press releases

KW: I believe if I want a better community I need to know what is going on, and actively find ways I can help it become a better place to live and work.

NG: Thirty-one years ago, my parents, sister and I immigrated to the United States from Mexico without many of the resources available today. Since my parents did not know English and were mostly on survival mode, my older sister and I had to figure out how to get ahead academically and achieve the American Dream however we could. Though this was tough, not everyone has to go through these struggles alone. My passion to give back stems from my past and how my family struggled to get ahead.

I enjoy giving back to the community because this is home to all of us. When one person succeeds we all succeed. In our culture, family and community form our village. Coming to a new place, we lost that village, but every day I aspire to make our Hendersonville community a place where people find comfort, support, and resources so that they can achieve their own dreams.

NG:I volunteer at True Ridge, a local non-profit organization that advocates for our underserved Latino community in Henderson County, North Carolina by providing:

• Advocacy and aid to women in domestic violence situations
• Educational mentoring for middle and high school students
• Leadership and corporate mentoring workshops for adults
• Helping underserved high school students with resources to scholarships, FAFSA application assistance, college fee waivers, etc.

My time volunteering is primarily spent on the board helping create fundraisers for True Ridge. I want to continue finding ways to help the organization grow and serve more people in our local community.

KW: This year I’m using my VTO to volunteer at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). We are having a Dutch Oven Lid Lifting Contest. The last two years, I have used my VTO to help at our local Ducks Unlimited Banquet. I also volunteer leading up to the events, by planning them as well as volunteering at the events.

KW: I love it and support it, for several reasons. One is the very real, direct impacting volunteering can make in our communities. From supporting those in need, providing educational and supportive resources to children, keeping neighborhoods safe and inviting for families and businesses to grow, it is so important for companies like United to lead by example and offer employees the chance to give back.

Another highlight of volunteering in my community is having the chance to meet many people whom I now call friends.

NG: Credit unions are known for being community driven. It is important to me that United continues to support local organizations and business. We are people helping people, and in the midst of the unpredictable chaos of life, I strongly believe that United shines as a standard for all financial institutions.

I am very proud to work for an organization that not only supports my volunteer time, but also supports and serves the organization itself.

KW: Get in contact with local non-profit organizations, and ask questions. If that one does not interest you, try another one. It is so rewarding to volunteer and I’d say there is a place for everyone.