Leominster Credit Union was named Credit Union of the Year at the 2017 Cooperative Credit Union Association Annual Meeting and Convention. The CCUA represents credit unions in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Delaware.

LCU also received two additional awards. It was recognized with the Excellence in Advocacy award for its outstanding work with the communities it serves. This award is presented to credit unions that go above and beyond in advocacy and educational outreach in support of credit unions.

The third award for Young Professional of the Year was given to Kathy Hurley, HR Generalist at LCU. This award recognizes the outstanding work of young professionals within the credit union industry. Hurley was recognized for her dedication to the business, including her development of the LCU employee wellness programs, as well as her efforts supporting the needs of employees and the overall business.

“We are honored to have been recognized as the 2017 Credit Union of the Year, and for winning an Advocacy award as well as a Young Professional of the Year award,” said LCU President & CEO John J. O’Brien. “These awards are a great example of our employees working together to improve the financial well-being of our members and to further the credit union cause through our support of our local communities.”

Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $600 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations. LCU also provides 24 hour banking via Mobile and Online services. Visit leominstercu.com or call 800-649-4646.

FREE COMMUNITY TRAINING Presented by Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond When: Thursday, Oct. 19th, 3:00 – 7:00 PM. This is a 4-hour event which includes dinner (pizza). Where: Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. The Senior Center is close to downtown Fitchburg and is handicap accessible. Who should attend? Anyone who is concerned about addiction and wants to gain the tools we need to shift public perception, tackle stigma and create real solutions to the addiction crisis. You do not have to live in Fitchburg to attend. Everyone is welcome! What will people learn at the training? Participants will learn best practices for creating positive change in our community. Topics covered will include: community organizing, messaging (including social media), policy and advocacy. For more information and to register for this FREE training, please…  Visit us at Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond  Email us at Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond: Background and FAQ
What is Facing Addiction?
Facing Addiction Inc. is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to unifying the voices of the more than 45 million Americans and their families directly impacted by addiction. The organization was launched in 2015 in front of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington DC and was co-sponsor of the launch of the U.S. Surgeon General’s seminal report, Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health which was released on November 17, 2016.
How can I learn more about Facing Addiction?
If you want to learn more about Facing Addiction Inc., go here: https://www.facingaddiction.org/?home
or you can just Google “Facing Addiction”.
What is Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond?
Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond is a Pilot Project of Facing Addiction, Inc.
What does it mean to be a Pilot Project with Facing Addiction?
As a Pilot Project, we have the opportunity to work directly with Facing Addiction. Specifically, Facing Addiction has committed to working with us to:
 Secure increases in localized funding to adequately address the crisis
 Train advocates on proper organizational and advocacy techniques to reform their community’s response
 Invest time and resources in communication opportunities with elected officials and other policy makers
 Provide media guidance to garner press coverage to further highlight the solutions to the problem
 Develop political strategies and aid community stakeholders in the development of an overarching “campaign strategy”
How did Fitchburg become a Pilot Project?
In February of 2017, the City of Fitchburg applied to be a Pilot Community with Facing Addiction. The application was submitted by the Joint Coalition on Health (JCOH) after requesting and receiving the full support of Fitchburg leadership including Mayor DiNatale, Chief Martineau and Fitchburg Board of Health Director, Stephen Curry.
Facing Addiction received more than 50 applications from communities across the country. In March of 2017, it was announced that Fitchburg, MA was selected as one of 15 communities to participate in the organization’s pilot community project.
In addition to Fitchburg, MA the following communities were selected to participate:
Annapolis, MD – Baton Rouge, LA – Billings, MT – Boise, ID – Chicago, IL – Cumming, GA – Martinsburg & Berkeley Springs, WV – New Canaan, CT – Rochester, NY – Safford, AZ – San Diego, CA – Springfield, MO – West Bend, WI – West Linn, OR
Why was Fitchburg chosen?
Fitchburg was chosen because we were able to clearly demonstrate in our application that we are a community which is facing addiction head-on. As a community, we have demonstrated a willingness to try new and innovative approaches, collaborate and work with each other, seek knowledge and learn from each other. Our community has a strong foundation on which to build and Facing Addiction has committed to helping us.
Who can join Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond? Anyone who is interested In promoting recovery, awareness and positive changes is welcome to join us. You do not have to be an expert or a professional and you do not have to live in Fitchburg. If you are concerned about addiction and want to help make a difference, we urge you to join us!
What are some ways to get involved?
 Join our mailing list to receive updates and invites to events and meetings:
 “Like” us on FaceBook: Facing Addiction In Fitchburg And Beyond