Ukraine credit unions stand strong

The grave situation that has recently unfolded in the Ukraine has again put us and the world on notice of the small value some place on the lives of others. Few can imagine the fear now being faced by the Ukrainian people abroad. Only when such turmoil happens to you or those you love do you truly understand the uncertainty of what the future holds.

My hometown of Chicago has a large Ukrainian presence in a part of the city appropriately called the Ukrainian Village. Chicago has a reputation of being a melting pot of cultures from across the world. That tradition started in the 1800s with the influx of immigrants from the European countries of Poland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Italy and the Ukraine. Add to that those who sailed over from Ireland and Greece. Over the last few decades the city’s diversity has further developed and grown with the arrival of individuals from Hispanic and Middle Eastern cultures and backgrounds.

The diverse communities of Chicago have been its strength. The city has been built on the back of the individuals who see this country as not only the land of the free and brave, but as one where hard work can make your dreams come true.

The Ukrainians of my hometown are suffering today because their loved ones in the Ukraine have their lives and futures hanging in the balance.

The Ukrainians are a close-knit community. In Chicago’s Ukrainian Village the Self Reliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union has for many been the financial institution of choice since 1951. The credit union has helped build the community and provided needed financial services to its members. Generations of Ukrainians make up its membership.

As we have seen so many times before, when disaster occurs, the credit unions of the affected communities are there to help in any way they can. That’s where the “people helping people” part of the credit union movement kicks in overtime.

At Self Reliance now, it’s not a natural disaster where you can see material damage. Rather it’s the internal damage to the health of the credit union’s members and the pain that can be seen on their faces.
Self Reliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, through its outspoken CEO Bohdan Watral, a fierce protector of the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Ukraine, stands tall for its members and is there to counsel and advise them. The credit union also offers comfort as a community center as loved ones here live through the nightmare impacting relatives and friends thousands of miles away. Doubtlessly, other Ukrainian credit unions are doing the same.
Credit unions are not just another financial institution. They are like family, there when you need them.