In the News

Michigan Legacy Credit Union announces support of Detroit nonprofit, The Konnection, with $20,000 gift

Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero; EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726

Wyandotte, Mich. — August 20, 2024 — Living out “concern for community,” one of the seven Cooperative Principles that guide credit unions, Michigan Legacy Credit Union announced a $20,000 donation this month to support The Konnection, a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring youth to broaden their horizons through positive relationships and healthy connections. The organization helps improve student academic performance and attendance by providing after-school mentoring programs, school-wide competitions, and essential resources for basic needs. The gift was announced by Michigan Legacy Credit Union’s CEO, Carma Peters.

“We are thrilled to make this gift to The Konnection. The organization is doing important work to impact the lives of youth at a critical point in their development and has established strong metrics improving student attendance in a short amount of time,” Peters remarked. “This contribution is the start of what we hope will be a meaningful, long-lasting partnership and serve as a means to grow The Konnection and expand its outreach.”

The Konnection, which was established in 2020 and commenced services in 2022 due to Covid delays, was founded by Sharnese Marshall, an experienced nonprofit leader who lives by the motto “to whom much is given, much is required.” Marshall was raised in a supportive family with engaged parents and has a passion for combating absenteeism in schools by aiming to provide students the support she received as a child. The organization partners with underserved Detroit schools to offer a variety of services categorized as Klubs, Kudos and Klosets to ultimately increase school attendance and student motivation to attend school.

Konnection Klubs offer mentoring, academic enrichment, and career exploration to middle and high school youth, along with a nontraditional summer camp experience that takes them beyond their zip code. Konnection Kudos provides an exciting, high-energy, out-of-the-classroom experience once a quarter to celebrate students with the highest attendance rates. Lastly, Konnection Klosets are resource closets within schools that supply students with school supplies, hygiene items, non-perishable goods, and clothing, while also offering a safe space for teens to participate in social-emotional workshops, career exploration, and life skills programs.

“As the founder of The Konnection, I deeply believe that it truly takes a village to uplift our youth. Michigan Legacy Credit Union’s generous gift is more than just a donation—it’s a testament to the power of the community coming together to care about the well-being and future of our students,” Marshall remarked. “We are incredibly grateful for the support, but even more excited about the long-term relationship we are building. Together, we look forward to making an impact and changing lives, one student at a time.”

In addition to the monetary donation to The Konnection, Michigan Legacy is continuing its concern for community by running a school supplies drive throughout August at all of its five Southeast Michigan branches and is also accepting donations made through the credit union’s PayPal to purchase supplies. All of the supplies collected will be donated to The Konnection to help stock its Klosets serving high risk schools in Southeast Michigan.

About The Konnection

The Konnection is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth through positive relationships, meaningful connections, and transformative experiences. Focused on improving academic performance and attendance, The Konnection provides after-school mentoring programs, school-wide competitions, and essential resources to students in underserved communities. The organization is committed to removing barriers to education and expanding opportunities for youth to explore the world beyond their neighborhoods. For more information, visit: www.thekonnection.org.

About Michigan Legacy Credit Union

Michigan Legacy Credit Union (MLCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving members who live, work, worship, attend school, or own a business in the state of Michigan. Michigan Legacy Credit Union is committed to providing quality financial services at a competitive price, delivered professionally and efficiently while keeping member/owners and their needs first. For additional information on MLCU, visit: www.michiganlegacycu.org.