 | Our Program KDS Credit Union 26 Years of Excellent Service!
The Kent Denver Credit Union was started in September 1984 by math teacher Donna Duvall-Serrano with the intention of providing students the opportunity to participate in and learn about the financial world through hands-on experience. Aside from being one of the first scholastic credit unions established, our branch is managed by Tracy Wittmer and staffed by students, providing a unique hands-on experience.
Our student-run credit union is the largest and most active of any student-run credit union in the country. Approximately 60% of the school community holds an account at our branch. In addition, our deposits total nearly $2 million from the school community alone. Our credit union caters to a wide range of members including students, employees, alumni, family members, and school organizations and clubs.
Our branch is a fully functional banking institution that prides itself on being student-run. Westerra was recently awarded the top rating for safety and soundness by Bauer Financial, and depositors are now insured up to $250,000. As a part of the Westerra Credit Union community, our access is not limited to school hours. We have full service online access, as well as 160 local locations and over 3,800 nationwide – you can use a Westerra branch or any Colorado CU Service center. Also, more than 800 local free ATMs and 28,000 nationwide are available for use by our members. We offer CDs, loans, mortgages, and debit, ATM, and credit cards, as well as checking and savings Accounts. Please visit www.westerracu.com for more information.
Many of our faculty are members of the Kent Denver Credit Union branch. Here are two testimonials from frequents users:
Ms. Michelle Neely, Math Teacher:
“I love being a Westerra Credit Union member! Having banked with only credit unions for over a decade, I love their convenience, low costs (if any), and overall flexibility while working with me. Westerra’s location, here on our campus, makes my membership with them all that more valuable to me. It is so easy to have a portion of my paycheck deposited in a savings account that I try not to use. However, I am able to access my money easily and quickly whenever necessary. How many banks are so convenient that you can get to them on your way to lunch? I highly encourage you to become a member. Please come speak with me if you have any further questions.”
Mrs. Katie Thomas, Upper School Spanish Teacher, Peer Tutoring Program:
“We’re fortunate to have such a handy service at our fingertips! Zipping to the Credit Union during the lunch hour is an extremely convenient way to cash a Payflex reimbursement check, deposit the loose change you find in the hallways, get a check to mail to a creditor, or simply learn some names of kids you don’t already know. Getting to another bank during regular business hours is a hassle, so I appreciate being able to take care of my banking needs here at school. An added bonus is that we get to watch the kids in action as they enthusiastically greet us, add, subtract, search various computer screens, and ask us to please correctly fill out the paperwork, which I’m still trying to perfect. I recommend opening an account––even if you elect not to have the Credit Union handle all of your finances––because it’s a terrific way to support our kids. Plus, I know all of my hallway change is in safe hands!”
Please stop by and see us if you have any questions!
Kelsey Repine
President of Kent Denver Credit Union
Krepine10@Kentdenver.org
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| | Tracy Wittmer
WCU-Kent Denver Branch Manager
Kent Denver School
4000 E. Quincy Ave.
Englewood, CO 80113
(303) 770-7660, ext. 272
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LOAN COMMITTEE NEWSEven though it is still pretty rough out there economically, the Kent Denver branch of the Westerra Credit Union is as strong as ever. Part of this strength comes from each of the members being a partial owner in the bank, versus in a commercial bank in which the market dictates the finances. And as a branch of Westerra, the Kent Denver Credit Union is able to benefit from the financial security of the Credit Union. We are insured through the NCUA up to $250,000 per member, per account.
The Westerra credit union is offering some exciting opportunities to Kent Denver students. Anyone over the age of 16 is able to open a checking account, which in turn allows them to use personal checks, debit cards, or ATM cards. For each new checking account opened, the student automatically receives $100. Another great benefit we offer is that if anyone refers a friend or family member to Westerra, that person will automatically be given $20 into their account.
This year, Westerra will allow students who are 18 or older to acquire Visa credit cards with a $1,000 limit. No income is required. This is a good way for a student to begin establishing credit before he or she leaves for college. Students can go to www.westerracu.com to apply. They can even set their own minimum payment!
We offer many other services as well: car loans, mortgages, and Certificates of Deposit. We can refer you to a loan officer if you are interested in a car loan or mortgage. Rates have never been more competitive and readily available for Westerra Credit Union members.
Thank you very much, and we are looking forward to an exciting year.
Patrick Crowley
Head of Loan Committee
John Wattles
Assistant Head |
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