OUR TEAM SPENDS A DAY FOCUSED ON EMPATHY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

First Alliance Credit Union brought together its entire team—from front-line staff to executive leadership—for a unique and impactful learning opportunity during its annual All Staff Training Day. The event was held in partnership with Three Rivers Community Action and the United Way of Southeast Minnesota and focused on deepening employees' understanding of the financial hardships faced by many community members.

A key component of the training was the Community Action Poverty Simulation, facilitated by Three Rivers Community Action. This immersive experience placed the credit union’s employees in realistic scenarios that mirror the daily challenges faced by individuals and families with limited financial resources. Participants will navigate tough decisions related to employment, transportation, childcare, housing, and essential expenses, gaining firsthand insight into the complexities of financial insecurity. Volunteers from various local organizations will assist in running the simulation, reinforcing First Alliance Credit Union’s commitment to engaging with and supporting the broader community.

“We know that there are many misconceptions about households experiencing poverty in our area, and the daily struggles of families to make ends meet often go unseen and therefore misunderstood,” said Courtney Dugstad, Chief Operating Officer of Three Rivers Community Action. “We are excited to collaborate with First Alliance Credit Union as the first organization in our area to partner with us to bring the Community Action Poverty Simulation to their team, and we believe it is a great step toward serving our community members in authentic ways.”

In addition, the United Way of Southeast Minnesota will also present findings from the recently released ALICE in Minnesota: A Study of Financial Hardship report. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.  The report highlights that 33% of Olmsted County households live with in the ALICE threshold, meaning they are earning above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggling to afford basic needs like housing, childcare, and healthcare. This presentation will help First Alliance Credit Union staff understand the financial struggles of working households that fall into the ALICE threshold. 

“We work alongside partners like First Alliance to close the gap between financial hardship and financial stability so that every family has equal opportunity to thrive,” said Jerome Ferson, President of United Way of Southeast Minnesota. “When our ALICE neighbors move from merely surviving to thriving, our entire community wins.”
By participating in this hands-on experience, First Alliance Credit Union staff will gain deeper insight into the financial challenges faced by many of their members, strengthening their ability to serve with empathy. 

“It’s not enough to offer financial products—we need to meet people where they are, listen to their challenges, and help create real financial opportunities. This training will allow our team to step into the shoes of those who face financial hardships daily and build a deeper sense of understanding,” said Brent Rempe, President/CEO of First Alliance Credit Union. “By participating in this poverty simulation and engaging with the ALICE report, our team will gain invaluable insights that will help us better serve our members with compassion and understanding.”

This training initiative aligns with First Alliance Credit Union’s commitment to financial empowerment and its dedication to supporting the communities it serves. By fostering greater empathy and awareness, the credit union aims to continue creating meaningful financial solutions that help individuals and families thrive.

About First Alliance Credit Union: First Alliance Credit Union was founded in 1932 in Rochester, MN, by seven firefighters and a teacher, creating a financial lifeline for municipal employees during the Great Depression. Today, we serve over 20,000 members across 14 Southeast Minnesota counties, offering personalized financial advice, trusted resources, and innovative lending solutions. Rooted in community, we remain committed to helping our members make smart financial decisions through every stage of life. For more information, visit firstalliancecu.com.

About Three Rivers Community Action: Three Rivers Community Action is a nonprofit human service organization created by local citizens and incorporated in 1966. Three Rivers is an agent of change within the community, paving the way for understanding and acceptance, serving over 17,000 people each year in southeastern Minnesota. Three Rivers supports individuals and families overcome challenges with homeownership, transportation, access to education, and more.  For more information, visit threeriverscap.org 

About United Way of Southeast Minnesota: The United Way of Southeast Minnesota, formerly known as United Way of Olmsted County, serves Dodge, Fillmore, Olmsted, and Winona counties. United Way of Southeast Minnesota is committed to finding and implementing community-driven solutions that ensure all people have the resources and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. We commit to leveraging all our strategies, investments, and partnerships to building a more equitable community. For more information, visit uwsemn.org 

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