Kitsap Community Federal Credit Union was recently honored by the Washington Credit Union League with first place in the prestigious Louise Herring Award for its dedication to the credit union movement’s philosophy and second place in the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility competition.

The Louise Herring award recognizes credit unions that best demonstrate the “People Helping People” philosophy. KCFCU was selected for its efforts in being the first Washington State Credit Union to offer the new Individual Development Accounts (IDA) to lower income residents in Kitsap County.

The IDA is an example of how KCFCU has taken savings and financial counseling services and linked them with governmental programs to benefit the underserved and thus help them build self-sufficiency.

The Dora Maxwell Award salutes credit unions that best demonstrate the ideals of social responsibility. KCFCU employees were recognized for volunteering an estimated 2,500 hours of community service and raising and/or contributing over $149,000 to nearly 80 community events, civic and non-profit organizations during the past year.

The first place Louise Herring award will be entered in national competition.