The Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions has awarded a $1,800 grant to both Ferry Street Resource Center in Niles and Gateway Services in Berrien Springs.

The chapter raises the funds for these grants at its annual summer golf outing.

Recipients must be a 501c3 in the chapter’s geographic area and their mission and goals must support the overall credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”

Grant recipients were determined by a panel of chapter representatives.

The checks were presented to Sue Polishuk of Ferry Street Resource Center and Emil Gallay of Gateway Services by Dave Van Strien, CEO of Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union and treasurer of the Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions. Also present were Scott McFarland, CEO of Honor Credit Union, and Fran Terry, CEO of Country Heritage Credit Union.

“The Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions is proud to support organizations or projects that help raise the overall level of social and economic well-being in the communities served by credit unions in our chapter through grants,” said Van Strien.

Gateway Services provide habilitation and rehabilitation services and enable people with disabilities and other barriers to achieve their potential through therapeutic services, vocational opportunities, training, and community life skills.

Ferry Street Resource Center provides support to those in need in Niles, including GED preparation, employment training, housing resources, and clothing.

The Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions is a subdivision of the Michigan Credit Union League. The Chapter is comprised of representatives from various southwest Michigan credit unions and has a mission of community support, as well as promoting legislative and regulatory advocacy among its local government officials.