Pelham - Windham News March 25, 2011 - 19
Salute Salute
Te first graduating class of Budget Buddies.
Social responsibility is a concept Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union takes seriously. The organization’s core purpose is “to help each member make smart financial choices,” but its sense of duty and concern for the community transcends anything taught in college finance. “We get involved in certain charities and causes because we are dedicated to helping people who are at critical points in their lives,” explains Mark Cochran, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We exist to help people, including those of modest means.” Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union has found that
employing a holistic approach is the best way to assist its members and community residents. “We are here to make our communities better and one way to do that is by enhancing the lives of individuals living in those communities,” Cochran says.
Rather than educating people solely about
checking and savings accounts, loans, and other standard financial products, the credit union also strives to teach a variety of life skills. Budgeting, the importance of higher education, maintaining a good credit rating, reducing household costs, and creating a stable lifestyle are just a few of the areas the Credit Union routinely discusses with community members. One example of how the Credit Union employs products to help members is its low-rate VISA credit card. The credit card offers an initial rate of 3.99 percent APR and ongoing rates as low as 7.99 percent APR, depending on the member’s credit score. The credit card is consumer- advocate approved by Nerd Wallet. Equally important are the many charitable efforts the Credit Union supports, such as Catie’s Closet (which collects and distributes clothing for homeless and needy teens), My Father’s House
(which provides shelter, food, and education to young, single mothers), Rebuilding Together Lowell (which performs repairs on homes of elderly residents), Living Waters Ministry of Hope (which strives to aid the homeless, rebuild lives, and teach life skills), Budget Buddies (which provides ongoing financial coaching for low-income women), Girls, Inc. (which teaches independence and personal responsibility), the Greater Lowell YMCA, and many more. “It all ties back to our tagline, ‘We Share a Common Thread,’” Cochran explains. “There are about 100 charitable and community endeavors that we sponsor and they are all geared toward helping people and building relationships with people.” The Credit Union’s efforts all focus on
improving people’s lives, but each endeavor works toward the goal from a different angle. Some people need to learn basic life skills – for example, budgeting, bill paying, resume writing, and interviewing expertise – and others need more concrete assistance such as housing, clothing, food, and medical care. The Credit Union’s goal is to attack the problems of poverty from every possible direction. Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is willing and able to take on creative initiatives that would typically be frowned upon at for-profit financial institutions. It has four full-service high-school branches, an entire department focused on community education, a program designed to encourage low- income people to save by offering 7.00 percent APY interest on the first $500, and MoneyStrong, a concept inspired by a desire to help those just entering the financial marketplace or needing to rebuild their credit. “Those are all very unique to us and highly
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union – Making Communities Better
to to
beneficial to people in the region,” Cochran says. “By paying an extraordinary rate, we are able to give people an incentive to start saving, and we can assist those people who currently have no credit but want to start creating their financial profile.”
Earlier this month, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union held its “We Share a Common Thread” fundraiser, benefiting Lowell General Hospital’s Teamwalk for Cancer Care, the American Heart Association, and the Credit Unions of Massachusetts’ Kids at Heart
Business Business
VISA® 3.99% 7.99% APR** .
We are committed to helping you make smart financial choices. Contact us today.
Lowell | Dracut | Chelmsford | Tyngsboro | Methuen
JDCU.com | 978-452-5001 | 877-604-5328
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. **After the first six (6) months from the account opening date, your rate will be based on the program you choose and your credit worthiness subject to a maximum APR of 15.99%. Rates as of 10/01/10 and are subject to change. Other fees and charges may include; Cash Advance Fee of 2.00% of transaction or $5.00 minimum, $50.00 maximum; Minimum Interest Charge of $.50; International Transaction Fee with currency conversion is 1.00% of the amount of your transaction in U.S. Dollars. Without currency conversion fee is 0.8% of the amount of your transaction in U.S. Dollars. A $5.00 Membership Account required.
Equal Opportunity Lender We do the homework for you. CREDIT CARD APR* FIXED FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS
WE ALSO SHARE A COMMON DESIRE TO SAVE MONEY.
Switch your high-rate credit card to a Jeanne D’Arc low-rate VISA Credit Card. We offer no annual fees and no balance transfer fees. Our low introductory APR applies to ALL purchases, ALL cash advances and ALL balances transfers for the first 6 months. After 6 months, rates are as low as
Program for Children’s Hospital Boston. The fun- filled event attracted more than 300 people and raised more than $21,000 for the charities. Serving those in the region is an integral part of
Jeanne D’Arc’s culture. “Whenever we have the ability to improve the
lives of people in our membership communities, we are going to embrace it,” Cochran emphasizes. “It is our reason for being and is at the heart of all we do.”
Gray’s Contracting Connects with Customers Homeowners understand that one of the
best investments you can make to your home is upgrading the existing conditions to newer, more modern conveniences. Whether it is a new addition, a new roof, updated insulated replacement windows, a new garage, gutters or siding, many of these projects require you to find a qualified contractor to handle the work for you. “Finding a qualified, professional remodeling
contractor need not be a difficult or unpleasant task,” states Jim Gray, a local Hudson contractor with over 25 years of experience. “By following some basic guidelines, you will not only make the selection process easier, but also you will be more prepared to make an informed decision that best suits your needs.” Jim believes that homeowners must employ a
contractor with “an established business in your local area. Local firms can be checked through past customers. They are tax-paying members of your community and are compelled to perform satisfactory work for local homeowners in order for their business to survive. Check the remodeling contractor with the Better Business Bureau to see if there is an adverse file or record.” Gray’s Contracting has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau of New Hampshire and welcomes prospective customers to ask for references when researching their home project needs. “Ask for local homeowner references and
follow up on them,” says Jim. “And then, call the references. Ask if they were satisfied with all aspects of the contractor’s performance, and then ask if it would be OK to see the finished projects. Then, solicit two or three bids for the work you need to be done, and do not blindly accept the lowest. Ask a contractor why the bid is so low or so high. Sometimes, a higher price may be worth the cost of better-quality materials. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of all materials to be used.” “At Gray’s, we use only the highest quality materials in any of our construction projects. Our customers know the different material options and associated costs and can make an educated decision because we take the time to explain the building process to them.” “We live and work in this area, so we want nothing but happy clients,” comments Jim. “We work together with homeowners every step of the way. We develop relationships with our homeowners and we consider them to be partners in every project we do. We include and involve the homeowners from the design and dreaming phase, to selecting the right colors and materials, to handing over the keys, or the final job clean- up.”
New England winters are always tough on roofs, gutters, and homes in general. This winter’s power outages and heavy snow storm damages saw a lot of competing companies who would over-promise and under-deliver. Never ever give any contractor any money ahead of the work being done. Would-be contractors promising to be back in a week or so to begin a project and never returning have victimized many folks. In fact, the Attorney General of NH stated that many scam artists have
been taking advantage of people. “We at Gray’s Contracting do not want to see that happen to any one of our neighbors. We want to take care of our customers’ concerns completely today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. We pride ourselves on having most of our business is as a result of satisfied customers who come back to us for repeat business,” says Jim. “There is nothing more frustrating than a roof that leaks,” continues Gray. “The water runs down walls, ruining paint and wallpaper, floors, ceilings, and leads to mold and structure problems.” Gray’s has the crews to get to you fast and rectify roof leaks, shingle loss, gutter damage, mold and other problems that you may have developed over the winter. We understand the disruption and confusion that comes with many home repair projects, and work to minimize that disruption for the family. The job site remains clutter- free as much as it is possible. Your home represents a large
investment; its proper care and maintenance is essential. Care and maintenance includes updating siding on older homes, new roofs and gutter systems, cleaning out gutters, power washing homes and decks, entryway door upgrades, and more. Your home must suit your present needs, as well as your lifestyle.
Carefully plan your home
improvements so you can update your home, increase the value of your investment, and customize your living space—all for a lot less than the cost of a new house. Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Do you need an additional bedroom, a refurbished bath, or a modern kitchen? As the middle school children age, will the rooms you have now be sufficient for the teenage years, for mom and dad, as well as junior? Gray’s Contracting can help you in
your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget. “I have worked for some of the best
people in the industry,” continues Jim. “I had the opportunity to continue on with my own contracting company where I am responsible for every detail, and can have every detail meet my exacting quality standards.
I wouldn’t tolerate half-
baked work from a contractor in my house, and know people are looking for honest, reputable contractors. We deliver that!”
Aside from the full-service contract work, it’s
Gray’s customer service that really sets them apart. They offer full installation with all work and products being backed by industry warranties. I“We are proud of our A rating with the Better Business Bureau,” states Jim. “There are a lot of new people starting roofing and siding companies who don’t have the proper experience, insurance, or manpower. We just want homeowners to be
wary of the lowest price or underbids – remember, you can argue price once – but a quality job lasts forever.” To learn more about the products, services, and special offers available at Gray’s Contracting, visit their Website at
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