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“People Helping People” is the credit union philosophy that our guiding principles are built on. From the first credit union established in 1864 in Germany, the underlying goal of credit unions are to help our neighbors and our communities.  

Here at FCCU, we not only believe in the greater good and the meaningful impact of “People Helping People”, we live it every day and encourage our staff to as well.  

In recent years, FCCU launched a volunteer program where employees track the number of hours they volunteer outside of work. Whether it is helping at church, coaching basketball, or volunteering at the local humane society, FCCU encourages, recognizes and rewards staff who are involved in their communities. 

That ‘People helping people’ philosophy was something that caught Amanda Thrift, Jamestown Market Retail Manager’s attention when she started working at FCCU. It’s also something she’s lived that passion each day as a result, while working for FCCU and what earned her the title of FCCU’s Volunteer of the Year.  

Despite overseeing countless staff, Amanda has found countless ways to influence the greater community as well, partaking in multiple boards, clubs, events, and volunteering when possible. In 2022, Amanda was named FCCU’s Volunteer of the Year, having volunteered more than 170 hours in the Jamestown and surrounding communities. Amanda is an active board member at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center and the Triumph Human Rights Committe, a committee formed to help adults with disabilities. She is a former board member of Prairie Paws, but still actively fosters and volunteers. She also is a former Past President of Jamestown Tourism. Additionally, Amanda is an active Advisor for the Kiwanis Aktion Club in Jamestown, a club for Kiwanis for adults with disabilities. She also is in Jamestown Kiwanis and was Lt. Governor of Kiwanis for the state of North Dakota, overseeing 11 clubs. If that's not enough, Amanda was recognized as Jamestown’s Young Professional of the Year for 2024 by the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce. Again, showing her dedication to community service. 

When asked why she feels it is important to volunteer, Thrift says, “My parents taught us from a young age, through leading by example, that it is important to get involved and make a difference in areas that matter to us.” She continues, “If I’m able to use some of my time and energy to make an impact on my community while focusing on something I am passionate about, it’s a win for everyone. When I moved back to Jamestown area in 2013, I decided to get involved in Kiwanis and Prairie Paws Rescues, which has led to many great friendships, connections and other volunteering opportunities over the years. I am thankful to be working for an organization who is as passionate about our community as I am and supports my involvement.” 

Alysa Barth, Director of Retail Sales and Development, as well as Amanda’s supervisor said, “Amanda has such a natural drive to connect and build relationships with the staff at FCCU, our membership, and the communities she serves.?She has a true passion for the work that she does, as well as giving back to her community. She has truly made an immense impact as a leader in our organization.”  

Over the last two years, FCCU staff accumulated and tracked nearly 5,000 hours of volunteer time, proving what a focus this is for our staff and company.  

Just like our brand and culture here at FCCU is valuable, so are the employees who work here. The FCCU volunteer of the year award is just one simple way to recognize our employees for their dedication to our communities.  

Thank you, Amanda for living out the credit union motto of “people helping people” each day and embracing our core value of community. 

Come join our growing team at myfccu.com/careers and live out the “people helping people” philosophy today!