The DE Difference: Thomas Flowers

Name: Thomas Flowers

Title: CEO

When did you attend DE Training: May 2019

Why did you decide to attend DE training? April Ales suggested it to my board, and it was one of the best investments ever.

What were your thoughts about DE training before you arrived/attended? I was not sure what to expect as it was new to me.

How did DE change you?  I thought I understood the meaning and value of Credit Unions until I completed the program, well let’s just say if you are willing to open your mind you will learn more than you can ever imagine or be taught in an academic classroom.

What were your top three takeaways from DE training? People, Passion, and Understanding.

How did you incorporate what you learned at DE into your job? Keep an open mind every day.

What is your DE project? After completing the Credit Union Development Education (DE) program, I was inspired to make a tangible impact in the lives of students affected by food scarcity due to financial limitations. This program ignited a deeper understanding of the credit union’s responsibility to not only serve members financially but to address critical community needs, especially for those most vulnerable. One of the ways I’ve been able to put this inspiration into action is through our partnership with the Altha Public School Backpack Program. This initiative provides food for children who may otherwise go hungry over the weekends. These students, many from low-income families or facing housing instability, often rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition. Ensuring they have access to food during non-school days has been a priority for our credit union because we believe that supporting the overall well-being of our community goes beyond financial services.

The funds for this initiative were made possible through a budget approved by the credit union’s board of directors, as part of our commitment to living out our mission of community service. We see this not just as a charitable contribution but as a core responsibility to the communities we serve. Last October, I had the privilege of organizing our credit union’s involvement in this program. With the help of our dedicated staff, we purchased food items that could easily be prepared by the students themselves, ensuring they had the nutrition needed to get through the weekend.

After packing the food into reusable backpacks, we delivered them to Altha Public School for the 30 students currently enrolled in the program. These backpacks not only served as a vehicle for meals but as a small gesture of hope and stability for these children. At Calhoun Liberty Credit Union, this project is more than just an act of giving—it is a reflection of the values instilled in us by the DE program and a testament to our belief that when we give where we can, we uplift our entire community. Serving the community is embedded in our mission, and initiatives like the Altha Backpack Program remind us that we are not just here to manage finances but to ensure that the basic needs of our members and their families are met. This is how we create lasting change.