Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In the eighth episode, expert hosts Jacqui Kearns, Shawn Lubitz, and Grant Gallagher welcome Karla Wallack, Executive Director of the Affinity Foundation to dive into social and community wellbeing. Karla describes the mission of the Affinity Foundation in three words: wellbeing, education and healthcare. She describes their chief goal to help people leave poverty behind for good.

Throughout the episode, Karla shares her insight on how members can play a key role in helping their communities, how the Foundation gives back, and the importance of financial education. Notably, Karla also gives an overview of the Foundation’s match savings opportunity, Individual Development Accounts, where users can develop better saving habits through education and matches to supplement their savings. This account also allows users to have access to hands-on expert help along the way to saving for a specific asset that will improve their lives.

Jacqui and the team dig deeper into the true impact that the Foundation makes and the actions they take in the community, along with the support of Affinity FCU employees and members. They shift the conversation to what it truly means to be a part of the Affinity Foundation and how it complements the credit union and its mission. Karla discusses the Foundation’s annual events including the Rise & Inspire Gala, Golf Invitational and Impact Day, as well as the Foundation’s scholarship program. Karla also issues a reminder that students should apply for the program before the deadline of May 1.

Following the main discussion, Shawn pulls a question from the Member Mailbag. The team is tasked with answering the member-submitted question: What are some ways that Affinity members can help the community? Weighing in on different options that members have if they want to help the community, the team details how members can start getting involved. Jacqui emphasizes the importance of being kind and reconnecting with others in the community, especially post-pandemic.

To wrap up this week’s episode, Grant tells listeners how they can send a donation to the Foundation, either through affinitygives.org/donate or by attending one of the events in person.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.