VOLUNTEERISM... It Is In Our DNA
The entire credit union movement is built upon the mission of people helping people. Did you know that the first credit union in the United States began in Manchester, New Hampshire in the early 1900's with an all-volunteer staff housed out of the home of its first president, Joseph Boivin? For a small membership share, anyone in the community could become a member and accumulated savings from these people were lent to other people to meet their financial needs, purchase homes and establish small businesses. These humble beginnings remind us of where we came from, what our true mission continues to be and under this mission of people helping people, has propelled a movement that now serves over 137 million members throughout the United States.
At Ascentra, we take pride in how we serve our members, making sure consumers in our communities have financial choice, fair products and services and well-trained staff that can assist members in improving their financial literacy and well-being. In addition to working for our members, Ascentra’s staff takes time to serve our communities. On Feb. 19th, our credit union was closed in honor of President's Day. However, our staff gathered for educational sessions and a company-wide volunteer project. After a half-day of training, Team Ascentra helped our friends at Living Lands and Waters wrap over 8,500 tree saplings in just under two hours, which is equivalent to 300 volunteer hours donated to this great environmental organization!
Did you know that Ascentra Credit Union's Board of Directors volunteer their time and talents to serve our 41,000 members? Since our formation in 1950, several members have stepped up to lend their insights, knowledge and experiences toward directing the business affairs of our credit union by serving as members of our board. Many of our board have served for decades because they care about our mission, our members, our staff and the communities we serve. One of those board members, Joyce Carr, has willingly served from 1998-2010, and then again from 2017-2024; that is 19 years of service! Most recently, Joyce has served as our Board Secretary, but has also served as Board Treasurer, on our Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO), Credit Committee, Audit Committee, and Disaster Recovery and Information Technology Committee. Joyce also takes her volunteerism out into the community as well, previously serving the Davenport Evening Optimist Club, where she received an award for her outstanding volunteer service, and as a Red Cross volunteer teaching CPR and served as a post-hurricane case worker in Corpus Christi, Texas. Joyce is retiring from the board at our April annual meeting. Joyce, we thank you for your service and dedication to Ascentra Credit Union for 19 wonderful years!
When I say that volunteerism is in our DNA, it shows throughout our organization, from our staff to our board, and to you, our members. Whenever we have a call to action to help our communities, our Ascentra members step up and help! Thank you for your membership, your willingness to improve our communities and your commitment to the credit union mission of people helping people!