitment, and people-first purpose. Co-ops like Breakwater Federal Credit Union and Keweenaw Co-op prove that when organizations are built on shared ownership and local leadership, everyone benefits. Together, we’re proud to support financial empowerment, promote access to healthy, local food, invest in education and sustainability, and ultimately strengthen the communities we serve. By choosing co-ops, you are part of something bigger: a global movement built on trust, equality, and cooperation.
So, what exactly is a co-op? A cooperative (co-op) is an organization that is owned and operated by its members. Whether its food, finances, or farming, co-ops exist to serve the needs of their communities—not to generate profit for outside shareholders. As a member of a co-op, you have a voice and a vote because you are a co-owner. Decisions are made by locals for locals, and your local co-ops focus on people over profit, reinvesting in programs and partnerships that strengthen our communities.
Stay tuned to hear how we plan to celebrate the International Year of Co-ops TOGETHER!
From colorful decorations to waving at familiar faces, participating in local parades has become a cherished Breakwater tradition. It’s one of our favorite ways to celebrate community, connect with our neighbors, and share some smiles along the way. This year’s Bridgefest theme is “Children’s Books & Stories.” While we can’t giveaway our plot twist just yet… let’s just say it will be one for the books! Catch us rollin’ through Houghton and Hancock during the Bridgefest parade on June 13!
Then, don’t miss us again in early July as we celebrate strawberry season the sweetest way we know how—marching in the Chassell Strawberry Festival Parade!
Join us on Wednesday, June 25th from 11AM–1PM for Breakwater’s Annual Member Cookout — featuring J&J Broadcasting live on-site! We can’t wait to fire up the grill and celebrate our members with delicious Vollwerth’s hot dogs and brats. Bring the whole family for face painting, fun activities, and a chance to win some exciting prizes!
Did you know Breakwater offers flexible, unsecured personal loans to help you handle life’s expenses—both planned and unexpected? Whether you’re looking to consolidate high-interest debt, cover emergency costs, or fund a big purchase, our personal loans are designed to fit your needs. With competitive rates, flexible terms, and loan amounts tailored to meet your needs, we make it easy to borrow with confidence. Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our lenders and keep your finances local.
Interested in applying for a loan? It's as easy as clicking the button below!
Apply NowBreakwater will be closed on Thursday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume regular business hours on Friday, June 20.
We focus on more than just your financial journey.
At Breakwater, being member-owned means every decision is made with you in mind. We believe in giving back, getting involved, and making a real impact right here in the Copper Country.
Because life is better when we do good together.
700 E. Sharon Ave.,
Houghton, MI 49931
Call or Text: 906.482.5005
Fax: 906.482.2451
Email: info@breakwaterfcu.org
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