America First Credit Union’s Digital Business Account Opening Sees Strong Early Adoption

Majority of business members now start online as onboarding times drop from days to minutes

RIVERDALE, Utah (Nov. 21, 2025) — America First Credit Union (AFCU) today announced strong early results from its new digital business account platform, which lets small business owners open and fund accounts in minutes instead of days.

Developed in partnership with Loquat, Inc., the platform simplifies how entrepreneurs and local organizations begin banking with America First. Applicants can now complete the process entirely online, through the AFCU mobile app, or at any of the credit union’s 116 branches across six states. Within the first month, online business banking applications increased by 400 percent.

“Our business members have told us they need tools that move as quickly as they do,” said Kimberli Green, vice president of Business Services at America First Credit Union. “This new experience gives them flexibility to start and finish their account setup wherever they are — on a phone, a laptop, or in-branch — without sacrificing the personal service that sets us apart.”

Early feedback from both members and employees has been overwhelmingly positive, citing faster approvals, easier document uploads, and improved transparency throughout the process. Some applicants have completed the entire process in as little as five minutes.

“Something that used to take days can now be done in under five minutes,” one AFCU business services employee said of the new application process. Members agreed, with one saying, “The online app was the easiest I’ve ever filled out.”

The digital expansion supports AFCU’s broader commitment to helping small businesses access financial services that save time and increase convenience. The platform supports a variety of business types, including sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits, and integrates advanced verification tools for secure onboarding.

“Our collaboration with America First Credit Union shows how smart technology can simplify even the most complex banking workflows,” said Zarina Tsomaeva, CEO at Loquat. “By combining intuitive design with advanced verification tools, we are helping business owners get up and running faster and with greater confidence—removing the slow manual processes that have held the industry back. We are grateful for our partnership with America First and look forward to supporting their efforts in bringing efficient automated services to their business members.”

America First Credit Union provides business members with digital tools, lending solutions, and personalized service designed to simplify operations and support long-term growth. The digital expansion reflects the credit union’s commitment to helping businesses access financial services that save time and increase convenience. The platform supports a variety of business sizes and structures — such as sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships and corporations — and integrates verification tools for secure onboarding. Business owners can learn more online.

 

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About America First Credit Union

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah and has 116 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $23 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

 

About Loquat

Loquat Inc. is a fintech innovator enabling banks and credit unions to offer smart consumer and business banking solutions to their customers and members. The platform provides seamless KYC/KYB, fast onboarding; virtual cards; automated lending; an integrated portal for fraud detection, compliance monitoring, workflows, and analytics (CALM); a proprietary Loquat IQ AI solution utilizing FI data for strategic insights with interactive chat and continuous learning to enhance performance.

To learn more about Loquat, visit: www.loquatinc.io

 

Media Contact:
Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

 

AFCU Deploys $1 Million in Emergency Food Aid to Organizations Seeing Record Demand

Funding supports 18 partners across six states as shutdown impacts linger and families wait for restored SNAP benefits.

 

RIVERDALE, Utah (Nov. 19, 2025) — America First Credit Union (AFCU) is committing $1 million in emergency charitable funding to food banks and community partners responding to unprecedented demand following the federal shutdown.

The support will help organizations across the states the credit union serves address immediate food needs as families wait for furlough back pay and delayed SNAP benefits.

Food pantries throughout Utah and neighboring states have reported record lines, depleted shelves and a surge in first-time visitors — including thousands of federal employees who missed multiple paychecks during the shutdown.

“The shutdown has passed but the need has not,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “Responding to community challenges is central to who we are as an organization. We’re moving rapidly to answer those needs and especially to support the military servicemembers and public servants who have been with us since America First was founded.”

In addition to food assistance, the credit union has provided more than $2 million in zero-upfront-interest furlough loans to federal employees since October.

The $1 million in food assistance will be distributed to long-standing partner food banks and other organizations across the Southwest. In Utah, support will go to Cathedral of the Madeleine Good Samaritan Program, Catholic Community Services of Utah, The Christmas Box International, For The Kids, Lantern House, The Road Home, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry, Utah Food Bank and YCC of Northern Utah.

In Arizona, funding will be provided to Crisis Child Center of Arizona and United Food Bank. In Nevada, support will go to Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Three Square Food Bank and Safe Nest. Additional recipients include Roadrunner Food Bank in New Mexico, the Idaho Food Bank and the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County in California.

Numerous hunger-relief organizations have indicated that recovery will take time as federal and state employees work through backlogs and households recover from weeks without income.

“Families will start seeing paychecks and benefits again soon, but the financial strain won’t disappear overnight,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the America First Charitable Foundation. “Food banks and those they serve will continue feeling the pressure for months. We want to make sure they have the resources they need to help people get back on their feet.”

This rapid-response funding aligns with AFCU’s long-standing commitment to supporting community stability. Through its charitable foundation, the credit union partners with hundreds of nonprofits that provide food, housing, crisis support and essential services to members and their communities across the Southwest.

AFCU has already delivered funds to most of these recipient organizations, and will continue to do so in the coming days.

 

 

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About America First Credit Union

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah and has 116 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $23 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

 

Media Contact:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

America First Credit Union earns multiple national honors at 2025 MAC Awards

AFCU takes home more category wins than any other large credit union and was a finalist for the best of show “MACQUEE” award

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Nov. 10, 2025) — America First Credit Union (AFCU) earned top honors at the 2025 Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Awards, taking home more category wins in the $1 billion-plus asset class than any other entrant. This year’s competition drew a record 458 entries across 27 categories.

“These awards recognize work that creates real value for our members — clearer communications, better product recommendations, and community partnerships that matter,” said Zach Winegar, senior vice president of marketing and member engagement at America First Credit Union. “I’m proud of the America First team, our partners, and these campaigns that put the needs of our members and communities first.”

The MAC Awards celebrate excellence in credit union marketing. Entries are judged by industry and media professionals for creativity, strategy, and measurable impact. AFCU’s 2025 MAC Award wins in the $1 Billion-and-greater category included:

Get Your Money Working” Campaign, which won gold in the Commercial Video, Innovative Marketing, MAC-nificent Humor, Multi-Channel Campaign and Product Development categories. It was also a MACQUEE (Best of Show) Finalist.

This was a multichannel effort to build long-term brand recall among Gen Z and Millennial consumers, positioning AFCU as one of the top financial institutions considered when people make major life purchases.

 

Utah Hockey Club Launch,” which won gold in Product Development.

Following the arrival of Utah’s first NHL team, America First Credit Union introduced itself as the official credit union partner of the Utah Hockey Club and promoted its exclusive team debit card to help fans show their support.

 

Keyonte George Financial Assist,” which won gold in Sponsorship & Partnership Marketing.

To distinguish itself among Utah Jazz sponsors, America First Credit Union promoted its 30-year partnership with the team, as well as products and services, through this campaign featuring Jazz player Keyonte George.

 

‘“Unstoppable” Annual Theme,’ which won Silver in Culture & Internal Branding.

America First Credit Union developed an internal campaign to unite and motivate employees around “Unstoppable,” its 2025 annual theme, reinforcing company values through ongoing communications and events.

 

Raiders Debit Card Campaign,” which won Silver in Sponsorship & Partnership Marketing.

America First Credit Union produced team-themed advertising to promote its Las Vegas Raiders debit card, encouraging fans to display their loyalty while using AFCU products.

 

“These MAC awards showcase the exceptional marketing strategies that credit unions are using to better serve and engage their members,” said Andrea Finn, chair of MAC.”

See more of America First Credit Union’s creative, award-winning work on its YouTube channel.

 

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah and has 116 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $23 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Dave Nellis (onsite)
America First Credit Union
801.725.8735 | dcnellis@americafirst.com

Utah Jazz fans can access new exclusive offers with 2025 America First debit card

 The New card extends a multiyear collaboration between America First and the Utah Jazz, offering fresh in-arena perks; new members can receive up to $100 for joining

SALT LAKE CITY (October 21, 2025) – America First Credit Union, the official credit union of the Utah Jazz, has released this season’s limited-edition Utah Jazz Visa debit card, just ahead of the team’s regular season home opener on Oct. 22.

The 2025 card features the team’s signature purple branding and gives fans a new way to show their pride while enjoying exclusive in-arena benefits, offers and experiences throughout the season. The card is free with an America First checking account and can be easily added to the Utah Jazz app for a seamless payment and rewards.

“Our partnership with the Utah Jazz goes beyond the court,” said Tammy Gallegos, chief strategic engagement officer at America First Credit Union. “Through this card, we’re connecting our members to experiences that reflect the teamwork, energy, and community spirit both organizations value.”

Exclusive cardholder benefits include:

  • Early arena entry up to 30 minutes before the general public (limited to the first 100 members per game)
  • Invitations to America First Friday offers and special events throughout the season — a new benefit for cardholders in 2025.
  • 10% off purchases at select Delta Center concessions when using the Utah Jazz app
  • 15% off at the Utah Jazz Team Store, and 32% off if a Jazz player records a triple-double (available the day after only)
  • Access to pre-sales for select concerts and events at Delta Center, as well as various special events and experiences at games

The Utah Jazz Visa debit card is part of a long-running partnership between the Jazz and America First Credit Union that extends beyond game day. Together, the organizations support community initiatives such as military recognition nights, youth sports programs, and the Small Business Spotlight.

Fans can request the new card or learn more by visiting americafirst.com/jazz or any America First branch. Those who are not credit union members can apply to join online or at a branch, and earn up to $100.

America First Credit Union has offered limited edition, official Utah Jazz debit cards since 2021.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

ABOUT THE UTAH JAZZ
Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 17 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 70,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across six states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit www.utahjazz.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606 | dcnellis@americafirst.com

 

America First Credit Union Expanding Arizona Presence with Eight New Branches

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Expansion underscores the credit union’s significance as a financial partner in today’s shifting economic landscape, with Goodyear now open and Mesa and Queen Creek branches coming in October

PHOENIX (September 25, 2025) – America First Credit Union, in a bold step to meet the growing financial needs of Arizona residents, announced the opening of eight new branches across the state. The first location debuted in Goodyear on Sept. 15, with Mesa and Queen Creek branches slated to open in October. Five additional locations, in Surprise, Glendale, North Scottsdale, Tucson, and South Scottsdale, will follow through 2027.

This expansion, creating over 80 new jobs in the region, is a strategic investment in one of the fastest-growing states in the country and a testament to America First’s mission to empower communities through financial education and accessible banking services.

“Arizona represents one of the most vibrant growth stories in the nation,” said Thayne Shaffer, President and CEO of America First Credit Union. “As the population grows, so does the need for trustworthy financial partners who offer more than just banking. We’re here to support the financial wellness of our members as well as the communities where they live.”

 

 

New Branch Locations (2025–2026):

  • (NOW OPEN) Goodyear – 15725 W McDowell Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395
  • Mesa Baseline – 4354 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206
  • Queen Creek – 22222 E Queen Creek Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
  • Surprise – 13735 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85374
  • Glendale – 83rd Ave and Camelback Rd, Glendale, AZ 85301
  • North Scottsdale
  • Tucson
  • South Scottsdale

As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, America First is committed to people helping people. In addition to offering competitive financial products, business services, and wealth and investment services, each new branch will serve as a hub for financial education. America First will host regular community workshops focused on budgeting, credit management, homeownership, fraud prevention, and saving strategies, open to both members and the general public.

Each branch will feature modern layouts and a variety of service offerings designed to enhance the member experience, including drive-thru services, ATMs, and Interactive Video Teller systems, ensuring that members can access services with ease. The design of each branch will reflect the character of its community, incorporating local architectural elements and interior designs.

To celebrate, America First will host ribbon-cuttings and member appreciation events at each branch, and the America First Charitable Foundation will donate to local nonprofits aligned with its core pillars: education, youth programs, community service, and public safety.

For more information, visit https://www.americafirst.com/.

 

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth-largest credit union in America, with more than 1.4 million members, and the sixth-largest in assets, with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

America First Credit Union Opens Back-to-School Teacher Grant Program

20 educators across six states to receive up to $2,500 for classroom projects; applications open through Sept. 30

 

RIVERDALE, Utah – Aug. 10, 2025 – America First Credit Union is inviting teachers to apply for funding through its 100% for Kids Teacher Grant Program. The effort will award 20 grants of up to $2,500 to educators with innovative classroom projects that engage students and strengthen schools in the communities America First serves as students return to the classroom.

The program, administered by the America First Charitable Foundation, supports projects that enrich standard curriculum, promote creativity and address specific classroom needs. Teachers in Utah, Arizona, California, Idaho (Boise and Rexburg), Nevada and New Mexico (Albuquerque) are eligible to apply.

“Back-to-school season is a perfect time to shine a light on the teachers who give so much of themselves to help students succeed,” said Amber Greenwell, executive director of the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “These grants provide flexible resources for projects that otherwise might not happen, from science equipment to art supplies to hands-on learning experiences.”

The 100% for Kids program began in 2002 as a collaborative initiative of credit unions operating in Utah. In 2023, AFCU became the program’s primary steward, continuing its mission and expanding it to reach more educators across the credit union’s footprint. Since its founding, 100% for Kids has provided more than $6 million in direct funding to classrooms. https://utahscreditunions.org/100-for-kids/

Supporting education is one of the foundation’s four pillars, alongside community assistance, service to others and supporting children in need. The program’s transition to AFCU has allowed for continued investment in local schools while honoring its original vision.

How to apply

  • Application period: Aug. 1–Sept. 30, 2025
  • Where: Apply online
  • Teacher Grant, or scan the QR code on program materials
  • Who’s eligible: K–12 educators in AFCU service areas
  • What to submit: A short proposal describing the classroom project, goals, anticipated impact and budget

Recipients will be announced in fall 2025, with grants awarded directly to educators for use on approved projects.

Commanders Cup featured image

America First Credit Union Supports Service Members at 2025 Commanders Cup Tournament

Hill AFB represents Utah in national military soccer tournament hosted by Real Salt Lake

 

More than 400 active-duty service members from across the globe gathered in Utah this past weekend for the fourth annual Commanders Cup. The event is a military-only soccer tournament hosted by Real Salt Lake and supported by America First Credit Union.

 

Commanders Cup 2025 HIll FC Team Photo

 

Held July 18–20 across facilities in Herriman and Sandy, the tournament brought together 16 teams from bases stretching from Alaska to Georgia and even the Pacific Islands. Hill Air Force Base, located in Layton, Utah, represented Utah as the hometown team.

 

“This was about more than soccer—it was about honoring service and creating a sense of pride, unity, and belonging,” said Brett Greenwell, AFCU vice president member and partner relations. “To see Hill AFB suit up in a jersey we helped provide and compete at this level, right here in Utah, was something special.”

 

As part of its longstanding commitment to military communities, America First Credit Union sponsored Hill’s team and partnered with RSL to provide co-branded kits for the players. AFCU also served as game sponsor for RSL’s July 19 match against FC Cincinnati, distributing 300 free tickets to military personnel participating in the tournament. The credit union was originally founded to serve military members in Salt Lake City.

 

After group play, the semifinals and final match were held at America First Field in Sandy on Sunday, July 20. Fans in attendance were treated to complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks courtesy of tournament sponsors. This year’s title went to Joint Base San Antonio, which topped the competition after three days of fast-paced matches.

 

The Commanders Cup has grown rapidly since its launch in 2022, expanding from six teams to 20 and drawing increased attention from the military community and supporters across the country. For America First Credit Union, the event is a reflection of its roots and ongoing aim to support military and other communities around the Western united states.

 

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. It is also the fifth-largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members and more than $22 billion in assets. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dave Nellis

America First Credit Union

801.827.8606

dcnellis@americafirst.com

 

Help America First Deliver 1,500 Backpacks to Students This Summer

Backpack Bonanza runs through August 10 — join us in making a difference

RIVERDALE, Utah – July 25, 2025 – The America First Charitable Foundation Backpack Bonanza is in full swing, and there’s still time to help students in need gear up for the school year. Now through Aug. 10, employees, members, and anyone who would like to are invited to donate new school supplies at any of the credit union’s branches, or contribute funds as part of this annual back-to-school giving campaign.

The foundation’s goal is to collect and donate more than 1,500 fully stocked backpacks to young students in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah — an increase of 50 percent over the 2024 goal.

“As we work closely with community partners throughout the Western U.S., it’s clear there’s significant need as the school year approaches,” said Amber Greenwell, Director of Community Outreach and the Charitable Foundation at America First Credit Union. “If every AFCU employee contributed $5, we could reach our goal. But we also know our members care deeply about our communities and together, we can help thousands of kids start school with the essential supplies they need to be successful.”

There are specific items that are needed to fill the backpacks, as well as several ways to donate:

Drop Off School Supplies

Donated items can be brought to any America First branch. Needed items include:

  • Backpacks
  • Paper and notebooks
  • Binders and folders
  • Crayons, colored pencils, markers
  • Glue sticks, rulers, scissors, highlighters
  • Pencil boxes and other classroom supplies

Make a Monetary Donation

  • Members can use their AFCU mobile app or online banking to transfer funds to Savings account #5502281 (last name: AFCU)
  • When donating at a branch, use “backpack” in the description field
  • Community members can contribute through an online donation portal

All donations will help supply students in partner schools and youth organizations across the six-state AFCU footprint. In 2024, donations from employees, members, and the community helped the foundation exceed its target — and with continued support, AFCU aims to do it again in 2025.

To learn more or to donate online, visit americafirst.com/community.

 

 

 

America First Federal Credit Union and Meadows Bank Enter into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement

 

Strengthens Business Lending Capabilities and Adds Meadows Bank’s Premier Team of Local Business Advisors in Nevada & Arizona

 

July 25, 2025

 

America First Federal Credit Union and Meadows Bank are pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement under which America First will purchase substantially all of the assets of Meadows Bank and assume substantially all of its liabilities. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory and Meadows Bank shareholder approvals. Upon closing the transaction, Meadows Bank will operate under the name: Meadows Financial: a division of America First™.

Meadows was founded in 2008 and is a full-service community bank with six locations across Nevada and Arizona. Meadows is committed to developing valued partnerships with its clients, and its relationship-based approach to banking focuses on making decisions locally. Meadows offers a full suite of lending and deposit offerings and is a National SBA Preferred Lender.

America First was founded in 1939 and has grown into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. It is the sixth largest credit union in the nation with $22 billion in assets and 113 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, and serves 1.5 million members. America First is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping its members do more with their money.

The integration of our two organizations will further strengthen America First’s ability to provide its members with comprehensive business solutions and provide Meadows’ customers with access to a full suite of consumer products and services. It is an important milestone in meeting the financial needs of this dynamic region.

 

AFCU and Meadows logo lockup

 

AFCU and God’s Garage Honor Ogden Mom’s Community Service with Surprise Car

America First and God’s Garage continue tradition of partnering and giving together

After 15 years of quietly helping others, Dora Rubio thought she was headed to a lunch meeting with her boss. Instead, when she arrived at the America First Credit Union campus in Riverdale, Rubio was handed the keys to a reliable, freshly detailed Toyota.

Rubio, a bilingual victim advocate at the YCC Family Crisis Center in Ogden, has spent more than a decade supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. But recently, she found herself without a working vehicle after her transmission gave out.

On June 25, America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation and Utah-based nonprofit God’s Garage surprised her with a car as part of their ongoing partnership. This is the fourth vehicle gifted through the collaboration.

“This gift is going to help me so much,” Rubio said at the event. “It’s going to help me feel confident — like I can be a mom, I can be there for my children, and I can be there for my community.”

Rubio had no idea she had been nominated for the program until she arrived and saw a crowd waiting. The surprise, coordinated in partnership with her employer, brought plenty of tears — and a lot of joy.

“This opportunity just brings back that hope,” she said. “I’m just so happy and so grateful that I can be there for those who need me.”

The story was covered by the Standard-Examiner and KSL-TV, as well as Fox13 and KSL NewsRadio.

God’s Garage, which started in a single repair bay six years ago, now operates out of six bays in Ogden and gives away nearly one vehicle a week to women in need. Volunteer mechanics accept donated cars, fix them up, and hand them off — no strings attached.

“We know we can’t solve every problem,” said God’s Garage leader Jimi Pitts. “But we saw a need — single moms without transportation — and we knew we could do something about that.”

AFCU’s donation of the 2017 Corolla made this particular giveaway possible. It’s part of the credit union’s broader commitment to community, which includes supporting causes through its Charitable Foundation’s four focus areas: Kids First, Community First, Education First, and Service First.

“We’re humbled to be part of something that provides not just a car, but hope,” said Amber Greenwell, executive director of the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “This kind of support can truly change a life.”

After the keys were handed over, Dora and the crowd shared a light lunch — and plenty of hugs. The team at God’s Garage encourages anyone with a vehicle to donate, no matter its condition. And for those wanting to get involved, God’s Garage Utah and the America First Creditable Foundation always welcome contributions, volunteers and other support to — as Rubio put it, help “Good things happen.”

 

 

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

 

ABOUT GOD’S GARAGE

We are a group of people who want to help others. God’s Garage was born out of the needs we saw around us, as some of our single ladies, widows, and wives of deployed military are struggling to make ends meet. Through donated cars and parts, we are able to bridge troubled times in so many people’s lives. We don’t charge anything for labor and try to help with parts as we can. We also give vehicles away to those in need. The future is bright for God’s Garage. We are looking forward to the future, as we train people to help others, and are anticipating becoming a full-time venture, with mechanics working every day. Learn more at godsgarageutah.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com