Brandy Arnett, New Accounts Representative, and Dora Buckles, Direct Deposit/ACH Manager, of Northeast Community Credit Union, presents the Helping Teachers Teach grant check to Tammy Eggleston, teacher at Doe Elementary School in Johnson County.

Eggleston applied for the Helping Teachers Teach grant to purchase a listening center for her classroom. Through the listening center, students will listen to a book as they read along with it. The listening center will be used daily in small group activities and will help enhance the students’ listening skills. The new listening center will also give the students more books to choose from.

“I want the children to want to read,” Eggleston said. “I want to watch the children enjoy reading along while listening to a book of their choice. It will benefit them by seeing and hearing a book, and will enhance their understanding of print, punctuation and fluent reading while improving their listening skills.

Northeast Community Credit Union awards $300 every month to a classroom to be utilized for classroom needs, classroom activities, and academic enrichment. Helping Teachers Teach is open to teachers within Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, Sullivan and Washington counties that are members of Northeast Community Credit Union. Teachers may download the application at the credit union’s website: www.BeMyCU.org.

Northeast Community Credit Union is investing in the lives of the children of Carter County with a donation of $1,000 to the Carter County Imagination Library.

Northeast Community Credit Union is one of the Foundation Members of the CCIL and has contributed $1,000 every year since the start of the Carter County Imagination Library. The Carter County Imagination Library provides a free book to children in Carter County every month from birth until they turn five years old.

“Our credit union has made a commitment to our community to annually donate a percentage of proceeds to organizations and worthwhile causes,” NCCU President/CEO Teresa Arnold said. “We are so thankful that we can help provide books to the children in our county.”

CCIL Board Member Lilo Duncan said the cost to provide children with books from birth until age 5 is $150 per child.

Local talent continues to be showcased at Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library.

In addition to the wall mural created by artist Christina Majic, the Young Adult section at the library now features a creation by local photographer Courtney Valentine. Valentine created a canvas wall hanging at the request of Northeast Community Credit Union to recognize its contribution as a library sponsor.

The photograph was taken near the top of Roan Mountain and features local student Finley Greene, an avid reader and 1st-grade student at Hampton Elementary School, as well as images reminiscent of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis.

“The Narnia Chronicles are probably my favorite book series ever,” says NCCU President/CEO Teresa Arnold. “I love the symbolism, and how Aslam’s good triumphs over all evil. It’s an encouraging takeaway for kids of all ages. Our credit union is a major sponsor of literacy in the areas where we serve, and we’re grateful we could contribute financially to help promote reading. ECCPL is an awesome resource for our county and city, and Courtney is an amazing photographer. She’s definitely the creative force behind our library canvas concept.”

Northeast Community Credit Union presented a $500 donation to Assistance and Resource Ministries (ARM) as part of their annual partnership with the non-profit agency.

ARM relies on community donations to provide assistance to 700 to 950 people each month. ARM provides meals, monthly food boxes, clothing, baby supplies, vouchers for additional household needs, referrals to other agencies, employment counseling and much more.

ARM Board Member Faye Ingram said the donation will be used to help fill in the gaps where clients need it most.

“This is one of the tougher times of the year,” Ingram said. “There is a lot of need in the community, and this donation will help out tremendously.”

“ARM diligently works to benefit the needy in Carter County and helps with necessities for people who often slip through the cracks in the system,” NCCU President/CEO Teresa Arnold said. “We are thankful for a chance to help and support their cause.”
To donate to ARM or for more information, call 423-542-0919 or visit http://www.armfoodpantry.com.

NCCU has a long-standing relationship with ARM and has supported the agency throughout the years with fundraisers, volunteer hours and collection efforts.

Eastern Eight Community Development Corporation recently recognized Northeast Community Credit Union for their support of Eastern Eight projects and initiatives.

Eastern Eight Director of Homeownership Services Mindy Bowman presented NCCU President/CEO Teresa Arnold with a plaque recognizing the credit union as an “outstanding financial partner” for their “dedication and commitment to Affordable Housing initiatives in Northeast Tennessee.”

NCCU recently sponsored and helped build a home through Eastern Eight’s Habitat for Humanity program. NCCU volunteers helped construct a home for a Navy veteran in Carter County.

Eastern Eight CDC is a nonprofit organization creating affordable housing solutions for the eight counties of Northeast Tennessee (Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington).

Eastern Eight programs include homebuyer education, financial counseling, mortgage pre-approval, continuing homeowner education and foreclosure prevention and counseling. We also develop and rehabilitate homes, including manufactured housing, and offer a select number of rental properties.