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May 2010Vol 1, Issue 1
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TOGETHER
We can make a difference
Message From Executive Director 
 
Happy Spring, and welcome to our first e-newsletter!  We'd like to start sharing with you on a regular basis some timely and useful information.  From tips to help you and your family be a safer financial consumer, to learning about a program that might help a neighbor in need, or reading a heartwarming story about someone that has been impacted by our services.   
 
MCUCD's empowering programs would not be possible without YOU - our volunteers, supporters, and friends.  So let's keep in touch!  Follow us on Facebook, share a story with us for a future issue of this newsletter, or contact us to just say "hi."  And of course if you have questions, please let us know.  We just love to talk about our programs!
 
Jeanne
Farewell to Robert Coble...
 
We are saying goodbye to our VITA Coordinator Robert Coble, who is leaving MCUCD this month to return home to South Carolina and be closer to his family. During the last three years, Robert has done an exceptional job as MCUCD's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coordinator, and we consistently get compliments from volunteers and credit unions about the support he provides. I know he will do well in the next phase of his professional career. Robert's last day with MCUCD is Wednesday, May 19. Please join us in wishing Robert the very best. He will be missed!
 
We have begun the search to fill the position of VITA Program Manager; the job announcement is available on the CU Job Openings page on our website. If you have any questions please contact Jeanne Saarinen.
Making A Difference
 
A few years ago Joan, whose name has been changed for this article, had to make a choice to start over and leave an abusive relationship.  As a mother on her own, trying to provide a safe future for herself and her children was an overwhelming task.  
 
Joan believed that purchasing a home would be essential to providing a secure future for her family.  This desire led her to the IDA (Matched Savings) Programs designed to help hardworking individuals obtain an asset.  Recently Joan graduated from two IDA programs that matched her savings - BSAFE and Helena Community CU First Time Homebuyer.  With her dedication to saving and commitment to the programs she was able to turn $4,000 into $15,000 that she used for a down payment for her first home.   
 
Joan completed a Budgeting and Money management class as well as a First Time Homebuyer workshop which she said was "intrinsically valuable" in preparing for her home purchase.   These classes taught her many valuable techniques, including using cash whenever possible and utilizing the "envelope system" for budgeting.   She is now teaching her children the lessons she has learned during this process in hopes to prepare them for their future.  She has also actively engaged her children in saving by opening savings accounts in their names.
 
For a woman raised in a low income household that has faced many adversities throughout her life, purchasing her home has given her great confidence.   "I feel like I can change my life now, I can accomplish goals," Joan said.   For many Montanans trapped in poverty, making a change in their lives can seem impossible.  Yet, as in the case of Joan, the opportunity provided by these programs, combined with the strength and will of the participant, can brighten the future of an individual, a family, even an entire community.  For more information on Individual Development Accounts please visit our website at www.montanacreditunions.coop (click on Match Savings Programs/IDAs).
In This Issue
Making A Difference
May Consumer Topic
MCUCD on Facebook
Quick Links  
   
Join our Mailing List!
Consumer Topic of the Month
 
MCUCD Consumer Resource CenterSpring Clean Your Finances!
 
Spring is a time of renewal; a time to clean house, prepare a garden, and - yes - straighten-out finances.  If you haven't taken stock of your financial situation in a while, May is the perfect month to do so.  Now is the time to establish a good footing for the rest of the year.
 
Visit the Consumer Topic of the Month on the MCUCD website for a few suggestions to help you spring clean your finances.
Facebook Fanatics Take Note...
 
Montana Credit Unions for Community Development is now on Facebook! Here are a few things you can expect from our Facebook page:
  • A new consumer tip every week to keep you informed about the various financial topics
  • Links to informative, helpful, and fun online resources.
  • Photos of credit union staff and volunteers in action throughout Montana.
  • The opportunity to interact with the MCUCD team and their fans - post comments, questions, links, and join discussions.
Visit our Facebook page to view photos and stay connected.  Be sure to become a fan and show your support of MCUCD!  Find us on Facebook or follow the link on www.montanacreditunions.coop.   
 
 
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