MAKING GOOD HAPPEN FOR OUR MEMBERS

Happy HoliPays empowers Valley First Contact Center representatives to take their assistance to a higher level and help a member cover a medical or utility bill, make their rent or mortgage payment for a month, or put food on the table for their family. Over the course of a three-day period during the holidays, Contact Center representatives are given a special budget to deposit cash into the accounts of members who are struggling to make ends meet.

AMANDA’S STORY

Last November a loyal Valley First member was facing a difficult financial situation. Amanda had moved from the Central Valley to Northern California to study archaeology at Cal Poly Humboldt and had fallen behind on some bills after having to replace all four tires on her car—an invaluable tool for getting around school, to work, and back home to Modesto.

Amanda was on the phone with a Valley First Contact Center team member, explaining why she was overdrawn on her account, when she got a surprise gift.

Contact Center: Amanda, just to let you know, it is Happy HoliPays here at Valley First. I know it doesn’t fix everything, but how about an extra $300 to help with your situation?

Amanda: I don’t even know what to say to that. Is this real life? You guys are amazing.

CC: It’s just our way of saying thank you for being a member and staying with Valley First.

Amanda: I literally just moved all the way to Arcata— 7 hours away—and I refused to leave Valley First.

CC: I’m so happy you stuck with us, Amanda.

Amanda: I’m so happy I did, too. I live in a beautiful place, and I have the best credit union in the world!

Valley First recently caught up with Amanda as she was driving to Portland—on those new tires— to give a presentation at the Society for American Archaeology.

Valley First: Congratulations on your graduation. It’s great to hear you are doing well. How did the little boost from Valley First help you through your situation?

Amanda: It was so beneficial. I was able to get to work. You were able to help me continue working on my education. I now have a degree!

VF: How did it feel to get help from Valley First Happy HoliPays?

Amanda: It just solidified why I love this credit union so much. Thank you for always being there for me!

EVERETT’S STORY

Supporting a family of five on one salary can be a challenge—one that Valley First member Everett knows all too well. Sometimes you fall behind and it can be hard to catch up, as Everett explained to our Contact Center representative in November. With bills stacking up, and needing to take time off to have surgery, things were looking bleak—until Valley First stepped in to help.

Everett: I think every week for the past month I’ve had to go $400, $800, now this week almost $1,100 in the hole. My check goes in tomorrow morning and it’s only $1,200. So, I’m like, “Well, at least that pays back the bank.” I don’t have the money for rent this month and I’m just struggling trying to keep everything afloat. It just keeps getting harder and harder.

Contact Center: Well, Everett, we want to help you. Would it be OK if we were to grant you $1,500 to cover your rent?

Everett: What?! THANK YOU! Very Merry Christmas to you all!

Valley First tracked Everett down recently to see how things are going.