CEO Column – July
About two years ago, one of our employees, Danna Judd, said something that stuck with me:
“We have a foundation for youth and a charitable trust for members in crisis, but nothing to help members with their utility bills. As a cooperative, we should.”
She was right. And she wasn’t alone in feeling it.
Across SSVEC, employees have quietly stepped in to help members in need—pulling from their own pockets, connecting folks to resources, or just going the extra mile when it mattered. We’ve also seen community members walk into our offices and donate generously—usually anonymously—to help prevent someone else’s service from being shut off.
That spirit of giving led to something remarkable.
Last summer, a group of employees came together to launch the Sulphur Springs Valley Community Empowerment Fund. They incorporated it on June 12, 2024, and a short time later, earned approval as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It’s now fully employee-run—funded by staff contributions, guided by an employee board, and supported by a partnership with St. Vincent de Paul to help deliver aid where it’s needed most.
In just its first year, this fund is already provided over $20,000 in direct support to members across our communities. No headlines. No red tape. Just people helping people.
That’s what makes this cooperative different. Our employees don’t just serve the community—they are the community. They don’t wait for direction or recognition. They see a need, and they do something about it.
I couldn’t be prouder of the team that brought this vision to life. And I hope the rest of us—myself included—can continue to learn from their example.
If you’d like to support the fund or learn more, visit www.SSVCEF.org or stop by one of our offices.
Have a safe and meaningful Independence Day—and thanks for being part of the SSVEC family.