How I AM Federal Credit Union put $13,000+ in Members' Pockets
Americans across the country are struggling, even with full-time jobs. Members at I AM Federal Credit Union in New York are no exception. At I AM Federal Credit Union, members aren't just part of the community - they're often frontline healthcare workers who despite working full-time in hospitals and clinics, still face tough decisions between keeping the lights on and paying rent.
The Results: Real Impact in Real Time
Help was available, but hidden behind complexity.
Across the country, utility programs offer anywhere from $200-$600 in immediate utility relief, but few know these programs exist, and even fewer have the time to navigate the complexity of applications.
That's when Starlight came in, a platform purpose-built to deliver proactive financial assistance for all:
💰 Meaningful Financial Relief – Members were eligible for over $2,000,000 annually in financial assistance, ranging from SNAP to Medicaid, covering up to 25% of household income for many. Through utility assistance alone, we confirmed over $13,000 went directly into members' pockets.
⚡ Rapid Energy Support – Assistance was delivered within 5 days, preventing service shutoffs and reducing financial strain.
📩 High Member Engagement – Starlight emails received a 40+% email open rate, far exceeding the 27% industry benchmark and demonstrating strong demand.
🔗 Fast Onboarding – Members signed into Starlight in under 2 minutes, ensuring seamless access.
This impact didn't just change lives - it showed what's possible when credit unions take a proactive role in the financial health of their members.
Why This Matters to Other Credit Unions
I AM Federal Credit Union’s success proves that credit unions can be more than just financial institutions—they can be financial safety nets. By working with Starlight, credit unions can:
✔ Provide Immediate Relief – Helping members access energy assistance, food aid, and rent support before they reach a crisis point.
✔ Strengthen Member Loyalty – Members are more likely to trust and stay with a credit union that actively helps them improve their financial situation.
✔ Measure Real Impact – Data insights show how much assistance members are qualifying for, allowing credit unions to track and share their impact.
I AM Federal Credit Union's partnership with Starlight reflects its dedication to financial empowerment. By integrating Starlight’s solution, the credit union is taking meaningful steps to ensure its members achieve greater financial security and peace of mind.
A Message from Kathya Pierre, CEO of I AM Federal Credit Union
“At I AM Federal Credit Union, we believe in empowering our members with the financial tools and resources they need to thrive. Partnering with Starlight has allowed us to take that commitment a step further. We’re not just helping members open accounts or secure loans—we’re connecting them to real financial relief that makes an immediate difference in their lives. Seeing our members get the support they need, whether it’s covering an overdue bill, accessing food assistance, or securing tax credits, reaffirms why we do this work. This partnership is about more than banking—it’s about financial security, dignity, and peace of mind for the healthcare workers who serve our communities every day.”
Join the Movement
Starlight is helping credit unions expand their impact by making financial assistance programs more accessible. Want to integrate this into your member services? Email us at hello@get-starlight.com.