Georgia credit unions are supporting their members and communities in a variety of ways, and Georgia Credit Union Affiliates recognizes those efforts with an annual statewide awards program. 

The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Award honors credit unions for their outstanding efforts in community projects and activities. The Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action commends credit unions for making exceptional efforts to include credit union philosophy in daily operations and member services. The Desjardins awards recognize leadership on behalf of youth and adult financial literacy initiatives.

"Credit unions are about people, not profits," said Mike Mercer, president and CEO of Georgia Credit Union Affiliates. "These awards recognize the efforts of Georgia credit unions to reach out and make a positive impact in their communities. This program shines a well-deserved spotlight on some of the creative ways Georgia credit unions make a difference in people's lives." 

This year, United 1^st Federal Credit Union won multiple awards including the Desjardins Adult and Youth Financial Education Awards for Georgia credit unions in the $50 - $150 million asset category, the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action in the $50 - $250 million asset category and the Dora Maxwell Award in the $100 - $200 million asset category.

United 1^st was recognized for various projects including its financial education classes for youth, adult financial literacy and Balancing the Budget programs, the Scholar Dollars initiative, a middle school book fair, Relay for Life and several Salvation Army fundraisers.