Finding purpose in 2024
We’ve entered 2024 with good intentions and strong goals. Some of us have strayed, but remember each day is an opportunity to refocus and regroup. Some of us are on track and making progress. No matter where you are on your journey, you are here and showing up for yourself and that is what matters most.
I find that centering myself on purpose is always the best way to approach my work and life balance – remembering why we wake up each day to serve the credit union system and focusing our efforts on financial well-being for all. I think about the stories that have inspired the credit union system to keep doing the great work to improve members financial lives.
The story of Clarence Hall, Jr. and how he dedicated half his life to serving his community by chartering Issaquena County FCU at the age of 45. He fought for financial well-being for all by continuing to loan to one of the poorest communities in Mississippi. He took those opportunities to educate members about sound financial skills and in turn never had a dime missing and charged off less than $4,000 in 44 years.
The story of Maria Martinez and how she immigrated to the United States and was raised to have compassion for people. She leads several initiatives to provide financial services to low-income, predominately Hispanic communities. She created a free home/financial counseling program to help individuals buy houses, develop budgets, improve their credit, and become banked.
The story of Linda Bodie and how she encouraged her small staff of three to turn ideas into solutions and meet the needs of members. She embraces being the underdog and doesn’t let being underfunded or under resourced stand in her way. She and her small credit union were the first in the nation to offer remote check deposit.
I could share so many more inspiring stories of purpose and impact from the last 34 years of Herb Wegner Memorial Award Winners. They have and continue to dedicate their lives to improving the financial lives of credit union members across the country. And no matter what level you are at in your journey, you are making an impact on people’s financial lives.
I encourage you to continue to ground yourself in purpose and get inspired in 2024 by attending the 35th annual National Credit Union Foundation Dinner Presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards. You will be moved by the stories of Tony C. Budet, Judy S. DeLucca, Bob Trunzo, and the Selfreliance Foundation to make a profound impact on the financial lives of credit union members across the country. The National Credit Union Foundation’s mission is grounded in making financial freedom achievable through credit unions and this year’s award winners continue to inspire us all.
