Community Conversations: Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union

Thank you to our friends at Jeanne D’Arc for supporting a just and healthy community as an Annual Sponsor!

Did you know that in 2022 alone, JDCU supported more than 400 nonprofit partners by donating over $550,000? Employees also volunteered over 4,000 hours. Now that’s walking the walk!

Recently, we had breakfast with Alison Hughes, Jeanne D’Arc’s Community Engagement Officer (at the Owl Diner, of course!) to learn more about their approach to community building.

Why does Jeanne D’Arc make these investments in the community – and encourage its employees to do the same?
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union considers social responsibility to be an integral part of our overall mission. Our sense of duty and concern for the community, including those who reside here, are at the root of our efforts and commitment to be involved with many area charities. We are all connected in the community and when we help our members, nonprofit partners, and neighbors, we all benefit. It’s no mistake that our tagline and the name of our Foundation are both “We Share A Common Thread”.

Tell us a little more about how Jeanne D’Arc gives back?
We stay connected through our Foundation and charitable giving and just as meaningful are the hours our team members spend volunteering in the community.

In 2022, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union supported over 400 nonprofit partners by donating over $550,000 and 198 team members volunteering over 4,000 hours. That is nearly an 80% participation rate by our team.

Why does Jeanne D’Arc support Lowell CHC as an Annual Sponsor?
The focus of our foundation is to partner with local philanthropic organizations to expand access to food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education. Lowell CHC is the perfect partner to help us highlight healthcare to our members because you provide education, programming, and services to help reduce health disparities and enhance the health of the Greater Lowell community. We strive to bring financial wellness to our members and the community just as LCHC strives to empower each individual to maximize their overall well-being.

What’s one thing that stands out to you about Lowell CHC’s work in the community?
Teen BLOCK is a program that truly stands out. The program’s goal to help empower our youth to be strong leaders in our community aligns with our goals as an organization. The program allows teens a safe space to be when not in school while teaching them key life skills like communication, collaboration, healthy habits, and civic engagement.

Any key upcoming community events you would like to share?
We are excited to announce Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s annual We Share A Common Thread Foundation Fundraiser on March 29, 2023, at 6:00 pm at Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union values the compassionate work of local non-profits. We are committed to providing assistance to those who serve the many needs of our community. We truly live the mission of our Foundation, We Share a Common Thread. Proceeds from this event will be used to continue our efforts to make a difference in the lives of our members and the public at large by assisting with food, shelter, clothing, health, and education.

In 2022 our fundraiser raised over $110,000 and directly benefited 140 local organizations. We hope to assist even more organizations in 2023. There are several ways to get involved; become a sponsor, make a donation, or attend the event, please visit www.wsact.com for all the details.

Please join us, meet some of the worthy charities we support, and be a part of the community where we all “share a common thread”. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Alison Hughes at alison.hughes@JDCU.com or 978-323-4712.

Photo caption: We share a common thread, indeed… Alison Hughes (right; next to Lowell CHC Development Manager, Carley Monell) is a true community champion. We sure are lucky to have her in our corner.

“Lowell CHC is the perfect partner to help us highlight healthcare to our members because you provide education, programming, and services to help reduce health disparities and enhance the health of the Greater Lowell community.” – Alison Hughes, JDCU