Grace CCU empowering its members through excellent service
A VOICE of inspiration and a passion for service, Grace Co-operative Credit Union’s Manager Hope Mowatt shares her story about how she began her journey with the organisation. According to Mowatt, her introduction to the credit union started long before she knew the impact it would make on her adult life. “My parents were the ones who encouraged me to join the credit union. When I got older, I later understood why they were so passionate about me becoming a member,” she said.
“I was made redundant, but that experience proved to be a blessing in disguise,” she revealed. Mowatt applied for a position as a senior loans officer at the former GSB Co-operative Credit Union; however, the management team was impressed with her experience and qualifications, and they offered the position of manager for the credit union. “It was an eye-opener while serving as a manager at GSB Co-operative Credit Union. I saw firsthand what the credit unions meant to its members,” she explained. “The credit union proved to be more than just a financial institution; it provided a space where its members were empowered.”
Mowatt referred to the credit union as a movement which creates value for its members. She recalled how members had approached her in the past to express their gratitude for the assistance from the credit union. “I remembered a young lady approached me in a supermarket and embraced me because of what the credit union had done for her.”
Those are the experiences that make the movement a force to be reckoned with, Mowatt shared. Grace Co-operative Credit Union is quite passionate about mentoring the youth. Mowatt shared how the Grace Staff Initiative provides a platform where staff members are given the opportunity to mentor young professionals. “Here at the credit union, we ensure that our mentees are integrated into the Grace family and receive career and professional development.”
Mowatt recalled how she had the opportunity to mentor a student from Camperdown High School and witnessed her growth and persistent spirit that allowed her to matriculate to the University of Technology. Mowatt believes that Grace Co-operative Credit Union is committed to its members and has created an environment where members believe they have a financial friend. “We provide quality service and financial solutions to our members. We have a caring spirit here at the Grace Co-op Credit Union,” Mowatt said.
“We encourage our members to dream big, and with the right support, we let our members know that they can achieve anything.”