No loans, no hassle—just your paycheck
Instead of making members apply for emergency loans, Keesler Federal launched its Paycheck Relief Program. Revolutionary in its simplicity, it worked like this: if you were a federal employee with direct deposit at Keesler Federal, your paycheck kept coming—interest-free, fee-free, and stress-free. Each qualified member could receive up to $6,000 per pay period for as long as 90 days. No hoops, no headaches.From October 1 until the shutdown ended, Keesler Federal advanced more than 5,000 paychecks totaling $6.5 million to 1,710 members. For non-members, they even offered zero-interest loans up to $6,500 with a year to pay it back. This proactive approach meant that before the first missed paycheck, Keesler Federal had already built a safety net so members could keep life on track.
The program gave Keesler Federal members the peace of mind that comes with knowing their finances were not threatened by the shutdown. “We wanted to make sure members didn’t have to worry about their bills piling up,” said Keesler Federal CEO Andrew Swoger.
Why it matters
Most banks can’t do this. Credit unions can—because they’re member-owned and mission-driven. “Credit unions matter—especially in times of crisis—because they’re able to focus on their members and address their needs,” Swoger said.
For Keesler Federal, the program isn’t about money—it’s about trust. Keesler Federal didn’t wait for trouble to hit their members. Instead, it acted fast, cut out the red tape, and created a program that gave families peace of mind when they needed it most. Paycheck Relief demonstrated the credit union difference in action.
Beyond paychecks: Fighting hunger
The shutdown didn’t just stop paychecks—it disrupted SNAP benefits, leaving millions struggling to put food on the table. Keesler Federal doubled its food bank donations to over $100,000 and teamed up with Feeding the Gulf Coast for a massive food distribution in Gulfport. Two 18-wheelers full of groceries were broken down by volunteers to create food boxes with about $100 worth of items including meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, can goods, and staples. People drove up in cars from a line that stretched more than three miles. The event distributed enough food to provide more than 2,000 meals.
Employees volunteered alongside community partners, proving that credit unions don’t just talk about community—they show up for it. Keesler Federal also supports other regional food networks, including the Mississippi Food Network and Second Harvest in New Orleans, amplifying its impact beyond its immediate footprint.
A playbook for the future
Keesler Federal’s Paycheck Relief Program is more than a quick fix—it’s a model for how credit unions can lead during crises. By meeting members where they are and removing stress, credit unions deliver more than financial help—they deliver hope. And that ripple effect matters: when members feel secure, communities thrive.
With economic uncertainty still looming—from inflation to the possibility of future shutdowns—programs like this show why credit unions matter. For Keesler Federal, the mission is simple: people first, always. “We meet people where they are and help them through the toughest times,” Swoger said. “That’s what being a credit union is all about.”
T. Bradley Keith, Director, Public Relations and Communications, a former newspaper journalist, joined Keesler Federal after working previously in corporate communications and state and federal politics. He served as State Director for the senior United States Senator from Louisiana for 18 years, directing a staff on the front lines of recovery from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike and the BP oil spill. Keith was principal of a public affairs group specializing in coastal and environmental policy issues and was director of Louisiana’s national estuary program prior to coming to Keesler Federal.
=================================================
Remember, you're not alone with NCOFCU.org
|
Comments
Post a Comment
Please no profanity or political comments.