Standing strong for credit union members

Credit unions prove their true value when financial hardship hits. During the current government shutdown, Valley Strong Credit Union is once again showing what it means to stand by its members. They are protecting credit, offering relief, and ensuring that financial stability and compassion go hand in hand.

Credit union mission in motion

As a government shutdown drags on, the resulting damage often goes far beyond missed paychecks. Families begin dipping into savings meant for emergencies, falling behind on bills, or missing loan payments. All of which can harm credit scores and create long-term financial strain. For many, even a few weeks of uncertainty can undo years of financial progress.

That's why credit unions like Valley Strong Credit Union aren't waiting on the sidelines. They are acting quickly to keep members' finances intact.

For Josh Fetting, vice president of consumer lending, this work speaks directly to the heart of what credit unions are built to do.

"For us, it goes back to our core purpose," Fetting said. "As a credit union, it's our duty to support our members when they're experiencing financial difficulties. Over the last decade, we've seen natural disasters, government shutdowns, and global pandemics impact families in big ways. This is why we, credit unions, were created: to step up and help members when it matters most."

Acting fast

Valley Strong's executive team moved quickly when word of the shutdown began. Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team focused on flexibility and launched immediate solutions while staying ready to adapt as the situation evolved.

"We learned during the pandemic to take things one month at a time," Fetting said. "We start with immediate relief, like the government payroll assistance loan, but we're always evaluating and ready to pivot if the crisis extends."

That responsiveness is built into Valley Strong's relief assistance. Within hours, teams coordinated the rollout of multiple support options:

• Skip-a-Payment Relief, allowing members to defer payments on auto, credit card, or personal loans.
• Government Payroll Assistance Loans, a 0% APR loan for up to 90 days to help members whose paychecks have been disrupted.
• Mortgage and business lending assistance, available for members facing longer-term hardship.

This kind of rapid action reflects a broader pattern across the credit union industry. During the 2018 government shutdown, credit unions nationwide demonstrated just how powerful this people-first model can be:

• More than 500 credit unions stepped in with individualized support programs.
• Over 60,000 members turned to their credit unions for help.
• Credit unions provided more than $46 million through low- or no-interest loans.
• 11,000 members received loan extensions and other modifications.
• And more than 3,000 new members joined credit unions during that time, seeking the stability and compassion they couldn't find elsewhere.

That legacy of support is what Valley Strong builds upon today.

Real relief for real people

When the need for relief becomes apparent, credit unions like Valley Strong don't wait for solutions to come their way, they create them. And for the members who need help most, that difference can mean everything. Fetting shared one story that illustrates how impactful these programs can be.

"The first call we received was from a young employee at the Social Security Administration," he recalled. "She was distraught. This was her first shutdown, and she didn't know how she'd cover rent or groceries. Our loan officer was able to tell her, 'We've just launched a program to help. Do you want to be our first applicant?' She broke down in tears and said, 'I don't know what I would have done without you.'"

That moment, Fetting said, made all the planning worth it.

"We told our team, even if this program helped just that one person, it would still be worth it. Thankfully, we've since seen many members take advantage of the assistance, but that first story really sticks with you."

Skip-a-Pay continues to be the most utilized program, giving members immediate breathing room and ensuring their credit score remains intact. Something most people don't always think about when disaster strikes, but plays a big role in their long-term financial health.

The payroll assistance loans are critical for those living paycheck to paycheck. Valley Strong sees this as particularly helpful for younger service members and entry-level federal employees.

Listening, learning, and evolving

Beyond launching relief programs, Valley Strong puts significant effort into listening. The credit union relies on feedback from its frontline and call center staff to understand members' real needs.

"Our frontline staff are our eyes and ears," Fetting said. "They're hearing firsthand what members are going through and what they're nervous about. That feedback helps us adjust our programs and prepare for what's next."

That same insight informs Valley Strong's long-term focus on financial resilience. "We want to remind members why being part of a credit union matters," Fetting said. "At a big bank, these conversations might not happen. But with us, they do. We're here and we care about your financial stability."

Through partnerships with organizations like Zogo, Greenlight, and programs such as Bite of Reality, Valley Strong promotes financial literacy starting from an early age. Teaching young people the value of savings, credit scores, and preparing for unexpected challenges.

What being Valley Strong is all about

Ultimately, Fetting says, these moments define who credit unions are. "Our mission is plain and simple: we serve our members and our communities," he said. "Above all, we want members to know that we have their backs during tough times. That's what being Valley Strong is all about."

He also reflected on how quickly the entire credit union industry mobilized to help, crediting years of experience responding to crises.

"The speed at which credit unions respond now is lightning fast," Fetting noted. "We've become incredibly agile, and it's made us stronger."

For Valley Strong Credit Union, that strength comes from a deep connection to its community, which encompasses a region Fetting describes as hardworking, resilient, and steadfast.

"The Central Valley is a blue-collar, hardworking region," he said. "So when we say Valley Strong, that's not just a name. It's who we are. We weather these tough times together."

America's Credit Unions has a Government Shutdown Assistance webpage with resources and will continue to engage with Congress on getting funding restored.