Community Outreach

“From my initial phone call and speaking with Kayla, there was an instant sense of security. A sense of feeling heard and validation that, it’s ok, there’s a way to make this happen. 

Meeting and working with Colleen and Aaron, could not have been a bigger blessing. These two took what felt like a no end in sight moment for me and turned it in to a light at the end of the tunnel of an opportunity of reaching financial freedom. Your patience, open mindedness, and discipline are remarkable.

Fast forward, Shane taking ALL of the time that he did to sit with me and dissect the paperwork and assist me with the transactions that he did allowing me to fully understand what was what and where we were headed.

Also, the time that he took to open up my HSA. Excellent representation of the customer service you would want provided. 

I know there were behind the scenes people equally as invested and I appreciate all of their due diligence as well. So, thank you!  I can say that I am a PROUD Purdue Fed member and am 100% invested. 

Thank you doesn’t seem like nearly enough!!”

- Amy
 

“After being incarcerated for six years, I came home unsure of where to start. Through a program with Purdue Federal, I gained access to their credit union services, which helped me rebuild my financial foundation.

When I started, my credit score was nonexistent, and I struggled to access any financial opportunities. However, in just one year and two months, my credit score has risen to 720. I now have a personal loan, steady income flowing into my checking and savings accounts, and I’m on track to apply for a home loan with Purdue Federal within the next year.

My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, largely thanks to Miss Colleen Shepherd, who has been by my side every step of the way. She’s helped me set up appointments, answered all my questions, and ensured I had everything I needed. The entire Purdue Federal branch has been incredibly supportive, making me feel valued and empowered throughout this process.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to further develop my business and open an LLC with a business checking account at Purdue Federal. Their dedication and support have made a tremendous impact on my life, and I’m deeply grateful for all they’ve done.”

- Lamont
 

"I have recently moved to Lafayette after my divorce with a poor credit score due to the lack of attention to my financial duties. I was ignorant of how to approach and correct and fix my past mistakes and lack of attention to my financial situation. Upon being directed to Ms. Shepherd, I have been able to amend the monetary mistakes I had created for myself. 

Working with Ms. Shepherd I was able to accept her direction and follow the wisdom she has to clean up my credit and manage the money I earn. I’m very grateful for the help that she has taken and the time to assist me. I had $10,000 or so in debt and a low 400 credit score. Upon enrolling in this program, I have been able to be in contact with the collections agencies that purchased my debt and previous establishments that I had ignored and not held my obligation in their service. She has been very helpful, and  this program has been very positive and helpful. I now have all of my debt and collections closed and amended the correct way. Due to Ms. Shepherd and this program, I'm now better informed on how to handle the money I earn and any future interaction with establishments that require my attention.

As far as a credit card and loan, I now have a credit card and a loan through Purdue Federal Credit Union. Due to her attention and assistance, I understand how to manage my money and continue to correctly handle the agreement in this.

I am very grateful that I was directed to her and this program. I pray I am able to use the wisdom and knowledge and continue further have a positive credit score. I would not have dreamed or thought I would be able to fix and correct the mistakes I had made financially. Thank you for the assistance and direction! If you would have told me 5  years ago, after my divorce, that I would be where I’m able to be today, I would not have acknowledged the possibility. Thank you again!"

– Chance

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with Colleen Shepherd and Crystal McGill regarding my current financial outlook and future goals for myself and my son.
 
Initially, I had submitted a feedback form in response to a general email sent to Purdue Federal Credit Union customers. My intention was simply to raise awareness that not everyone struggling with credit is doing so out of neglect or poor habits. Some of us are actively trying to rebuild and do better, yet often get overlooked. Many of the services available aren’t clearly advertised for people in our position, and loan requests are often denied without anyone taking the time to understand the “why” behind the numbers.
 
When Colleen reached out, I was hesitant to share much. I didn’t want to open up about my goals and challenges only to hear, “We’ll pass your feedback along for future consideration.” But I trusted my gut and explained my situation—how I’ve been working to repair my credit, pay off balances, and balance life’s responsibilities as a single parent.
 
Instead of just listening, Colleen acted. She said, “We’re going to fix this,” and immediately began working toward a refinancing plan that would help improve my situation. Over the next few weeks, we communicated constantly. I gathered information, reached out to creditors, and provided what was needed. That’s when Crystal joined in, and she was just as transparent and compassionate as Colleen.
 
Not once did I feel pressured, misled, or like I was just another account number. Both of them worked around my schedule and understood my limits. When I explained what I could and couldn’t do, they always found ways to help…never judgment, never frustration, just genuine care and teamwork.
 
This experience was unlike anything I’ve had with a financial institution. Usually, messages get lost, details get mixed up, and you end up worse off than when you started. But with Colleen and Crystal, it was the complete opposite. Their consistency, patience, and understanding made me feel safe and seen during a time when I truly needed that.
 
After a year filled with personal and emotional challenges, this process became a turning point. For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful and secure about my financial future. I’m now in a position to get caught up on bills, provide for my son, and even prepare for opportunities like helping him join the basketball team…all while building toward the bigger dream of homeownership.
 
I honestly don’t know how many times I could thank Colleen and Crystal, it still wouldn’t be enough. They don’t just do their jobs; they live their purpose. Anyone lucky enough to work with them will be in the very best hands."