CEO Column \u2013 July<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About two years ago, one of our employees, Danna Judd, said something that stuck with me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was right. And she wasn\u2019t alone in feeling it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Across SSVEC, employees have quietly stepped in to help members in need\u2014pulling from their own pockets, connecting folks to resources, or just going the extra mile when it mattered. We\u2019ve also seen community members walk into our offices and donate generously\u2014usually anonymously\u2014to help prevent someone else\u2019s service from being shut off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That spirit of giving led to something remarkable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last summer, a group of employees came together to launch the Sulphur Springs Valley Community Empowerment Fund<\/strong>. They incorporated it on June 12, 2024, and a short time later, earned approval as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It\u2019s now fully employee-run\u2014funded by staff contributions, guided by an employee board, and supported by a partnership with St. Vincent de Paul to help deliver aid where it\u2019s needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In just its first year, this fund is already provided over $20,000<\/strong> in direct support to members across our communities. No headlines. No red tape. Just people helping people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s what makes this cooperative different. Our employees don\u2019t just serve the community\u2014they are<\/em> the community. They don\u2019t wait for direction or recognition. They see a need, and they do something about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I couldn\u2019t be prouder of the team that brought this vision to life. And I hope the rest of us\u2014myself included\u2014can continue to learn from their example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like to support the fund or learn more, visit www.SSVCEF.org<\/a> or stop by one of our offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have a safe and meaningful Independence Day\u2014and thanks for being part of the SSVEC family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" CEO Column \u2013 July About two years ago, one of our employees, Danna Judd, said something that stuck with me: \u201cWe have a foundation for youth and a charitable trust for members in crisis, but nothing to help members with … <\/p>\n