Safe Harbor Credit Union, a valued partner in Mason County for over 70 years, recently donated a significant gift to the Community Foundation in support of the Campaign for Mason County. This contribution demonstrates the credit union’s commitment to strengthening the community and helping the Foundation achieve its goal of tripling its grantmaking capacity.
“By partnering with the Community Foundation, we know our support can go even further and help even more people,” explained Safe Harbor Credit Union President Adam Johnson.
Having grown up in the area, Johnson lived and worked in Chicago after college. He doesn’t regret returning to Mason County and raising his family here. His personal love for the small-town atmosphere and its people is shared among the entire team he leads. “We love our community and want to see it thrive,” said Johnson.
Safe Harbor has been serving Mason County since 1952, when it was founded as the Dow Ludington Employees Credit Union. The institution eventually became Safe Harbor Credit Union to expand its membership base as the community’s needs evolved. Over the years, Safe Harbor has grown, relocating to a newly constructed building on US 10 in 2021. However, its dedication to members and the community remains steadfast.
“Giving back is integral to who we are,” Johnson said. “We strive to make an impactful difference in the lives of our neighbors.”
This 2022 Chamber Business of the Year distinguishes itself through its welcoming and approachable atmosphere. “We want everyone to feel comfortable here,” said Johnson. Another unique aspect of Safe Harbor is its shared branching network, allowing members to fully access their accounts and make transactions at credit union locations nationwide. Ultimately, Safe Harbor wants to help people with their finances, whether they are budgeting, getting a loan, or feeling more confident about their money.
Beyond banking services, Safe Harbor actively supports a variety of local initiatives. Johnson beamed with pride when he talked about all the ways Safe Harbor has helped Mason County. “There are so many success stories,” he said. “It’s hard to pick just one.”
Safe Harbor is passionate about education. The credit union sponsors the annual Scripps Spelling Bee, paying for the winner and their family to go to Washington, D.C., and provides financial literacy education and sponsorship for Mason County students through their partnership with the KickStart to Career program at the Community Foundation.
Safe Harbor also supports patient care through the local hospital foundation, regularly partners with the Lakeshore Food Club to combat food insecurity, hosts an annual Blessing of the Boats event, and more. In 2024 alone, Safe Harbor held a community-wide turkey drive for the food club, conducted the “Best Day Ever” partnership with Kasasa, raising funds for Mason County food banks, and led the 2024 Blessing of the Boats event to raise $15,000 for Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA).
Giving back is in Safe Harbor’s DNA. “It’s about making a real difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors, and everyone in Mason County,” explained Johnson.
Johnson hopes the credit union’s contribution to the Campaign for Mason County will help address critical needs like education and housing affordability. He also emphasized the importance of working together to find solutions.
Johnson encouraged everyone to join Safe Harbor in supporting the campaign. “Even a small gift can make a big difference when we all come together,” he said.
Over the years, Safe Harbor Credit Union has demonstrated how a local financial institution can evolve while maintaining its community-focused mission. Its commitment to the Campaign for Mason County represents not just financial support but a strategic investment in addressing critical local needs. Through its combination of professional financial services and community engagement, Safe Harbor continues to build on its 70-year legacy while adapting to meet future challenges in Mason County.
To contribute or learn more about the Campaign for Mason County and how your gift can make a difference, please visit https://mason-foundation.org/the-campaign-for-mason-county/ or contact Andrea Large at alarge@cffmc.org or 231.845.0326. Together, we can build a legacy of giving that will benefit generations to come!