Freedom’s Story Begins in 1922
Freedom’s story began in 1922 when it was originally chartered as the Western Massachusetts Telephone Workers Credit Union. From a small office in the telephone company building on Worthington Street in Springfield, Massachusetts, the credit union grew until we found a new home on Main Street in Springfield. Today, this branch serves as the credit union’s headquarters.
As demand for the benefits of a credit union grew, we applied for a community charter. In January 2001, membership eligibility was greatly expanded to include anyone who lived or worked in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin or Berkshire counties in Massachusetts. In February 2020, further expansion of membership eligibility included Hartford or Tolland counties of Connecticut.
Our Mission
Our dynamic, sincere and helpful team provides membership value to individuals and businesses while managing a stable, community-minded, member-owned financial institution.
Our Vision
To be the preferred and most trusted (member-owned) financial resource to our members and the communities we serve.
Highlights from Freedom’s History
1922
Freedom is chartered
Freedom is chartered as the Western Massachusetts Telephone Workers Credit Union in 1922. Fast forward to…
1978
Main office
Main office is built in its current location at 1976 Main Street, Springfield.
1987
Credit Union merger
The Western Massachusetts Telephone Workers Credit Union merges with Monarch Credit Union.
2001
Membership eligibility is greatly expanded
Membership eligibility is greatly expanded from telecommunications industry employees to anyone who lives or works in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin or Berkshire counties in Massachusetts.
2004
Our institution merges with FHBT Credit Union
Members vote to change the credit union’s name, marking the birth of Freedom Credit Union. New branches are opened in Chicopee and Northampton.
2005
Credit Union Partners
We create the Credit Union Partners (CUPs) program to provide businesses a no-cost benefits package to their employees including credit union membership and special promotions. We also opened a new branch in Turners Falls.
2009
New Branches
We open our Greenfield and Feeding Hills branches.
2010
Expanding into Easthampton
We open an Easthampton branch.
2011
Expanding into Sixteen Acres
We open a second Springfield branch in Sixteen Acres.
2012
Expanding into Ludlow
We open our Ludlow branch.
2014
Membership expanded
Membership eligibility is further expanded to include anyone attending college in the four counties of western Massachusetts.
2019
Merger
We merge with West Springfield Federal Credit Union, opening our new West Springfield branch.
2020
Expanding into CT
We expand our charter to include Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut.
2022
Celebrating our centennial—100
We celebrate our centennial and in July.