"The use of financial education and providing affordable financial services and products to the community is just one way to rid the East St. Louis area of these [economic development] problems," said Michael Ray, Director for Corporate Relations at Congressional Federal Credit Union. "Taking ownership of one's life and being responsible is one of many ways to beat back poverty. Hubert has continually used the credit union cooperative principles to accomplish this objective."

"Hubert championed the building of a full service Vantage Credit Union branch in the predominantly underserved city of East St. Louis," said Randal T. Yeck, Executive Vice President at Vantage Credit Union. "This branch has brought great value to the city and the members in that community continue to refer their friends and family to Vantage for the high level of service that is provided."

In addition to numerous other endeavors in area schools, Hoosman also led the efforts to partner with East St. Louis High School officials in providing job opportunities, the NCUF explained. Students from select schools are afforded job related work experience while acquiring financial education. The program has been extended to North County Technical High School where employees of Vantage CU participate with students in mock job interview exercises, providing interviewing skills and job leads for students seeking employment after high school graduation. Additionally, Hoosman has helped many students from the nearby University of Missouri- St. Louis by offering them internships at Vantage Credit Union, NCUF added. He was also able to offer full summer internships for college students through the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) "Reaching Toward the Future" program. Some have gone on to work full time in credit unions.