First Community Credit Union (FCCU) recently held fundraisers for their 2018 second quarter charity, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Employees of FCCU choose a different organization each quarter to support by raising money and awareness. FCCU was able to raise $5,500 for AFSP to go towards research, education and prevention, advocacy and public policy both in North Dakota and nationwide. 

The Jamestown community, home of FCCU Headquarters, has had recent deaths by suicide keeping this cause at the top of employee’s minds. We live in a tight-knit community where our members are our friends and we get to know them on a personal level. Losing a member of the community by suicide directly impacts our staff, members, friends and family.  Though it is too late to help those who have died by suicide, we strive to prevent it.

“The topic of suicide can be very personal for some,” said Janna Bergstedt, VP of Marketing for FCCU. She continues, “Unfortunately nearly everyone has been impacted by suicide, whether directly or indirectly. Our employees chose this cause because it’s one that we feel is important and we want to help make a difference in those that have been impacted or could be in the future.”

There were many activities FCCU participated in to help raise funds and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention including a staff meeting with the Dakotas Area Director for AFSP, Jeans Fridays, Pin Ups, social media posts, FirstLink’s Annual Breakfast, TEARS informational seminar and an Employee Silent Auction.

First Community would like to thank the generous employees and community members who helped make this a successful second quarter charity.

Photo L to R: FCCU’s Shantel Johnson, Mitch Volk, Cheryl Landsem and Laura Wickham, Dakotas Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Samantha Bruers, FCCU’s Chris Howell and Brady Hersch.

During its 78 year history, First Community Credit Union has grown to be North Dakota’s largest Credit Union. As a credit union, FCCU is owned by its members. This is different than other financial institutions which are owned by a select group of stockholders. The Credit Union's profits are returned to the members in the form of better services, accounts, and favorable rates on savings and loans.