News from First Community and Ozark Federal 

Published 4.6.21

Credit union staffers are dedicated to improving their communities. Check out a few of the ways First Community Credit Union (Chesterfield, MO) and Ozark Federal Credit Union (Poplar Bluff, MO) have been enriching the lives of those in their communities. 

First Community donates $8,000 to local charities

During the last two weeks of December, First Community employees made monetary donations to Friends of Kids with Cancer and Nurses for Newborns. For a minimum of $10 each week they could wear jeans during either or both of those weeks. The credit union also made a corporate match to those donations. After the two weeks were over, the credit union was able to present each charity with $4,000 donations. 

Friends of Kids with Cancer is devoted to enriching the daily lives of children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of, cancer and blood-related diseases.

Nurses for Newborn's mission is to provide a safety net for families most at risk; to help prevent infant mortality, child abuse and neglect through home based programs that provide education, healthcare and positive parenting skills.

Ozark Federal Credit Union sponsors high school's culinary arts program

Ozark Federal Credit Union has supported the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Centers Culinary Arts Program (called the Mules Café) at Poplar Bluff High School for several years.  

Ozark FCU's business development specialist, Davine Conover, is a guest lecturer and teaches workshops, such as customer service, financial literacy, and starting a small business. Students can revisit the workshop or listen to additional training on Ozark FCU's website. Students also learn the importance of saving through their tip account at the credit union, which helps fund their field trip.  

Recently, a Senior Showcase Night was held at the Mules Café, which shared what the students learned through the two-year, culinary program. Each senior planned a pop-up restaurant, including a restaurant name, logo, marketing strategy and a menu within a budget. All of these are vital points taught in a past workshop taught by Conover.

The junior classmates were the sous chefs to the seniors. Not only did the juniors assist in the kitchen, but they were there to decorate the venue and help serve the bite-size menu portions. At the end of the evening, votes were cast for the best dish.

Ozark FCU proudly sponsored this program that helped students develop a work ethic that will help them contribute to their communities.