Behind the Scenes at PSECU: Meet Our Community Engagement Program Manager

We often say that we’re rooted in the credit union philosophy of, "people helping people," but what does that actually mean? Get the inside scoop on our corporate social responsibility efforts, including our annual charity golf outing, from our colleague, Karen Rousche.

Hi Karen! Can you tell us about yourself and your role at PSECU?

I’m an event planner at heart. Prior to coming to PSECU, I worked in the events industry for nearly 15 years. I was first introduced to PSECU during an event that I was managing, and they were a sponsor. I was immediately impressed by their belief in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” and the sense of pride that showed through. I knew that I wanted to be a part of this organization. I wanted to take my professional experience and put it toward doing something good. Today, I am the Community Relations Coordinator for PSECU. My duties involve orchestrating our community outreach program (including donations), volunteer program, scholarship program, and our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Community Involvement initiative. I also am responsible for planning our annual fundraiser: the PSECU Chips In Golf Outing.

What is the PSECU Chips In Golf Outing? How did it come to fruition?

It is PSECU’s annual fundraiser which brings together employees and our generous sponsors for a day of networking and fun, all while raising awareness and funds for important causes. Its origins are quite simple. In 2017, organizational leaders asked the Community Relations team if we thought we could put together a golf outing to raise funds for our community partners. We had approximately four months to pull it off, but with support from other departments and employees, PSECU Chips In was born!

How much money, in total, has been raised over the years from the golf outing?

Including our most recent golf event, we’ve raised over $350,000. It has grown every year, and we could not be prouder of the efforts put forth across our organization.

What organizations are supported with the golf outing?

Over the years, we have supported the American Heart Association, Children’s Miracle Network, Feeding PA, and Junior Achievement.

What is your favorite part of the day when the golf outing takes place?

My favorite single moment is the shotgun start of the tournament, when all the golf carts start whizzing off to their respective holes at the same time. I always think to myself, “well there’s no turning back now!” But truly the best part of the event is when we come together for our lunch program after a full day of golfing and volunteering. As I look out over the tables filled with all the players and volunteers, I get a sense of shared pride in what we have all just accomplished.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at PSECU?

I feel fortunate to work in a role that emphasizes the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” every day. I’m responsible for building relationships throughout our many communities in the commonwealth, and over the years, I have come to know that these efforts truly matter to our employees and to our members.

If an organization is interested in partnering with PSECU, what should they know?

That we believe that nearly all nonprofits are doing good work and are vital to our communities. It can be difficult to support every request that we receive, so we are always looking for an overarching way to touch those causes that our members care about most and to do so from a statewide approach.

Can you explain PSECU's four pillars of community support?

Sure thing! We’ve established four areas of focus for our charitable contributions:

• 1. Children: Create a stable foundation for physical, mental, and emotional growth.

• 1. Education: Support learning opportunities for people to function and succeed financially and in society.

• 1. Well-Being: Foster a positive atmosphere that builds vibrant and healthy communities and inclusion therein.
  • Environment: Strengthen quality of life for present and future generations by utilizing our resources responsibly and consistently to protect our planet.

What do the words “PSECU Chips In” actually mean?

The golf outing is just one part of a larger plan for our community outreach efforts. Every time PSECU touches the community through our own initiatives, we see this as PSECU “chipping in” to help our communities achieve more. Whether it is a PSECU effort in fundraising or a tree planting event, we are always striving to build better lives for our members and our community as a whole.

When you think of PSECU Chips In, what are you most proud of?

Not only do we raise significant dollars each year at the outing, but we have the opportunity to educate participants on the important work that is being done by all the organizations that we’ve featured over the years. When a golfer repeats the words that they read on one of our mission signs on the course, or a volunteer is cheering during our lunch program, I know that they are walking away with a renewed sense of the good being done in our communities.