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Our Place NEWSLETTER
FHC Blast Off 2020 saw Gladiators step out!
FHC introduces Member Assistance Programme amid COVID-19
IN THIS ISSUE 03 Message from the CEO 05 Member Assistance Programme 08 FHC Blast Off 2020 10 Creating An Emergency Fund 12 Junior Achievement 13 Small Business Management 14 AGM Postponement 15 5K Cheque Handover 16 Coping with COVID Â
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Keeping Your Inner Strength “Topped Up" During Challenging Times
Ms. Roxann Linton, CEO, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union
Keep connected to your Source: During these difficult times it is even more important that you remain plugged in with your Source. We are always charging our devices, however many times we neglect to reflect on who we are and whose we are and the countless gifts, talents and abilities we possess.
It is truly my hope that this message greets you in positive spirits, with the understanding and belief that the circumstances we are currently faced with soon pass.
We also fail to arm ourselves with all the promises of our Heavenly Father which is essential for daily living and even more so in trying times. Your connection to your Source is your real foundation for your inner strength.
We are now in the month of May with 2020 moving with its unique style and pace, and with these unprecedented times I believe it is important for us to replenish our reservoirs of strength.
Stay in the present moment: During these times it is even more so important to stay present and focus on what is within your control. Nothing zaps your inner strength more than projecting into the future with worry and negative thoughts. Stay in the moment and deal with what is at hand.
This month’s article shares some tips on how to keep your inner strength “topped up”. Before we begin, let us review a quote shared by Arthur Golden:
"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are."
Note, there is a difference between planning and worrying. With planning you are engaging in thoughts about actions you will take to achieve a particular outcome or goal. Planning is helpful and builds your inner strength; worrying erodes it.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Be mindful of your surroundings: When we are mindful of what is happening around us, it means that we are strategically developing a sober approach to matters that need to be addressed, rather than viewing from an emotional perspective. In establishing this sober approach, identify which aspect of the entire situation triggers your emotional responses, while also being aware of the emotions of those around you. When you seek to evaluate this, be willing to be honest with yourself so that you can truly address this. It's only when we uncover the root of our anxiety and stress that we can address it and put measures in place to overcome and to respond. The truth is that awareness leads to control. ¡Respond instead of react: The stark difference between responding versus reacting speaks to a calculated way of addressing something rather than an emotional way of doing same. When we choose to properly evaluate our surroundings with a sober approach, we are able to logically and objectively address situations which are more likely to lead to a more positive outcome. Pausing and taking the time to respond in a thoughtful manner bolsters our inner strength.
Be compassionate and take compassionate action: The most monumental act of inner strength, is when you are able to show love or compassion and act with that influence in the midst of a difficult circumstance. When you master the ability to be able to process the aforementioned points, and then make a conscious decision to churn out positivity, you will receive a glimpse of your true inner strength. Then, the consistent practicing of this will exercise the muscle and cause you to continuously walk in a place of consistent strength. It is my hope that you find these tips helpful as we work on taking care of ourselves while radiating positivity in these trying times. I pray that you and your family remain safe. I look forward to seeing you all again, soon!
MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
FHC’s Member Assistance Programme to empower Members amid COVID-19 discomfort As COVID-19 continues to steer the world currently and create a ripple effect on the global economy, the Leadership team at First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union (FHCCU) Limited has taken note of the variety of concerns expressed as a result of the challenges faced based on the impact of COVID-19 on the Jamaican economy. On this basis, the Credit Union has since introduced the FHC Member Assistance Programme. “As members of the Credit Union movement, we are firm believers in the notion of ‘People Helping People to Succeed’. This phrase gives us a level of conviction that has influenced our decision to do what we can to provide practical support for our Members in the best ways we can,” expressed Roxann Linton Chief Executive Officer at First Heritage.
With an extensive suite of products that can be used to address a variety of Members’ needs, the Credit Union is confident that they can provide solutions to help bolster the effects of COVID-19 and stabilize Members’ finances.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAMME WORK? Members are being encouraged to reach out to the Credit Union to express the challenges that are being faced as a result of COVID-19 and a representative will speak with them, suggesting tangible options to address each unique situation. “Our Member Assistance Programme is more of a tailored approach, because we recognize that most of our Members would have different and varying situations. So we want to, as their financial partner, be able to sit down and understand the details and have that communication to understand which of the tools in our toolkit we will be using to help to tailor solutions for them as they look to modify some of the loan terms that exist with their loans…” expressed Roxann Linton, CEO of First Heritage. Linton continued, expressing that FHC’s intention is to provide confidence that Members are fully supported and that the Credit Union completely understands the circumstances that exist, and is willing to be flexible as the world continues to navigate the unprecedented times associated with COVID-19 and the impending recession.
MEMBER BUSINESS OWNERS TO BENEFIT, ALSO FHC, through its Micro & Small Business Loans Unit, has also sought to reach out to Members who are Business Owners and have received financing from the institution. This includes the beneficiaries of the One & Move Micro Taxi Loan who have been heavily impacted by the reduction in passengers due to various Stay-at-home orders issued by the Government of Jamaica in recent weeks. “We are open to providing them with payment deferrals, restructuring the loans…or looking at the entire portfolio and seeing if a debt consolidation may be best right now…” Linton continued. The Credit Union states that it is ready to work with Members intimately to assess their particular challenges. “…therefore, as much as it would help to share particular aspects of the programme, we do not want to limit the type of assistance we are giving an individual based on programme stipulations when maybe that Member may require another remedy, or something more extensive,” Linton concluded. For more information on the FHC Member Assistance Programme, Members may call FHC’s Team at 876-929-5142 to discuss options or email info@fhccu.com outlining requests.
BLAST OFF 2020
FHC Blast Off 2020 Witnessed the team ready to be Greatness In Action in order to disrupt records! When we say Blast Off, we take it seriously! This year, we took it to the arena as our Executives led Blast Off 2020 as Gladiators while we focused on Greatness In Action by being a Disruptor of the status quo! February 13, 2020 saw us at Spanish Court Hotel, celebrating a 2019 that was filled with many victories, and getting our minds in the game for the battles ahead. Taken through the proceedings with Jenny Jenny's high energy, we were definitely pumped up for the year ahead. Messages shared throughout the event encouraged our Team Members to press forward for more victories in 2020 - Gladiator style! It's clear that we've got a winning team of Gladiators here at FHC and 2020 is going to be monumental with the moves we're about to make!
BLAST OFF 2020
Our Guest Speaker, Zachary Harding, was able to remind team members of what it takes to push yourself to the top of the totem pole. He gave examples of disruptions he spearheaded, causing the team to believe that disrupting the status quo takes utmost courage and an understanding of those you serve. Another prime example of this theme was the recipient of our CEO's Award, Ms. Kadian Dyke (Manager - Micro & Small Business Loans Unit)
who
has
consistently
displayed
exemplary innovative and leadership skills! She has truly risen to the top through her hard work and dedication, and received the recognition she deserved. Our team left Blast Off 2020 with the knowledge that 'normal' will need to be introduced to be new vistas this year. Our team knows that obstacles may arise, but gladiators never give up!
CREATING AN EMERGENCY FUND
3 Steps to Creating an Emergency Fund Calculate the total that you want to save. It is recommended that you try to save at least the amount that can sustain your household for 3 months. This should provide you with a reasonable buffer that can handle unexpected expenses. Set a monthly savings goal. Once you've set the total you will need to save, set a monthly amount that you will be putting aside to help you reach that goal in good time. Try to ensure that this monthly amount is amount that will not cause you to fall behind on paying monthly expenses. Be willing to shift spending habits. In building an Emergency Fund, it is so important to keep focused on the goal ahead. To help you do this, introduce a monthly budget and do your best to stick to that budget on a monthly basis, and reduce some of the spending that can be avoided.
As members of the Credit Union movement, we are firm believers in the notion of “People Helping People to Succeed”. This phrase gives us a level of conviction that has influenced our decision to do what we can to provide practical support for our Members in the best ways we can. Please feel free to reach out to us now if you are experiencing difficulties so that we can speak options with you. You may reach us at 876-929-5142 to discuss options or email us at info@fhccu.com outlining your request. Remember, no matter what - we care about you and we've got you!
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT:
MANAGER FOR A DAY
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
National Careers’ Week was observed from February 9 - 14, 2020 under the theme “ Career Development: The Vehicle that Leads to Success”. As an organization that promotes financial wellbeing among young people, FHC participated in the National Careers’ Week in partnership with Junior Achievement Jamaica and the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information. FHC participated in a “Manager For A Day” activity on Friday, February 14, 2020, hosting a group of ten (10) grade 7 to 9 students from Holy Childhood High School at our offices to provide them with a tour of Head Office, exposure to the office environment/job shadowing, basic office tasks, discussion about future careers and end the day with lunch and a rap session. Our CEO hosted the students during the rap session where students were able to ask her questions about her career journey, tips for remaining focused in pursit of career goals, etc. The students were also able to share about their current achievements and were encouraged to keep moving forward in excellence. We were truly grateful to be able to sow into the lives Steam | 18
of these young people, and wish them all the very best!
SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
3 Tips for Managing Your Small Business during Hard Times Whether during COVID-19 or another reason for a decline in subscriptions for your business, it's important to know how to keep your business afloat. These tips will help to give you another perspective in terms of ways to survive the sudden shift in the market while remaining relevant in preparation for life after. CALCULATE YOUR OVERHEAD EXPENSES AND FIND A WAY TO REDUCE THEM: By doing this, you will reduce the amount of money you'll have to spend while your sales are low. When you do this, you remove the added pressure of making more money despite the fact that persons are genuinely unable to support your business as much as before. IDENTIFY THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT YOU OFFER AND ENSURE THAT THEY ARE RELEVANT IN THAT TIME: It would be wise for you to continue to evaluate your business' make-up and see how you can continue to solve problems by providing relevant solutions for your customers. Some choose to go with diversification in this case.
IMPROVE YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE AND BENEFIT FROM COST-EFFECTIVE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR IDEAL CLIENTS: This time has definitely proven that a digital presence is necessary for every business that intends to head into the future with a solid following. With operations being scaled back as you seek to make wise moves, be willing to take the time to explore digital platforms that will suit your business, and do your best to learn to do as much as you can for yourself so that you also don't have to be paying to outsource (remember we're cutting back on expenses).
STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19
CHEQUE HANDOVER
CSW/FHC 5K Walk/Run CHEQUE HANDOVER We are truly happy to have been able to present a cheque for $350,000 to the beneficiaries of the 2019 staging of the CSW/FHC Credit Union 5K Walk/Run, Woman Inc Jamaica, to support their efforts to assist vulnerable women in the Jamaican society. Our CEO, Ms. Roxann Linton, gave an official message of gratitude and encouragement ahead of the hand over. We're looking forward to an awesome 2020 staging of the CSW/FHC Credit Union 5K Walk/Run which is set to be held in November 2020.
COPING WITH COVID
5 TIPS to help you manage Stress & Anxiety during COVID
COPING WITH COVID
5 TIPS to Help You Manage Stress & Anxiety during COVID As we continue to navigate COVID-19 on a global platform, there is no doubt that stress and anxiety levels have increased drastically. The consistent need to process lossed jobs, death tolls and an instant shift in our normal way of life is enough to cause a disruption in your mental space. However, you can control the effects, and here's how: UNDERSTAND THE ROOT OF YOUR ANXIETY What aspect of the entire situation triggers your emotional responses? When you seek to evaluate this, be willing to be honest with yourself so that you can truly get to the bottom of this. It's only when we uncover the root of our anxiety and stress that we can address it and put measures in place to overcome. STAY INFORMED, DON'T OBSESS If you've found that you are affected by the entire situation, do your very best to step back on the amount of times you check in on the stats or the headlines. This is not a cowardice move; it's called protecting your space.
LEARN A NEW SKILL Millions of persons are now home more than usual, trying to figure out how to cope and what to do with themselves to escape 'boredom'. How about engaging your mind? Think about something you've always wanted to learn (whether it's career-based or passion-based) and then jump on it. Start doing your research and take your time to perfect the skill.Â
WORK ON STAYING CONNECTED WHILE ISOLATED One of the interesting aspects surrounding quarantineliving and isolation is that it's now so much easier for persons to be left on their own with their thoughts, emotions, and realistic circumstances. Try your best to not get comfortable in being distant. So, even if it's one time per day, make a purposeful effort to reach out to three people to either check in on them, or have light conversation.
NURTURE YOUR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT Do you currently have a morning routine? Or, do you exercise and eat well? This time provides us with a unique opportunity to get in tune with our bodies, and ensure that we are being taken care of. So, if this means that you'll finally switch your diet, start exercising, doing consistent devotions, reading more books, or the like, then do it!