Shared values create a lasting relationship: Jan Burch’s member story

“Community is such a part of my soul,” Jan Burch, a member of OCCU, tells us on a sunny Eugene afternoon. We know Jan not just through her charismatic visits to our branches and investment seminars but for her passion for community involvement. “It’s how I was raised,” she said.  

“Even though we weren’t rich by any means, we were loved and we had enough. Mom sewed a lot of our clothes. We always had food on the table, and we felt like we were okay. So we were taught to give back to those who didn’t.” 

Though for Jan, community involvement isn’t just fulfilling a need. It’s fun too. Jan raised her family with the same values of community giving as she was raised with. Just as she did with her family, her kids and grandkids join her in getting involved and view it as an exciting and rewarding way to spend time together. 

Jan has spent her entire life in Oregon. In fact, we’ve had the pleasure of serving Jan for more than 40 years at OCCU. Banking at a credit union was only natural for Jan. Her parents were huge supporters of credit unions because of their ties to the community. 

“I was taught at a very young age that belonging to a credit union was the right thing to do,” Jan tells us. “OCCU was the right credit union for me because of the feeling of safety and caring I get.” When faced with recent difficult family issues, she shares that OCCU was able to guide her through the resulting financial questions and concerns so she could focus on the more important thing — her family.  

“I now know as an adult — not just a child being told — I understand and I’ve seen and I’ve experienced the involvement the credit union has with ... its members. And that gives you a really good feeling to know that you mean more to your financial institution than just the money you can bring to the door. You matter.” 

At OCCU, we love the shared connections and values of members like Jan. Hear more from our members and what connects them to OCCU. We are so thankful to have her on our side and know that we’re better because of it.