CUNA
  • Advocacy
    • Priorities we’re fighting for
    • Actions you can take
  • News
  • Learn
  • Compliance
  • Shop
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • COVID-19
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact
Learn More about Member Value

News

Member Benefits
Learn more
Learn more about the benefits of membership.
Home » A step at a time

A step at a time

Pelican State Credit Union takes a holistic approach to financial wellness.

October 9, 2019
Ron Jooss
No Comments
A step at a time

At Pelican State Credit Union in Baton Rouge, La., a quote from tennis great Arthur Ashe serves as the mantra for its financial wellness program: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

Jessica Sharon, director of financial outreach for the $387 million asset credit union, furthers Pelican State’s financial wellness program one step at a time. “Our program has grown tremendously over the past 12 years,” she says. “But it took us building upon it for 12 years.”

Don't miss:

  • Opening financial doors
  • Lead with a purpose
  • Future lies in potential with Hispanics
  • Making the digital-savvy feel welcome

The credit union’s financial outreach department seeks to empower its 55,000 members to make sound financial decisions through free credit counseling, financial wellness workshops, and its Financial Wellness Program.

Seven full-time certified credit counselors held some 1,900 one-on-one sessions last year. Members also receive a free review of their credit reports and guidance on how to improve their credit scores.

“We know that putting in the work on the small things daily helps us grow and expand our reach in the long run,” Sharon says. “My best advice for credit unions is to identify members who could benefit from credit counseling.”

When you turn members down for a loan, for example, offer to review their credit reports and provide suggestions on how to improve their financial situation, she advises.

Jessica Sharon

‘We’re not here to tell people how to live their lives, but to help them.’

Jessica Sharon

“Many people will be open to this because they want to reach their goals as much as we want to help them,” Sharon says. “We’re not here to tell people how to live their lives, but to help them.”

CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program

She also believes staff training is important when counseling members. “I strongly encourage anyone interested in this career path to become a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor through the CUNA FiCEP program. It offers a wealth of financial knowledge, as well as techniques that will help new counselors approach difficult subjects.”

Sharon suggests taking a holistic approach to financial wellness by connecting with like-minded community support organizations.

This way, “members will see you as someone who cares about their needs, which will build rapport, trust, and long-term member loyalty.”

KEYWORDS credit union

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine - Winter 2020

Winter 2020

Credit Union Magazine’s Winter 2020 edition features CUNA’s 2021 lending outlook, CEO insights on adjusting to the pandemic, and board recruitment strategies.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Compliance: 2020 Year in Review, Checklist now available

  • 5 fraud predictions for 2021

  • CUNA sends recommendations to incoming Biden administration

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

Will you ask employees to receive the coronavirus vaccine?

View Results
More

Champion of America’s Credit Unions

Credit Union National Association is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Recommended Websites
  • Privacy Policy

Resources for

  • CUNA Board Members
  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Vendors