1 00:00:05,760 --> 00:00:11,640 David Latona: Welcome to Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, where we talk about the topics that impact your power, 2 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:16,320 your co-op, and your community. I'm your host, David Latona. 3 00:00:16,560 --> 00:00:22,680 Today we're talking about the DEMCO Foundation, what it is, how it works, 4 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:27,480 how it supports our co-op members in their times of need. 5 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:32,760 Joining me is Rhowanda Vessel, DEMCO's Community Relations Coordinator, 6 00:00:33,080 --> 00:00:36,240 who works closely with DEMCO Foundation. 7 00:00:36,280 --> 00:00:37,920 Rho, thanks so much for being here. 8 00:00:38,080 --> 00:00:39,560 Rhowanda Vessel: Thanks for having me here, David. 9 00:00:39,720 --> 00:00:47,640 David Latona: Absolutely, Rho. You do such a great job here at DEMCO, and I know that you are one of our employees who gets to 10 00:00:47,640 --> 00:00:52,000 interact closely with those members, but specifically, it's kind of unique. 11 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:55,600 It's with the foundation. It's not with their power service. 12 00:00:55,600 --> 00:01:01,200 But, can you just start by telling me what does that foundation do for its members? 13 00:01:01,320 --> 00:01:05,960 Rhowanda Vessel: So the DEMCO Foundation is a subsidiary of DEMCO. 14 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:08,840 It was established back in 1997. 15 00:01:09,120 --> 00:01:16,640 It is a nonprofit, charitable organization that is designed to assist our members whenever they fall on hard times. 16 00:01:17,160 --> 00:01:22,600 David Latona: That's so great that a large company like DEMCO, we're a big co-op, 17 00:01:22,960 --> 00:01:25,680 would care for all of its members like that. 18 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:32,800 One thing that really stands out is how closely this aligns with electric cooperatives. 19 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:40,160 And when they were formed, it's kind of the same mission neighbors coming together to help one another. 20 00:01:40,520 --> 00:01:47,360 Rhowanda Vessel: I definitely agree with that. The way we assist our members is through the program Operation Roundup, 21 00:01:47,600 --> 00:01:51,720 and that's where our members can give a few cents on their bills. 22 00:01:51,720 --> 00:01:58,880 For example, if their bill is $14.99 that penny, they can round it up to $15. 23 00:01:58,880 --> 00:02:01,680 And that penny goes to our DEMCO Foundation. 24 00:02:01,680 --> 00:02:08,360 And it's a beautiful thing, because that penny is just going back into the community in ways that we can assist our members. 25 00:02:08,400 --> 00:02:09,560 I think that's pretty cool. 26 00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:15,080 David Latona: And there's so many members that are rounding up their bills to help out their neighbors, 27 00:02:15,080 --> 00:02:18,440 and those pennies each month certainly add up. 28 00:02:18,440 --> 00:02:23,560 And over time, it really gives us the resources we need to help our members. 29 00:02:24,040 --> 00:02:24,920 Rhowanda Vessel: Absolutely. 30 00:02:24,960 --> 00:02:32,000 David Latona: Let's talk about the kinds of situations that the members may reach out to the foundation for assistance. 31 00:02:32,040 --> 00:02:37,440 So, what types of areas do you see the foundation helping the members? 32 00:02:37,920 --> 00:02:45,760 Rhowanda Vessel: Those areas, it can vary, but what we tend to see most is normally when people fall on 33 00:02:45,760 --> 00:02:53,480 hard times, whether it's through medical related issues, or they've lost their job and so they're 34 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:57,320 temporarily needing assistance just to kind of get back on their feet. 35 00:02:57,480 --> 00:03:00,070 And so they will reach out to the foundation. 36 00:03:00,230 --> 00:03:04,950 And it's a beautiful thing that we've been able to assist them, kind of get back on their feet, 37 00:03:05,150 --> 00:03:07,070 and then they can sustain moving forward. 38 00:03:07,070 --> 00:03:07,670 So it's cool. 39 00:03:07,710 --> 00:03:12,230 David Latona: That's great. Is there something where the foundation is unable to help? 40 00:03:12,230 --> 00:03:16,150 Is there any limitations on what the foundation can do for members? 41 00:03:16,190 --> 00:03:21,030 Rhowanda Vessel: Yes. So the only thing we will not assist with is their utility bills. 42 00:03:21,390 --> 00:03:25,750 Or if it's any type of organization, we don't assist with that. 43 00:03:25,750 --> 00:03:30,630 And then we also do not give members money directly. 44 00:03:31,070 --> 00:03:37,030 So it'll be like, for instance, if they are wanting assistance with their mortgage payment, 45 00:03:37,030 --> 00:03:41,990 then we will send that check directly to the mortgage company instead of the member. 46 00:03:42,030 --> 00:03:46,910 David Latona: Oh, that's a great way to help, and certainly the DEMCO Foundation being a good steward of that 47 00:03:46,910 --> 00:03:54,590 money as well. So is there a story or even just a moment that stands out in your mind where you 48 00:03:54,630 --> 00:03:58,910 felt like, wow, this foundation work is so rewarding. 49 00:03:58,950 --> 00:04:01,750 Rhowanda Vessel: Yes, absolutely. One comes to mind. 50 00:04:02,070 --> 00:04:09,430 It was a member who had went through some medical issues, and so they needed 51 00:04:09,430 --> 00:04:13,950 assistance in providing school uniforms for their children. 52 00:04:14,230 --> 00:04:17,390 So I was happy that we were able to assist them. 53 00:04:17,550 --> 00:04:21,350 They actually sent us a picture of the students on their first day of school, 54 00:04:21,350 --> 00:04:25,710 which I thought was so cool. And they were very grateful that we were able to assist them. 55 00:04:25,710 --> 00:04:28,430 So that was definitely a rewarding time that I enjoyed. 56 00:04:28,470 --> 00:04:31,590 David Latona: Oh, that's so great, and helping those kids out certainly does – 57 00:04:31,630 --> 00:04:32,030 Rhowanda Vessel: Definitely. 58 00:04:32,030 --> 00:04:39,670 David Latona: – mean a lot. So what's it like for someone when they realize help is available and that it's coming from their fellow co-op 59 00:04:39,670 --> 00:04:40,310 members? 60 00:04:40,830 --> 00:04:48,590 Rhowanda Vessel: A lot of times they can't believe that their cooperative is actually assisting them and that we actually have a program. 61 00:04:48,950 --> 00:04:51,110 So the reaction is pretty good. 62 00:04:51,150 --> 00:04:58,910 David Latona: Yeah. That's great. I'm sure it's rewarding every day when you see those folks who realize help is on the way from their 63 00:04:58,910 --> 00:05:06,310 co-op. So let's talk a little bit about the process that members would participate in to apply for assistance. 64 00:05:06,310 --> 00:05:11,270 So can you walk us through what happens after someone submits an application? 65 00:05:11,310 --> 00:05:14,350 Rhowanda Vessel: Sure. So they submit the application. 66 00:05:14,350 --> 00:05:18,630 It can be done online, or they can submit a paper application. 67 00:05:18,990 --> 00:05:25,190 After that application is submitted, they receive either an email or a letter from me requesting a 68 00:05:25,230 --> 00:05:28,750 certain amount of information or required documentations that we need. 69 00:05:29,030 --> 00:05:36,310 Once those documentations are received, then I will review the application and the documentation. 70 00:05:36,550 --> 00:05:39,870 I will schedule a home visit or telephone interview with them. 71 00:05:40,110 --> 00:05:46,150 Once that interview is completed, then it goes to the foundation's board of directors once a month. 72 00:05:46,430 --> 00:05:50,910 They review those applications and determine if we're able to assist that member. 73 00:05:51,230 --> 00:05:56,310 And if they are able to assist them, then I'm the person that notifies that member, 74 00:05:56,310 --> 00:06:00,310 and we will send the check to whatever place they need us to send it to. 75 00:06:00,350 --> 00:06:08,190 David Latona: Oh, that's great, Rho. And that's so interesting too, that you all go so far to ensure that those funds are going to 76 00:06:08,230 --> 00:06:14,350 where they need to go. So you're the one either making those phone calls or making those home visits to make that direct 77 00:06:14,350 --> 00:06:16,670 contact with that member in need. 78 00:06:16,710 --> 00:06:19,470 Tell me why that step is so important. 79 00:06:19,710 --> 00:06:27,710 Rhowanda Vessel: So first is to help our membership understand that we are genuinely concerned about their situation that 80 00:06:27,710 --> 00:06:35,550 they're going through. And so it gives me an opportunity to develop a more kind of personal relationship with that member, 81 00:06:35,550 --> 00:06:39,590 to understand their need, and why they're applying to the foundation. 82 00:06:39,710 --> 00:06:44,230 We also want to make sure that, again, we are good stewards of our memberships money. 83 00:06:44,350 --> 00:06:50,710 So that's the reason why we have these thorough interviews so that we can make the right decision. 84 00:06:50,750 --> 00:06:52,310 David Latona: Oh, that's so great. That's great. 85 00:06:52,350 --> 00:06:56,710 And I appreciate the fact that you're saying it's a very careful process. 86 00:06:56,710 --> 00:07:03,710 And I know that's very important to our members that you would be careful with those funds that they've dedicated by rounding up 87 00:07:03,710 --> 00:07:05,990 their bill to the nearest dollar. 88 00:07:06,550 --> 00:07:11,510 So, Rho, I know there's needs that come up for a member that might be an emergency, 89 00:07:11,550 --> 00:07:16,310 like a fire or flood. How does the foundation fit into that need? 90 00:07:16,670 --> 00:07:20,950 Rhowanda Vessel: So what we consider "emergency" is natural disasters only. 91 00:07:21,150 --> 00:07:27,550 That can be a house fire, hurricane, tornado, things like that. 92 00:07:27,550 --> 00:07:30,710 Natural disasters is what we consider emergency. 93 00:07:30,710 --> 00:07:38,630 David Latona: Yeah, because someone's mortgage being late is certainly urgent, but it might not be considered emergency in the case of the 94 00:07:38,630 --> 00:07:39,390 foundation. 95 00:07:39,430 --> 00:07:46,390 Rhowanda Vessel: Right. So as soon as that emergency situation happens, they can reach out to the foundation. 96 00:07:46,910 --> 00:07:53,790 We have a pretty quick process. So our normal applications take about 4 to 8 weeks, 97 00:07:53,790 --> 00:07:58,180 but with emergency situations, we try to get that done as soon as possible. 98 00:07:58,460 --> 00:08:04,500 So what will happen is they will call in, and I would immediately do an interview with them over the phone 99 00:08:04,700 --> 00:08:10,380 to get the story about what happened and the type of assistance they need. 100 00:08:10,620 --> 00:08:17,460 From there, they may be one request depending on which type of emergency it was. 101 00:08:17,580 --> 00:08:21,620 For instance, if it was like a fire, then we may request a fire report. 102 00:08:21,940 --> 00:08:26,340 Once I received that, then I will reach out to our executive committee. 103 00:08:26,500 --> 00:08:33,860 They're going to make an immediate decision, and then that member can expect funds as early as 24 to 48 hours. 104 00:08:33,900 --> 00:08:39,420 David Latona: Oh, wow. That's amazing how the foundation can respond so quickly like that. 105 00:08:39,580 --> 00:08:43,860 Because a need sometimes arises quickly in a matter of an emergency. 106 00:08:44,420 --> 00:08:49,420 So, Rho, you mentioned that the DEMCO Foundation has its own board of directors. 107 00:08:49,660 --> 00:08:52,060 So can you tell me more about that board? 108 00:08:52,060 --> 00:08:55,540 What makes up that board, and how are those folks selected? 109 00:08:55,860 --> 00:09:01,260 Rhowanda Vessel: Sure. So our foundation board is a little bit different from the DEMCO board. 110 00:09:01,380 --> 00:09:07,940 We don't actually reveal their identity of who they are because they are volunteers in our community. 111 00:09:07,940 --> 00:09:13,140 So they are volunteering their time, but it's just based on if they would like to serve on our board 112 00:09:13,140 --> 00:09:16,420 and if we have a position available, so. 113 00:09:16,820 --> 00:09:20,620 David Latona: So those folks that make up that board, who are they in the community? 114 00:09:20,660 --> 00:09:23,700 What positions do they hold throughout the community? 115 00:09:23,740 --> 00:09:31,740 Rhowanda Vessel: That's a great question. So they can have positions, maybe they worked for the state before or they worked 116 00:09:31,740 --> 00:09:37,620 for another organization. They may serve on other boards in the community. 117 00:09:37,780 --> 00:09:40,100 So it kind of varies. It just depends. 118 00:09:40,100 --> 00:09:43,140 David Latona: It's great to have those folks with some experience coming in – 119 00:09:43,620 --> 00:09:43,820 Rhowanda Vessel: Yes. 120 00:09:43,620 --> 00:09:46,740 David Latona: – to provide that assistance to those members in need. 121 00:09:46,780 --> 00:09:47,220 Rhowanda Vessel: Yes. 122 00:09:47,260 --> 00:09:50,780 David Latona: So let's talk a little bit about what the foundation does and doesn't do. 123 00:09:50,820 --> 00:09:53,580 I know we mentioned about their electric bill. 124 00:09:53,580 --> 00:09:57,660 That's not something that we cover because of our policies and procedures. 125 00:09:57,660 --> 00:10:01,700 But what are some more things that the Foundation can't assist with? 126 00:10:01,740 --> 00:10:03,660 Can you talk a little bit more about that? 127 00:10:03,700 --> 00:10:11,700 Rhowanda Vessel: Of course, the utility bills is what we cannot assist with, but oftentimes we will refer them to United Way 128 00:10:11,700 --> 00:10:14,140 if they are looking for utility assistance. 129 00:10:14,300 --> 00:10:19,860 But as far as the foundation, what we can assist with, it kind of varies. 130 00:10:19,860 --> 00:10:24,060 It depends. We have helped in the area of housing before. 131 00:10:24,460 --> 00:10:32,020 Also, if we have members who have health issues, sometimes we've helped with medical supplies as 132 00:10:32,020 --> 00:10:38,620 well. We have done school uniforms and other various needs, could be emergency assistance, 133 00:10:38,620 --> 00:10:42,100 but it kind of varies. It just depends on their situation. 134 00:10:42,140 --> 00:10:46,580 David Latona: Oh, that's good. I'm glad you mentioned that. So I wanted to ask you more about the school uniforms. 135 00:10:46,620 --> 00:10:51,060 I mean, how does that process work for a member family? 136 00:10:51,500 --> 00:10:57,460 Rhowanda Vessel: So with school uniforms, it is a shorter process compared to our normal applications. 137 00:10:57,620 --> 00:11:04,700 Normally with school uniforms, they submit an application, and it may require fewer documents, 138 00:11:04,700 --> 00:11:07,980 such as like a report card or just a DEMCO bill. 139 00:11:08,220 --> 00:11:12,340 And so that process, it goes to the foundation board. 140 00:11:12,500 --> 00:11:18,700 And if they determine we can assist that member, it will include sets of uniforms for the student. 141 00:11:19,060 --> 00:11:25,460 That can also vary. The only thing that we will not cover, such as like school supplies or shoes, 142 00:11:25,460 --> 00:11:29,660 but in the past we have covered the majority of everything else that's needed for school, 143 00:11:29,660 --> 00:11:29,980 so. 144 00:11:30,020 --> 00:11:35,180 David Latona: Oh, that's so great. I know that helps a kid have a smile on their face when they're stepping off that bus, 145 00:11:35,220 --> 00:11:35,660 right? 146 00:11:35,900 --> 00:11:36,460 Rhowanda Vessel: Yes. 147 00:11:37,340 --> 00:11:43,420 David Latona: So also, I wanted you to talk a little bit about the DEMCO Foundation scholarship program. 148 00:11:43,620 --> 00:11:50,580 I know as a father of children in college, that can make our members' ears perk up when they hear that. 149 00:11:50,580 --> 00:11:54,940 So tell me more about that scholarship program that the foundation offers. 150 00:11:54,980 --> 00:12:02,860 Rhowanda Vessel: Sure. So our scholarship program, members can apply the third week in April until the third 151 00:12:02,860 --> 00:12:07,660 week in June. And then once those applications are completed, of course, 152 00:12:07,660 --> 00:12:10,300 we have certain documentations that are required. 153 00:12:10,340 --> 00:12:17,620 It goes before the foundation board and whoever is selected for or recipient of that scholarship award, 154 00:12:17,940 --> 00:12:21,060 the foundation determines how much we can give them. 155 00:12:21,260 --> 00:12:26,420 If it's for the fall, or if it's for fall and spring, but that's determined by the board. 156 00:12:26,660 --> 00:12:30,260 David Latona: Great. So Rho, I want to go a little deeper. 157 00:12:30,620 --> 00:12:37,540 So I know when you serve members in this way, you get to see members at their greatest need sometimes. 158 00:12:38,140 --> 00:12:43,820 But sometimes when you see it day after day, it's hard to stay motivated. 159 00:12:43,820 --> 00:12:48,900 So what do you do to stay motivated to help those members every day at DEMCO? 160 00:12:49,380 --> 00:12:56,900 Rhowanda Vessel: It's very rewarding because I look at it as we are being able to assist our members in their hard 161 00:12:56,940 --> 00:13:02,060 times, but what keeps me motivated is that we truly care about our members. 162 00:13:02,060 --> 00:13:05,620 And it's not just about them paying their electric bill every month, 163 00:13:05,620 --> 00:13:10,660 but it's actually that we're able to serve them in other ways that goes beyond the electricity. 164 00:13:10,660 --> 00:13:13,580 David Latona: Oh, that's so great. I appreciate that, Rho. 165 00:13:13,780 --> 00:13:19,900 So if you could say one thing directly to the members who choose to participate in Operation Roundup, 166 00:13:19,900 --> 00:13:24,300 those members that are helping provide that resource to help those families, 167 00:13:24,300 --> 00:13:25,780 what would you want them to know? 168 00:13:26,340 --> 00:13:34,140 Rhowanda Vessel: I would want them to know that we are very appreciative of what they contribute to our foundation each month, 169 00:13:34,260 --> 00:13:41,420 to know that those few pennies aren't just sitting there, but it's actually going back into those communities that you are 170 00:13:41,460 --> 00:13:48,060 a part of. So I would encourage them to just keep contributing and that we're grateful for it, 171 00:13:48,060 --> 00:13:52,530 and it helps us to be able to serve our membership in a way, again, 172 00:13:52,570 --> 00:13:53,690 that goes beyond [inaudible]. 173 00:13:53,850 --> 00:13:55,770 David Latona: So great, Rho. You're great with the members. 174 00:13:55,770 --> 00:13:57,450 I think you're a great sales lady. 175 00:13:57,490 --> 00:14:01,370 I mean, you just got me wanting to sign up twice for this program. 176 00:14:01,650 --> 00:14:04,090 Can they round me up twice for two bucks? 177 00:14:04,250 --> 00:14:08,090 Rhowanda Vessel: Absolutely. You can pick your amount that you would like to contribute. 178 00:14:08,250 --> 00:14:15,050 So if you want to contribute more than just a few cents a month, you just call into our member services department, 179 00:14:15,050 --> 00:14:19,290 and they can set you up. If you want to donate $5 a month or $10 a month. 180 00:14:19,330 --> 00:14:24,010 We've had members that have done that in the past, so absolutely whatever you would like to donate, 181 00:14:24,010 --> 00:14:25,610 we are very grateful for it. 182 00:14:25,610 --> 00:14:29,410 David Latona: I'm doing that. Once we get out of the studio. I'm going to sign up for that. Sounds great. 183 00:14:29,730 --> 00:14:33,770 So Rho, if there's members that want to participate for the first time, 184 00:14:34,090 --> 00:14:36,850 how would they learn more about the foundation? 185 00:14:37,370 --> 00:14:44,770 Rhowanda Vessel: So they can sign up at either their app on my DEMCO app, or they can call in, 186 00:14:44,850 --> 00:14:50,410 and that's 1-844-myDEMCO. If they want more information about the foundation, 187 00:14:50,850 --> 00:14:58,410 they can call (225) 262-2141. And they can speak with me, and I can give them more information about it. 188 00:14:58,570 --> 00:15:00,850 David Latona: Excellent. They can get straight to Rho. 189 00:15:00,890 --> 00:15:06,410 Rhowanda Vessel: Straight to me. Another option is they can visit our website at DEMCO.org. 190 00:15:07,610 --> 00:15:13,450 They can click on "Community" and then "DEMCO Foundation," and they can find out information there. 191 00:15:13,690 --> 00:15:19,490 David Latona: Excellent. I know our website has all the information necessary to learn more about the foundation. 192 00:15:19,890 --> 00:15:22,690 Rho, thanks so much for being here with us today. 193 00:15:22,690 --> 00:15:23,930 It's been a delight. 194 00:15:24,170 --> 00:15:25,410 Rhowanda Vessel: Thank you for having me. 195 00:15:25,730 --> 00:15:28,850 David Latona: Thank you for listening to Co-op Conversations with DEMCO. 196 00:15:29,010 --> 00:15:31,810 Be sure to subscribe, so you don't miss an episode. 197 00:15:31,810 --> 00:15:37,010 If you liked what you heard, leave us a review and like and share the episode with a friend. 198 00:15:37,250 --> 00:15:39,690 For Rhowanda Vessel, I'm David Latona. 199 00:15:39,730 --> 00:15:41,690 Let's keep the conversation going.