Supporting Members-Strengthening Community-Creating Lasting Impact
At Works Credit Union, we're more than just a financial institution; we are your partners in every step of your financial journey. We believe that our commitment to you goes beyond standard banking services, extending to education through the promotion of financial literacy, as well as support and outreach through active community engagement.
Our Education Committee plays a pivotal role in fulfilling this commitment by curating events and initiatives that not only empower our members but also set the stage for future growth and success, while strengthening the bonds within our community.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key events hosted from December 2023 to the present and how they contribute to making a difference...
- Annual Children's Christmas Party: Spreading Joy and Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is a special time for celebration, community, and creating lasting memories, and our annual Children’s Christmas Party stands as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. Held during the first or second weekend of December, this cherished event reflects our Credit Union’s unwavering dedication to our youngest members and their families. The party is designed to be a day of pure joy, offering a wide array of activities—from exciting games and fun activities and, of course, a magical visit from Santa Claus.
More than just an event, the Children’s Christmas Party is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the spirit of togetherness and joy within our community. Each year, we strive to create an unforgettable experience that ensures every child leaves with a smile and a heart full of holiday cheer. This gathering not only brings families together but also reinforces the bonds that make our Credit Union community so special, inspiring us to continue this tradition with even greater enthusiasm each year.
- Hamper Distribution Drive: Supporting Members In Need
At Works Credit Union, we never hesitate to step up and provide essential support to members facing hardship, and the Education Committee’s Hamper Distribution Drive is a testament to this commitment. Launched in December 2023 and continuing into January 2024, this vital initiative provided twenty-eight families and individuals in need with hampers filled with essential items during the holiday season. These hampers contained a carefully curated selection of groceries, household necessities, and personal care products, ensuring that recipients could experience some relief and comfort during what – for some - can be a challenging time of year.
However, this initiative is about more than just offering temporary relief; it’s about showing solidarity and ensuring that our members know they have the unwavering support of their Credit Union. The community’s response to the drive has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude not only for the material assistance but also for the sense of connection and care they felt. We believe that by helping to meet immediate needs, we ease the burden of worry and enable our members to focus on taking steps towards securing their long-term financial stability and well-being.
- Thanksgiving Service: Fostering Fellowship and Connections
Our Thanksgiving Service is a relatively new tradition, created with the singular purpose of bringing the Works Credit Union community together. It offers an opportunity for us to reflect on our collective journey, celebrate our shared achievements, and strengthen our connections within the community.
Hosted on April 6th the service included moments of gratitude, inspirational messages, and performances that highlighted the spirit of togetherness and cooperation we pride ourselves upon.
Beyond just an event, the Thanksgiving Service is a celebration of the values that bind us. It cultivates a sense of unity and serves as a powerful reminder that our success is built upon shared values and that we can achieve even more through mutual support.
- Caravan of Care: Reaching Out to the Elderly and Homebound
The Caravan of Care is an outreach program designed to engage with our elderly and homebound members who may otherwise feel disconnected from the Works Credit Union community. We understand that these members may face challenges that prevent them from participating in events, and this program seeks to bridge that gap.
In April and July of 2024, the Education Committee and Liaison Officer Network visited six such members at their homes, spending quality time with each individual. These visits often involve heartfelt conversations, the sharing of memories, and the delivery of small tokens of appreciation, all of which serve to remind these members that they remain a vital part of our community.
The time spent with these individuals, who have contributed so much to the development and growth of the Credit Union, provides them with a renewed sense of connection and belonging. The warm reception and gratitude expressed by these members and their families highlight the profound impact of this initiative and reinforce the importance of maintaining and nurturing strong relationships throughout our membership.
This initiative, more than any other, exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity and our dedication to ensuring each member feels valued and supported, regardless of their circumstances. It stands as a testament to our belief that every member, regardless of age or ability, has a place within our Works Credit Union family.
- Tobago Membership Survey: Listening to Our Members' Voices
On April 29th and 30th, the Education Committee, supported
by members of the Tobago Advisory Committee, interacted with and surveyed
members at the WCU Tobago Branch on Orange Hill Road, Spring Garden. This
engagement was aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the unique needs and
preferences of our Tobago membership. Such insights are crucial for ensuring
that the programs and initiatives developed by the Education Committee align
closely with member expectations and enhance their understanding of the Credit
Union's products and services.
During these sessions, we gathered valuable feedback on various aspects of our offerings, as well as areas for improvement. This direct input from our members helps us to refine our initiatives, address any concerns, and make informed decisions that better serve our community. By actively seeking and incorporating this feedback, we can tailor our programs more effectively, ensuring that they truly meet the needs of our members and support the best interests of our community.
The insights gained from these surveys will guide our future strategies and enhancements, reinforcing our commitment to continuously improving our services and fostering a stronger connection with our Tobago members.
- Liaison Officer Membership Drive: Expanding Our Community
The Liaison Officer Membership Drive is a targeted
recruitment activity designed to engage with both potential and existing
members across districts, areas, and divisions of the Ministry of Works, its
sub-departments, and affiliates. This initiative is an integral part of our
strategy to expand our membership base and strengthen community ties. As an
extension of the Education Committee, the Liaison Officer Network plays a
crucial role in this effort, using their close connections and understanding of
their colleagues to effectively communicate the benefits of Works Credit Union
membership
.
Through these personalized interactions, Liaison Officers foster a deeper understanding of the Credit Union’s offerings, helping to build trust and enthusiasm among potential members.
Two such drives were hosted on May 14th and 28th in the St. Andrews/St. David district in Sangre Grande and the St Patrick district in Siparia respectively. Both activities generated a combined total of eighty-eight (88) enrolments for membership.
Beyond simply increasing membership numbers, this initiative aims to establish meaningful connections, create new channels for information and communication, and enhance overall trust within the community. By building strong interpersonal relationships and providing tailored support, the Membership Drive not only grows our membership but also reinforces our commitment to fostering a supportive and engaged community.
- Student Excellence Awards Workshop: Honouring and Encouraging Academic Success
The Student Excellence Awards Program is one of the Education Committee’s most impactful initiatives, dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the academic achievements of our young members. This program offers two types of monetary grants: one for students entering secondary education and another for those continuing their studies. In addition to these grants, we provide supplementary interactive educational workshops designed to equip students with the resources and opportunities they need to excel academically and personally.
A key facet of the program is the Student Excellence Award Workshop. What began as a simple award ceremony has evolved into a daylong interactive session where young achievers and their parents engage with presenters on a variety of topics. The 2024 workshop, held on July 20th, featured presentations on strategies for handling peer pressure and adapting to different learning styles. One of the highlights of the workshop is the engaging performances by the D’MAD (Drama Making A Difference) Company. Their interactive sessions create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where children learn through play, develop new skills, and build confidence.
By involving parents and guardians, the workshop provides them with valuable insights on how to support their children’s academic journeys and equips them with tools to reinforce the lessons at home.
Through initiatives like this, we aim to foster a culture of achievement and support that empowers our young members to reach their full potential. We believe that by investing in their education and development, we are not only paving the way for their future success but also strengthening the foundation of our community as a whole.
Looking Ahead - Our Commitment to You
Every initiative led by our Education Committee is designed with our members in mind and crafted to align with our broader purpose of fostering a well-informed, financially literate community. We view our events as opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Whatever the program or topic, our goal is always to empower, connect, and uplift our members. We believe that by investing in education and supporting one another, we can help our members achieve their fullest potential.
As we look forward to the coming months—and soon, another year of engaging events—we invite all our members to participate and take advantage of the resources available. Together, we can create a brighter, more secure future for us all.