Page 16 - Michigan Credit Union League: CU Impact Report

16 CREDIT UNION IMPACT REPORT FALL 2020

SHOWING WE CARE:

REACHING OUT TO SENIOR MEMBERS

Country Heritage Credit Union, a Buchanan-based
credit union serving its rural community on the
westside of Michigan, spent the first month of the
pandemic figuring out new ways to serve members
affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Finding Ways to Assist Elderly Members
County Heritage Manager Fran Terry told MCUL the
credit union started calling elderly members with
limited access to transportation and following up by
providing their particular needs.

“I take meals to one of our members that is
homebound. Pick up their mail from their mail box
and make sure they are okay each day,” said Terry.
“We have another member that has health issues and
it is difficult for them to get out. We will take cash
to them when they need it. We have gone to other
members to have paperwork notarized.”

When asked what the inspiration was behind this
outreach, Terry said, “We know that this is a difficult
time for our elderly members and we are trying to
make it as easy for them as possible. When they rely
on others to take them where they need to go, it is
not always easy for them to get to the credit union.”

The response Country Heritage received was very “The members are so appreciative of the calls,”
positive, some stating, “This is why we are members.” Community Choice Risk Management Specialist
Candice Furlong. “Some do not have ATM or debit
Country Heritage has always been committed to its cards, others no longer drive, many are not confident
local community, by volunteering, supporting the using e-Banking, and some are just lonely and
schools and business and serving on several local appreciate friendly conversation.”
governmental boards.
Furlong spoke with a 94-year-old woman who was
“This just adds an element of caring for our members shocked, surprised that the credit union cared
during this crisis,” said Terry. “Without our members, enough to check on her.
there would be no Country Heritage Credit Union.”
“We had a great conversation about how she’s feeling
As Simple as a Phone Call and how she’s ‘got a lot of life left.’ She asked about
Since mid-April, team members at Community my family, adding that she would keep us in her
Choice Credit Union have made more than 2,600 thoughts for continued good health,” said Furlong.
phone calls to their members over the age of 70.
Another member shared that his kids have been too
These calls are the credit union’s way of remaining busy to assist him with setting up mobile pay options.
connected with a group of members who may be He was too embarrassed to contact the credit union,
alone. Whether the calls lead to a chat about life but Furlong’s call allowed her to walk him through
in general or just a promise to call back again next the process, and in turn, show the member that
week, they’re made with the sole intention of making credit unions are there to help, no matter how big or
a human connection. small the financial need.