Congressional Federal named 2013 Care Award winner

Congressional Federal Credit Union was recently honored by Northern Virginia Family Service as a 2013 CARE Award winner. Each year, NVFS recognizes employers in the Northern Virginia area for their family-friendly workplace policies, innovative employee-focused programs and community service.

The highly coveted CARE Award honors organizations for their efforts to institute policies that help employees balance the demands of work, home and community. Congressional Federal was recognized for its excellent employee benefits; mission of caring and improving the lives of its members and employees; and outreach to the community.

Congressional Federal President and CEO Charles A. Mallon Jr. praised the employees of the $762 million credit union, which is headquartered in Oakton. "This award is a testament to our wonderful, dedicated staff, who work hard every day to make our mission of serving people a reality. It’s a privilege for us to receive this award because it so closely aligns with our core values and mission."

"This year we’ve been celebrating 60 years of service to our members and our communities, so this award comes at a particularly auspicious time," said Congressional Federal Chairman James Kaelin. "Our members know us for our zealous commitment to service, so it’s an honor to be recognized by NVFS for our efforts in the workplace."

Kaelin noted as an example the great lengths that Congressional Federal staff went to accommodate members who were furloughed as a result of the recent government shutdown.

Specifically, Congressional Federal was cited by NVFS for the changes it is making to transform its staff from "employees" to "proactive stakeholders." The transformation is tied to the credit union’s core values, which include: integrity, proactive service, stewardship, innovation and community. Congressional Federal’s Employee Engagement Committee has been instrumental in changing the credit union’s culture, with an emphasis on member and community service. The committee has planned and coordinated community service projects that put into action Congressional Federal’s mission of "serving the communities we serve."

Examples include Honor Flight greetings at Reagan Airport to honor WWII veterans, food preparation at DC Central Kitchen, a clothing drive for NVFS Training Futures, a food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank and Hands on DC, and many other volunteer opportunities for the credit union’s staff.

In addition, Congressional Federal was cited for its work-life balance initiatives, including its holistic approach to health and wellness, stress reduction, counseling, professional development and family leave.

Congressional Federal Credit Union was founded in 1953 to serve the U.S. House of Representatives and its family members. The organization has grown to serve all employees of the U.S. House of Representatives, Architect of the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police and over 120 select employee groups throughout the Washington area.