Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Of all the financial institutions in our area, there is one that stands out for its unique mission. This is the Jefferson County Teachers Credit Union, the “last community-centric financial institution in Jefferson County,” according to Kayla McKown, the CEO and manager of the membership-owned financial institution. It has been serving our community since 1964, and thanks to the friendly smiles that greet all who enter, it continues to serve us faithfully.
Its beginnings were relatively humble. The credit union was originally founded by and for school district employees as a nonprofit “people helping people” institution, housed in a simple small building. Now, the credit union has grown; it has its own building at 1500 W. Washington St., and its members have expanded to include anyone who lives, works or worships in Jefferson County. Even so, the credit union's personal interest in others has not changed.
“We're for the family...we just help people helping people. We feel we benefit the community,” McKown explains.
The credit union's goal is to give everyone in our community an opportunity—even ones who do not bank. As a nonprofit union, they are not subject to taxes. They offer lower interests on loans, higher dividends and lower fees in general. They make it easy for individuals to set up a savings account with only a small sum of money so that anyone can start investing in their future right away. They offer consumer loans, savings accounts, certificates of deposits and friendly customer service. Best of all, they are credible—the union is A-rated and just as federally insured as any bank would be.
However, the credit union's gifts to Jefferson County extend far beyond the usual activities of a credit union. They also strive to “give back to the community,” primarily through scholarships and nonprofit donations.
“We really try to give back through the children in our community, and that's why we give [scholarships] away,” says McKown.
Most important of all is the sense of family within the union. Many of the workers and volunteers have been there for decades, but even the newest employees are deeply familiar with the members. The Jefferson County Teachers Credit Union, above all else, values the connection that serving the community brings.
“It's intimate. We get to know all our customers personally,” says Gladys Roann-Watson, who serves as chair of the board.
Everyone in the credit union shares the same goal—to provide friendly and effective customer service, familiar faces, and people who are truly invested in you and your success. No wonder they have served Jefferson County for nearly 60 years!
Though the Jefferson County Teachers Credit Union hopes to continue to grow in the future,
they strive to always preserve its roots. They want to grow, but “never lose what makes it so special,” says Glen Bishop, chair of the supervisor committee. The credit union invites all in the community to “come and see what they are about.”
You can visit the Jefferson County Teachers Credit Union at any time from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday at 1500 W. Washington St. You can also visit their website at www.jctcuonline.org or call (850) 342-0250 to learn more about joining.