Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union Hosts Educational Forums

Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union in Lakewood, New York,  held three educational forums (October 29 and 30, 2024) on elder scam prevention. Sessions featured representatives from AARP-NY, the Secret Service, Disabled American Veterans, Center for Elder Law and Justice, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Dpt. The credit union's CEO, John Felton, moderated the gatherings, sharing insights and providing guidance on ways to stay safe from financial scams and fraud. 

Navigant Credit Union in Rhode Island has made a commitment in 2024 to educate its members and communities on the topic of elder financial exploitation prevention. The quarterly gatherings  featured a panel of community leaders and experts offering guidance to audiences of older adults, their caregivers and family members on ways to recognize today's many scams and how to stay safe. The kickoff session was held in Woonsocket, RI, on March 14, attracting Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee to lend his support to all for their efforts to keep older adults safe.  Additional sessions during 2024 were held in Wakefield, RI; North Providence, RI; and Greenville, RI.

In an effort to promote the observance World Elder Abuse Awareness month celebrating a theme of “Prioritizing Dignity, Safety, and Wellbeing for Older Survivors of All Identities,” Homefield Credit Union in Grafton, Massachusetts, hosted an educational forum on Thursday, June 6, at the Grafton Senior Center featuring a cast of subject-matter experts who discussed today’s growing trend of financial scams and fraud targeting older adults.  

Reaching into  the photo archives, here is a brief sampling of the various ways Walt Laskos  managed a credit union initiative designed to ensure seniors are informed and aware of today's financial scams and fraud, while also providing them with guidance on  ways to stay safe from becoming a victim. The initiative, launched in 2017 and conducted on behalf of the Cooperative Credit Union Association, addressed audiences of older adults throughout the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Delaware. 

Recaling special people and experiences that not only helped to influence the credit union industry but also shape and guide a mission Walt has embraced, dedicated to the protection of older adults from financial scams and fraud.