At Peach State, our mission goes beyond banking. While it’s important to provide exceptional member service and affordable financial products, we also believe it’s our responsibility to help the communities we serve. We’d like to share more about our commitment to service and giving back – but to do that, first we need to tell you a bit about who we are and how we came to be.
Our story began 65 years ago when a group of educators saw a need for the teachers of Gwinnett County Public Schools to have a credit union. Back then, asking for a loan at a bank on a teacher’s salary was unheard of, and many educators had trouble making ends meet. Gwinnett Teachers Federal Credit Union was created so that all employees at the school system could receive the financial assistance they needed.
The credit union started from humble beginnings, with a cardboard box in the back of a station wagon and folders for each member. There was no office at that time, just the desire to make a difference. The credit union eventually moved into a closet in Central Gwinnett Vocational School which served as its first office. It wasn’t until 1973 that the first full-time employee, Peggy Kilgroe, was hired. Peggy is is still happily working hard at the credit union today!
Over the years, the credit union grew, offering more financial products as well as expanding its service area to counties outside of Gwinnett. In 2012, the Board of Directors voted to change the name to Peach State Federal Credit Union to better reflect our service area. Unlike traditional banks, credit unions have always been member-owned, serving members rather than customers. This structure allows us to remain focused on the financial well-being of those we serve. Today, Peach State proudly serves over 70,000 members with 29 branches!
Unlike traditional banks, credit unions are member-owned, serving members rather than customers. This structure allows us to remain focused on the financial well-being of those we serve. We’re grateful to our members for the trust they place in us to serve their financial needs each and every day. It’s because of this trust that our team is guided by a set of core values that are at the forefront of all we do:
In 2019, the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Visa Debit Card Program was created to put our charitable contributions, scholarship program, and support of the arts and education on a self-sustaining path for the future. Two years later, the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation was established to fight food insecurity, help local non-profits, and support the arts and school systems in our service area. It’s important to note that credit unions are not-for-profit organizations, making us dramatically different from other financial institutions. Credit unions are committed to service and follow a people first philosophy – not profit. We believe that we have a responsibility to serve our community, which ensures that our focus remains on improving the lives of all our neighbors and beyond. Since 2019, we’ve donated over $3 million and supported more than 300 organizations!
Now, here’s the best part – for every purchase our members make with a Peach State FCU Visa Debit Card, the credit union donates a nickel to the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation!1 Together we can make a positive impact in our communities.
You’re probably wondering about our use of the word C.A.R.E.S. It’s an acronym that stands for Community, Arts, Responsibility, Education, and Service. But it’s really more than just an acronym – each letter represents the positive impacts we’re making in the communities we serve.
Community - At Peach State, supporting our members and the communities they call home is part of who we are. Through ongoing efforts like helping local food banks, nonprofits and contributing to causes that make a difference, we’re committed to giving back year-round. We believe strong communities are built through connection, support, and service. That’s why we regularly invest in charitable initiatives that help our neighbors thrive!
Arts - We’re proud to support local art programs and community theaters that bring creativity and inspiration to our neighborhoods. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy creative expression. By supporting these programs, we help make the arts more accessible for all.
Responsibility - Peach State is committed to helping our members and communities build a stronger financial future. Through financial education, smart savings strategies, and responsible lending, we provide the tools and resources needed to support our members’ long term financial well-being. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we focus on delivering affordable products and services that help our members make the most of their money.
Education - Education is the foundation on which we were built, and it continues to be a key part of our mission today. Some of the ways we honor our roots in education are through our annual Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships and educational grants for high school students and adult members seeking to advance their careers. We also support educational programs, youth activities, and more in our local communities.
Services - Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our member-owners. We provide affordable, high quality financial products and services that support our members’ needs. We’re committed to empowering our members by offering financial education, tools, and resources to help them build and maintain healthy financial habits. Just as we care for our members and communities, we also invest in our employees through continued education opportunities and meaningful benefits that support their growth and well-being.
What began as a simple idea to help local educators has grown into a credit union serving more than 70,000 members across Georgia and South Carolina. While much has changed over the years, our commitment to putting people first remains the same. We’re grateful to our members for the trust they place in us and for being an important part of our story. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to helping people, strengthening communities, and making a difference for generations to come!
1 $0.05 per transaction of Peach State Federal Credit Union’s merchant interchange income from our Visa Debit Card program is used to benefit the communities we serve. We will determine where/how funds are disbursed. This does not affect members’ accounts, nor will any member information be disclosed. You will not incur any additional fees or charges from this program. Merchant interchange income is derived from fees that a merchant pays to accept credit/debit card payments. The C.A.R.E.S. program may or may not apply to ATM transactions, certain commercial transactions, or other transactions not processed by Visa.