First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union’s Post

Relationships and collaboration between school districts and local first responders are crucial, and Troy Burke's post below lends a perfect example of the good will and increased readiness for emergencies that can result when school districts make assets available to first responders for training. Consider: -School districts have schools, buildings and stadiums (many of which are idle during the summer) and fleets of school buses (frequently a few that are decommissioned and headed to salvage). -Both the district and the community depend on first responders to be competent at tactics and familiar with the layout/features of school buildings (and buses) when responding to emergencies. - Police departments need to be familiar with the layout/features of schools and other buildings, and are almost always on the lookout for new buildings for officers to train in/on (building entries & searches, active shooter response, hostage rescue and other tactics). Same for school buses (also to practice emergency entry, hostage rescue and the like). - Fire departments/EMS are also always on the lookout for buildings and vehicles (especially buses) to practice rescue/extrication. It's a win-win where school districts allow first responders to use the district's inventory of buildings and buses for training and exercise purposes. The cost to the district is typically negligible (may have to run the building AC for a day or absorb lower auction sale price of salvage bus), but having first responders with more training "reps" in actual district buildings (or buses) can result in more effective responses during an emergency - a big win for the school district and the community at large. Not sure? Districts and local first responders can quell apprehension and grease the wheels of cooperation by having a thoughtful discussion with appropriate district and local gov't representatives, and working out an MOU that includes things like: 1. Expectations on cleanup and repair of any unintended damage to district property (Sarge, can you please have your guys make sure no simms paint is left on the walls...). 2. Who at the district is authorized to approve a police/fire request to use a building for training and the process to confirm no conflicting district business or event is scheduled in that building. 3. Procedures/requirements to avoid alarm by district staff, students or the community (advance notification that an unusual first responder presence at a district building is for training purposes and not an actual emergency). 4. Expectations for unlocking/locking/setting alarms, etc., in buildings.

Find Your Reason to Give: Save the Date: Giving Tuesday - November 28! This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to reflect on what motivates you to give back. Whether it's a personal connection to a specific program, a desire to support local youth, or a commitment to building a healthier community – your reason to give is a powerful force for positive change. How You Can Make an Impact: -- Donate: Your financial contribution directly supports our programs and initiatives. Every dollar counts, and together, we can create lasting change. -- Spread the Word: Share your reason to give on social media using #FindYourY and inspire others to join the movement. #ymcali #forabetterus #givingtuesday #november28 #seasonofgiving

In my opinion, there is nothing more valuable in our society than small businesses. They foster a spirit of innovation and pave the way for individuals to pursue their dreams. They reflect the unique character and heritage of their communities and serve to both preserve and build the cultural identity of those communities. They serve as a force of economic vitality and growth, not only providing nearly 2/3 of new jobs in the US over the past 25 years, but also donate nearly 250% more than large businesses to local charities and organizations. Their revenue generation serves as a tax base for their municipality impacting vital resources like schools and public safety as well as quality of life amenities such as parks and recreational programs. Additionally, in times of political or societal unrest that often tear people apart, small businesses serve as a social and engagement connection hub where both our similarities and uniqueness can be celebrated. #supportlocal #smallbusiness #community #businessgrowth

On July 4th, we celebrate America’s independence-but many central Virginia families led by single parents don’t have that luxury. They aren’t able to maximize life, liberty, or happiness as a result of financial and transportation limitations. Giving Words is committed to walking these local families from crisis to peace-and you can be part of their push for independence! WHAT WE DO • Emergency Transportation issues • Car Gifting • Community and Resources • As-needed Support HOW YOU CAN HELP • Donate a vehicle: Your older (but running and driving) car can become the vehicle to a family’s independence. • Business Owner Sponsorship: Build awareness of your business around the region as a supporter of Giving Words. • Become a Recurring Donor: Monthly donations provide consistent funds that empower us to grow smoothly and help more families. Make a new Declaration this Fourth of July. Support Giving Words as we help local families move toward independence! Click the link to learn more: https://loom.ly/3i8s0vo #givingwordsva #independenceday #independence #louisa #makeadonation #movinglivesforward #louisa #louisava #supportingsinglemoms

I want to hear your thoughts... A part of what sets us apart at BeeLeaf Creative is how we give back to the community, specifically under-resourced areas. But how often is that being looked at?? How often is that in the decision-making process to partner with a small business or not (like ourselves)? I've read stats like: - small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses - 85-90% of consumers partner with businesses that give back, etc - 8 out of 10 small businesses have a giving back element in their mission But I want to know, does that matter anymore? Does that matter more now than ever? Does it depend on how you leverage it? Comment your thoughts below! #givingbacktothecommunity #smallbusinessowner #missiondriven #supportsmallbusiness #increasevisibility

As Financial Planning Month unfolds, let's pause and reflect on the power of giving back. 💙 👟 As we plan for our financial futures, let's also consider how we can pass on blessings to those in need. Soles4Souls is on a mission to provide shoes and clothing to those who need it most, and your support can make a world of difference. Join us in making a positive impact. Every step forward brings us closer to a brighter future for all. Email us at Soles4Souls@therowgroup.com to learn more.👣 🌎 Don’t have shoes you want to donate? Follow this link https://lnkd.in/eRYK5RK9 to contribute in another way. #FinancialPlanningMonth #GiveBack #Soles4Souls #MakeADifference

Did you know? Our Renovation Projects Estimated Value: $3,515,000 Actual Cost: $780,678 AMOUNT SAVED: $2,734,322 WHAT WE OFFER *Mentoring our project partners with advice from skilled professionals. * Providing free labor for our projects through our team of volunteers. *Referring professional needs to companies in our industry network. * Lowering costs with donated/discounted materials provided by business partners. HOW WE DO IT We meet the renovation needs of organizations and individuals at a cost they can afford. Our volunteers model Christ's example of serving others to complete every project, eliminating the cost of labor. "Not to be served, but to serve." - Matthew 20:28 #NJSkilledProfessionals #VolunteerRenovationProject #AffordableRenovations

That's a wonderful sentiment! There are many ways to help those in need: 1. **Volunteering:** Offer your time and skills to organizations that support the less fortunate. 2. **Donations:** Give to charities or directly to individuals in need. 3. **Advocacy:** Speak out about issues affecting the disadvantaged to raise awareness and promote change. 4. **Education:** Support programs that provide education and job training to empower people to improve their lives. Is there a particular way you're interested in helping, or would you like more specific suggestions?

Local businesses are the backbone of our communities. They bring unique products, create jobs, and give back to local causes. Here’s why it’s more important than ever to support them: 1. Preserve Community Character: Local shops give our towns their unique charm. 2. Boost the Local Economy: Every dollar spent locally helps our community thrive. 3. Enjoy Unique Products: Find one-of-a-kind items you won’t see anywhere else. 4. Create Jobs: Small businesses employ nearly half of the workforce in the U.S. 5. Support Local Initiatives: Local businesses donate more to local charities and causes. Let’s make a difference together! 💪 #SupportLocal #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal #Community #ProfilePlace

Today is my #bEartDay and for most everyone else, it is #EarthDay. I received a text from the #JillStein2024 #GreenParty campaign. If you can donate to assure the Green Party attains #BallotAccess in most or every state to push an agenda that the majority of #Americans want and desperately need; as well as the rest if the world; please do so. That'd be the best bEarth Day present i could ask for! The #Greens are the only party who can challenge the #Democrats and #Republicans due to past success achieving this challenging goal, but #Biden and the #DNC are gunning for them with record spending, and the #GOP is gunning for others, to make this an even more expensive and challenging task than it already is. #HappyEarthDay! #Organize! #SpeakUp and #SpeakOut! https://lnkd.in/eyJ8pb8K