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Protecting members from financial harm has always been at the heart of the credit union movement. In Maine, that commitment has placed credit unions at the forefront of efforts to prevent the financial exploitation of older adults—through training, awareness, and advocacy. The Maine$afe training program is the next step in that legacy, and an opportunity for every credit union to put our People Helping People philosophy into action.
Several years ago, the Maine Credit Union League joined with key partners to launch Senior$afe, an initiative designed to help older Mainers safeguard their finances. That program—now known as Maine$afe—has grown into a nationally recognized model, demonstrating how collaboration between credit unions, state agencies, and nonprofit partners can make a real difference for vulnerable members.
Maine$afe is built around a simple but powerful idea: frontline staff and managers are often the first to notice when something doesn’t seem right. Through this newly streamlined training, staff learn how to recognize red flags of unusual or suspicious financial activity, understand common forms of financial exploitation, and respond appropriately when concerns arise. Just as importantly, the program reinforces how to act with empathy, respect, and confidence when helping members navigate sensitive situations.
The training is the result of a strong partnership among the State of Maine, Legal Services for Maine Elders, Area Agencies on Aging, our League, and other financial services organizations. Together, these partners have created a practical, credit union–friendly program that fits seamlessly into daily operations—while delivering meaningful protection for members who need it most.
To make participation easier than ever, Maine$afe training is now available in flexible formats. Credit unions can complete the program by watching recorded training videos or participating in an in-person discussion using Maine$afe’s updated PowerPoint materials—all available on the League’s website. Separate training tracks have been tailored for both frontline staff and managers, ensuring the guidance is relevant to each role.
If a representative(s) from your credit union watches the training video or reviews the PowerPoint presentation, credit unions are asked to complete a short form on our website. Being able to accurately quantify the number of trained individuals at Maine credit unions helps our League communicate our impact and preparedness when speaking with the media, political leaders, and the public.
By investing a small amount of time in Maine$afe training, credit unions can strengthen their teams, reduce risk, and most importantly, help protect older members from financial exploitation before lasting harm occurs. It’s a proactive step that reinforces trust and reflects our role as trusted partners in our members’ financial well-being.