WHITEFISH, MT (June 4, 2020) — Rather than withdraw community support during the pandemic, Park Side Credit Union (Park Side CU) has decided to double-down.  Collectively, marketing and operations staff at the credit union came together with key community partners to focus on the basics, such as food and shelter.  Park Side CU played a big role in the rapid opening of an emergency homeless shelter in Kalispell.  They also worked with area food banks and other organizations that support our students with meals, healthy snacks, and weekend food packages.

Between all of the branches, both in the Flathead and Missoula areas, Park Side was able to put an additional $10,000 during March and April into hands that needed it the most.  The employees also rolled up their sleeves to help wherever it was possible.  In one program alone, Farm Hands – Nourish the Flathead, credit union staff contributed more than 24 hours of paid community involvement in the first of a six-week commitment.

“The nature of homelessness in Montana is that at times it can be deadly, and even more so in regards to the corona virus.  We are so appreciative of the help we received from Park Side Credit Union to make our work possible.”  -Chris Krager, Executive Director at Samaritan House Homeless Shelter in Kalispell.

In Missoula, the YWCA domestic violence shelter and Watson Children’s Shelter were both recipients of “stimulus” funds from Park Side CU.  In addition, the Poverello Center, a recent Park Side Partner, and the Missoula Food Bank, along with the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula were granted significant contributions.  Perhaps most creatively of all, Park Side CU donated $500 in Downtown Missoula Gift Cards so that some of these social service organizations could actually purchase their necessary goods locally.

“The partnership with Park Side Credit Union is tremendous.  Not only did Noreen Cady call to ask what we needed, she made it happen.  We of course needed funding and Park side helped match our funds raised during part of our Giving Tuesday Fundraising drive, but we also needed volunteers and some equipment.  With a few short conversations, Noreen arranged for our pantry to get a new hand truck and U-boat dolly and had them delivered.  Since the pandemic the need for our weekend food bag for food insecure children has tripled making details like getting equipment difficult because of lack of time.  Noreen just made it happen and we are so unbelievably grateful.  In addition, we are getting regular volunteer groups twice a week to bag food.  Park Side is an amazing partner in our community, they get into the work to help organizations thrive.”  -Gretchen Boyer, Executive Director at Farm Hands Nourish the Flathead.

"We will be the best place for the people of western Montana to get a loan." Our positive impact is compounded every year and we are creating an unparalleled network of cooperation.  It’s unique, it’s progressive; it’s the Park Side Partner Program.