We love our Corporate Partners, and this week, we’re proud to spotlight Widget Financial, Corporate Partner of Iroquois Elementary, a United Way Community School.
Widget became a Corporate Partner in 2018, and while their financial support at Iroquois is vital, what truly sets them apart is their hands-on involvement. Widget team members regularly donate their time across United Way Community Schools—volunteering, leading programs, and supporting special projects, including at Elk Valley Elementary. Their commitment reflects what it truly means to give back by investing both resources and people.
We recently spoke with Mike Williams, Vice President of Marketing at Widget Financial, to learn more about why this partnership matters.
Why did Widget Financial commit to investing in the Iroquois Community School strategy and supporting special projects at other United Way Community Schools?
According to Williams, being a credit union in Erie means doing more than opening accounts and approving loans; it means showing up for neighbors in meaningful ways. Partnering with Iroquois Elementary through the Community School Model is one of those ways.
"Many Widget members, employees, and their families live, work, and attend school in this community. When students walk into Iroquois each day, they represent Erie’s future—future tellers, teachers, small business owners, and community leaders. Investing in the Community School model allows Widget to support students where it matters most: inside the school building."
Williams shared that Widget was drawn to the Community School Model because it brings the right partners together to meet the unique needs of each school community, an approach that closely mirrors Widget’s philosophy around financial wellness.
“It’s about meeting people where they are and connecting them with the tools and support they need to move forward,” he explained. “When students are surrounded by strong supports, the entire community benefits, much like gears turning smoothly together.”
How does investing upstream in our most precious human capital align with Widget’s corporate philosophy?
“Our philosophy is simple,” Williams said. “When people do better, the whole community does better. That’s the heart of the credit union movement—and the heart of Widget Financial.”
He explained that upstream investment in young people reflects the same mindset Widget applies with its members every day. Whether helping someone build credit, save for emergencies, or understand their finances, the goal is always to remove barriers so individuals can make real choices about their future. Community Schools do the same for students, addressing non-academic barriers so kids can focus on learning, growing, and thriving.
Williams believes that opportunity should never depend on a ZIP code or a family’s income. "As a member-owned credit union, Widget is built on the belief that everyone deserves access to fair resources, clear information, and opportunities to move ahead. Supporting Community Schools is a natural extension of that belief. Academic success opens doors to careers, entrepreneurship, homeownership, and long-term financial stability."
Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, neighbors, and community leaders. By investing in them now, Widget Financial is helping build a stronger, more resilient Erie for generations to come.
We are incredibly grateful for Widget’s support of the United Way Community School Model. Their commitment, both in and beyond the classroom, strengthens not only students and families, but the entire community.
