As the staff of the Georgia Federal Credit Union looks forward to celebrating the one-year anniversary of its affiliation with the Archdiocese of Atlanta in February, a number of announcements enhancing the organization’s relationship with Catholics of the archdiocese have been announced. The Catholic division of GCFU is “dedicated to the ongoing support of the Catholic mission by providing the means for successful stewardship of personal finances within the Catholic community.”

This past fall, GFCU hired Leigh Gant as the new Catholic community coordinator. In her new role, Gant seeks to increase awareness of the credit union’s unique relationship with the archdiocese through visits with parishes, ministries and staff meetings.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., and achieved 13 years of professional experience in the area of banking before concentrating on her vocation as a wife and mother to three girls. She also previously served as a part-time receptionist at her parish, St. John Neumann in Lilburn. “In this position I am able to match my experience in the financial industry with my deep love for the Catholic Church. I am truly blessed,” Gant said.

As the coordinator for the Catholic community, she works full-time serving the needs of the many Catholics who work, study and attend Mass in the 69 counties of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. This position was made possible as a result of the merger of the Greater Atlanta Catholic Federal Credit Union with Georgia Federal Credit Union. In addition to approving the merging of the two institutions’ resources, the National Credit Union Administration responded favorably to the request of Archbishop-emeritus John F. Donoghue to enter all employees, parishioners, students and family members into the field of membership for GFCU. With over 380,000 Catholics in the archdiocese, the addition of staff was a necessity.

As coordinator, Gant shares the many offerings of GFCU for local parishioners. “The Catholic division of GFCU truly has something to offer Catholics at all stages of their lives; from our super savers accounts for students, to our fixed-rate VISA, free checking, home equity and mortgage loans, to our upper-class services for those reaching the ripe young age of 55.”

GFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, and like the church the organization maintains a “people helping people” philosophy. This year GFCU will highlight a couple of programs exclusively for Catholics. These include the Catholic Community Charitable Giving Fund, which offers the opportunity to support individual programs designed to foster good will in the community, and tuition loan programs, which help families to finance their children’s education.

In 2006, GFCU will be rolling out its new ambassadors program. This network of parish, school and ministry representatives will work closely with the credit union to introduce the new benefits of credit union membership throughout North Georgia. According to Gant, “We believe that those people who are part of a parish, school or ministry will best know the needs of their community and what works in conjunction with their particular calendar and schedule of events—such as institution anniversaries, feast day celebrations, craft shows, educational programs and fundraising.”

Additional upcoming events for the Catholic division include a formal ceremony to bless their mission and a return appearance at the Eucharistic Congress in June.

The staff of GFCU continues to function under the guidance of the Catholic Advisory Board, which is led by Msgr. Stephen Churchwell and is comprised of former directors of the Greater Atlanta Catholic Federal Credit Union.