Self-Help Shares

At Self-Help, we honor Black History Month by highlighting some of the many stories, people and issues that resonate with us. We acknowledge that diversity and inclusion are some of our strongest tools in our work towards authentic equity. We note where we could do better, and we celebrate successes. 

But just as we don’t practice gratitude only on Thanksgiving or offer affection to our loved ones only on Valentine’s Day, we also don’t just celebrate Black history during February. Instead, we aim to integrate celebration, equity and inclusion into our work throughout the year.

We appreciate that many within our community have a similar year-round commitment to equity. In this post, we share a snippet of a recent conversation between Kimberly Jones, Vice President and Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement for our Midwest region, and community leader and entrepreneur Sarah Ware. We hope you find it as thought-provoking as we did!

^{April Snow Gilbert, Area Manager, stands with the Black history display in Self-Help Federal CU’s Chatham branch in Chicago.}

It has been a festive February at Self-Help as we celebrate Black History Month! The nationwide theme for 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” Our branches are marking the occasion in a variety of special ways, ranging from live music and art exhibits to neighborhood tours. Otherwise, lifting up Black achievements and recognizing Black history as America’s history is just part of who we are and the everyday work we do to expand economic opportunities for all.

Here are just a few examples of Self-Help activities this month.

Over the next four weeks, Self-Help staff and members across our branches will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. As I join with my colleagues in the celebration, I find myself reflecting on what “Hispanic Heritage" means to me.  

Are you trying to reach a big financial goal but feel stuck? 

Whether it's dealing with significant student loan debt, building credit, or trying to become a homeowner, the path forward can feel insurmountable. But it doesn't have to be that way!

Wherever you are in your financial journey, you don't have to walk alone. We're here to walk with you.

In this short video, two of our wonderful coaching clients and their coaches share their stories. These clients were facing heavy student loan debt and other intimidating challenges, but with the support of their coaches, they persevered and became homeowners!

Big financial goals can be exciting and daunting at the same time, and it can be difficult to know where to start. While your first thought might be to start a budget, without the right perspective, it can easily become a source of frustration. Learn how aligning your spending habits with your goals before you attempt to budget can help you maximize your chances for a successful financial journey.

Our 2022 Annual Report is now available! Read about the successes of the past year from our members, partners, and staff.

With the fast pace of technology, it can feel overwhelming to keep track of every method that scammers use to try to access your money and personal information. The good news is that with a little common sense, you can protect yourself and your money from fraud attempts. for fraud attempts. Read more to learn how you can spot scammers in action and keep your money safe.  

Earth Month reminds us that the need for meaningful action to fight the adverse effects of climate change is more necessary than ever. Read about the role that financial institutions can play in both the problems and the solutions, and how you can join us in fighting to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that drive climate change. 

We all look forward to the excitement of getting a tax refund. But instead of deciding when the money is in your hands, you can maximize the benefits of your refund by planning ahead for how you’ll use it. Read more about how you can make your refund work for you.

While starting a financial journey is exciting, wondering whether your current credit score will help you or hold you back can be a source of anxiety that makes many people retreat. The truth is often a little different. Read about what really goes into your credit score, and the steps you can take now to gain more control over your financial future. 

The worker-owners of New Bern Bakery, Self-Help’s first backers, outside their storefront in 1981.

Did you know that as a credit union, Self-Help is one of many thousands of cooperative enterprises? There are currently over sixty-four thousand cooperatively owned and operated businesses in the U.S. working to meet a wide range of consumer and community needs, including financial institutions, restaurants and retail stores, manufacturers, and even utilities. Read more about how co-ops work and their potential for supporting strong and thriving local economies.

At Self-Help, we’ve spent the last 42 years striving to be a force for economic and social justice in the communities we serve. Learn how we’re working to reverse the economic disparities that keep Black and Latino families from reaching the same levels of prosperity as others.

We all know that building savings is one of the keys to financial stability, but remembering to put part of each paycheck into a savings account can feel like a chore.  Automatic savings plans are a great way to build strong savings habits without the extra effort. 

Congratulations to North Carolina’s Michael Curry, former Bishop of the NC Episcopal Diocese, who was recently installed as Bishop of the national Episcopal Church. Bishop Curry has been a great friend of Self-Help’s and a strong advocate for our mission.

Earlier this year, Bishop Curry interviewed Thad Moore and Armeer Kenchen of Self-Help. Watch the video to hear this inspiring conversation.

Our fall newsletter officially launches this blog, Self-Help Shares -- ta da! -- and offers lots of news you can use:

• Come to Revolution Mill for the best annual meeting ever.
• Consider switching to a credit card that’s on your side.
• Learn about an innovative business in Morganton.
• Get a holiday loan, skip a loan payment, or possibly both!

 To stay up to date, please visit us here often and subscribe to our newsletter now.

After surviving Hurricane Katrina, Darrell Molett had to start over. Watch this video about a Self-Help Federal Credit Union member who did the hard work of building his credit, step by step. 

When Molly Hemstreet graduated from Duke and returned to her hometown of Morganton, North Carolina, she was distressed to see high unemployment and many in need. Molly knew the big textile companies were gone, but that many skilled workers and other resources remained. Using her background in international development, community activism and education, she developed a vision for a different kind of textile business.

Today Molly is the founder and a worker-owner of Opportunity Threads, a thriving business in Morganton. Unlike the textile giants of days past, Opportunity Threads serves other small businesses to make custom apparel and sewn goods. And in a very different twist, the business is owned and operated by the men and women who work there, the majority of whom are first- or second-generation immigrants from Guatemala. 

Pre-construction view of one of the west Charlotte buildings NCBK is developing.

We’re pleased to announce our recently closed loan to North Carolina developer NCBK Delphen Property Investments. The loan provides construction and permanent financing to renovate 17 units of low-income multifamily housing in west Charlotte, NC.

When finished, the properties will provide much-needed affordable rental housing for 17 Charlotte families and will serve primarily low-income voucher tenants, including providing supportive housing for veterans. Plus, NCBK’s efforts will help strengthen the neighborhood by fixing up dilapidated and boarded-up buildings and putting them back into use.

Self-Help has extensive experience with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), and we were able to use NSP funds from the City of Charlotte for this project. By spring 2016 the properties will be fully renovated and ready for residents.

• Loan amount: $510,050
• Use: Renovation of dilapidated property to create low-income multifamily housing.
• Total project cost: $1.3 million 
• Project square footage: 20,119 SF 
• # of housing spaces created or maintained: 21

Interested in a multifamily housing loan with Self-Help?

​Get in touch with us or learn more about our multifamily housing loans.