Report on the Opening of New ATM by Educational Employees Credit Union and Madera County Superintendent of Schools

Introduction

The Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) in collaboration with the Madera County Superintendent of Schools (MCSOS) officially inaugurated a new on-site ATM through a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday. This initiative aligns with the commitment to enhance community access to essential financial services, supporting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

ATM Location and Services

• The ATM is strategically located outside the MCSOS building at 1025 S. Madera Ave.
• It operates 24 hours a day, providing convenient access to financial services.
• Services include deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and balance inquiries.

Partnership and Community Impact

This installation exemplifies the ongoing partnership between EECU and MCSOS, focusing on community investment and increasing financial accessibility, which supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Elizabeth J. Dooley, EECU President and CEO, emphasized the importance of expanding access to financial services to better serve the Madera community.
2. EECU operates a full-service branch on Yosemite Avenue in Madera, as well as ATMs at Madera Community College and Madera Ranchos.
3. The credit union serves over 20,800 members within Madera County, contributing to SDG 1 and SDG 10 by promoting financial inclusion.

Event Highlights

• Remarks were delivered by Dr. Cecilia Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools.
• The ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted in partnership with the Madera Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing SDG 17.
• Students from the MCSOS Early Education Center participated, engaging with EECU’s mascot, Eddie the Owl, highlighting community involvement and education (SDG 4).

Broader Organizational Reach

EECU serves a total of 12 counties across Central California and the Central Coast, operating 23 branches and catering to over 390,000 members. This extensive network supports sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion in line with SDG 8 and SDG 10.

Conclusion

The new ATM installation by EECU and MCSOS represents a significant step towards enhancing financial accessibility and community development. This initiative contributes directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals by fostering economic growth, reducing inequalities, and strengthening partnerships within the region.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The article highlights the partnership with the Madera County Superintendent of Schools and involvement of students from the Early Education Center, indicating a focus on supporting educational institutions and communities.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The expansion of financial services through the new ATM supports economic inclusion and access to financial resources, which are essential for economic growth and decent work opportunities.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The installation of a 24-hour ATM in a central community location improves accessibility to financial services for all members of the community, helping to reduce inequalities in access to financial infrastructure.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The collaboration between EECU, Madera County Superintendent of Schools, and the Madera Chamber of Commerce exemplifies multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve community development goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including financial literacy, for employment and entrepreneurship.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 4.4

   • Proportion of youth and adults with financial literacy skills. Implied through the involvement of educational institutions and community financial literacy support.

2. Indicator for SDG 8.10

   • Number of commercial bank branches and automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults. The article mentions the addition of a new ATM and existing branches, indicating measurement of financial service access.

3. Indicator for SDG 10.2

   • Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. While not explicitly stated, the improved access to financial services implies efforts to reduce economic exclusion.

4. Indicator for SDG 17.17

   • Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships. The article’s description of partnerships between EECU, educational authorities, and the Chamber of Commerce reflects this indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thebusinessjournal.com