News Release — VSECU
Oct. 6, 2016
Contact:
Yvonne Garand, Senior VP Marketing & Business Development
Ygarand@vsecu.com / 802-371-5197
Impact-driven Vision Inspires Credit Union to Launch New Employee Volunteer Programs and Online Community Impact Profile, As Its Giving Exceeds $160,000 in 2016
MONTPELIER, VT, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 — VSECU, a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody in Vermont, today announced a number of new initiatives designed to support its local communities and empower the entire staff to do the same.
As part of its impact-focused vision to empower possibilities to foster social, environmental, and financial prosperity, VSECU has launched two new initiatives to encourage and enable all employees to undertake individual efforts in support of personal causes.
VSECU has announced a new benefit for all employees that provides annual paid volunteer time off specifically for giving time to causes of personal choice. This benefit is in addition to existing paid time off, giving employees an opportunity to volunteer during the work day while receiving their standard compensation. Further supporting individual team members’ charitable efforts, a program connecting staff with opportunities in the community was established in April. Since launch, employees have volunteered 76 hours at the Vermont Foodbank alone.
“Part of working at a cooperative is helping one another to be successful, not only in our careers but also in our communities,” said Kira Comstock, Engagement Specialist at VSECU. “VSECU’s commitment to volunteer time in the community is just one of the ways we support our co-workers’ continued growth towards being the people they want to be.”
“As we work to build upon our traditional giving efforts, it’s exciting to also introduce new programs and resources,” said Rob Miller, CEO of VSECU. “These efforts demonstrate our commitment to creating enhanced value for our members and our entire team through community development initiatives, all focused on bringing more impact to our mission to improve the lives of Vermonters.”
Furthering its community impact and engagement, VSECU has donated $162,875 through its community giving program VGives so far in 2016. The giving program allows VSECU to leverage its capital to support causes that are in alignment with its values and that positively impact and improve the lives of Vermonters. Funds in 2016 have been distributed to nearly 30 different organizations across Vermont, including Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing, Capital City Farmers Market, Girls/Boyz First Mentoring, Net Zero Vermont, Rutland County Parent Child Center, Spectrum Youth & Family Services, Vermont Foodbank and many more.
“At VSECU, we strive to put our resources to work in our local communities, looking to partner with impactful organizations that support Vermonters in the areas of food, shelter, heat, and financial literacy,” said Simeon Chapin, Director of Community Development at VSECU. “We’re very proud to have supported so many critical organizations through capital donations and with human resources by way of staff volunteer time.”
To track its impact and provide its employees, members, and communities with insight into its community development efforts, VSECU has launched a Community Impact Profile on its website. For more information visit www.vsecu.com/communityimpactprofile.
Read the story on VTDigger here: VSECU Sees Significant Momentum in Employee and Community Development Efforts.