How 1 local lender has changed lives with loans for school, new smiles, cars + more

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While some people go to a local lender to borrow money, many say they get so much more.

The team at Redstone Federal Credit Union has heard many stories from working one-on-one with members over the years, so they launched a contest as part of the organization’s 75th anniversary celebration. The credit union asked members to share about a time when Redstone has made a big difference in their lives. Each of the 10 top entries won a $750 gift card and had their stories shared in Redstone’s quarterly newsletter.

We had the opportunity to meet one of the winners, lifelong Huntsville resident Shonterra Readus. Choosing Redstone as her local lender helped cover a final semester at UAH, where she graduated with top honors in 2025.

Read on for her story and what other winners shared about how being a Redstone member made a difference in their lives.

Meet Redstone member + pre-K teacher Shonterra Readus

UAH magna cum laude graduate and pre-K teacher Shonterra Readus describes walking across the stage to accept her degree in fall of 2025 as “magical.”

“I think that was the best day of my life. I was ready, and I had told myself I couldn’t go back because finance-wise, I didn’t think I could do it. To finally make it to that point, and with Redstone’s help, it was just a huge relief. My mom was crying; I probably cried afterwards.”
_{– Shonterra Readus}

Here’s a snapshot of her journey to the stage:

• A Grissom High School grad, she first studied at Calhoun Community College before enrolling at UAH in 2015.
• An emergency surgery put life on hold + she later took a job at a local childcare center, where she continues to work.
• In 2023, she returned to UAH to complete her degree.
• Two semesters before graduating, she was surprised to learn her federal aid would not cover $1,500.
• A Redstone Stretch Loan closed the gap, keeping her on track for a fall internship at UAH’s Early Learning Center + graduation.

How choosing Redstone as a local lender is keeping a dream going

Readus says her long-term plan is to develop an enrichment program that reinforces kindergarten-readiness skills for children in daycare settings. She has met with the Small Business Development Center at UAH to figure out what that should look like, from creating the core offering of a 52-week lesson plan to developing the business plan and identifying ideal partners.

She shared that her experiences with family, schooling, internships and work all inspire her.

Growing up tutoring her brother, who has autism, and her cousin, who has cerebral palsy and is deaf, has deepened her commitment to advocating for children with atypical development. Her own fifth-grade teacher at McDonnell Elementary School and time volunteering there as a young adult sparked her interest in teaching.

Readus urges others not to give up on their dreams and goals:

“You set your mind to it, and you just go get it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you. Just do it, and you will find a way.”
_{– Shonterra Readus}

More prize-winning stories from Redstone members

Here’s a quick look at stories the other winners shared:

• 🤝 Mildred P. + Kathy F.: Both credit Redstone team members for thoughtfully + patiently walking them through account changes + financial solutions after their husbands passed.
• 😁 Brittney K.: After she recovered from addiction, a Redstone loan helped her pay for dental work + a new smile, making “a world of difference” in her daily life.
• 🤩 Austin A.: Moved to Alabama from South Carolina with no credit history + built a score in the upper 700s by establishing + smartly managing his Redstone accounts.
• ❤️ Maria + Byron W.: This couple shares they were “blessed to have Redstone” when they needed help supporting their family after a tragedy.
• 🎓 Veronica B.: A Redstone scholarship helped her finish a bachelor’s degree before entering her doctoral program.
• 🚙 Taylor G.: Refinanced a 22% car loan to 3.2% + took advice to add Route 66 coverage, which later saved $5,600 on an engine replacement.
• 🏦 Ginger B.: Opened the first account in her family at 15 + passed on what she’s learned to her mother, siblings + children, who are now also members.
• 🛻 Karen + Joe W.: Following a fire that destroyed two of their vehicles, Redstone helped the couple get the best rate on a loan to replace them.

You can learn more about these members’ stories and Redstone’s 75th anniversary at redfcu.org/75years.

Interested in becoming a Redstone member yourself? Visit redfcu.org to learn more and get in touch today!

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