ēCO Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities where our members live, work and play. Through the #eCOmmunity program, we are proud to recognize people and community groups who go above and beyond for their community. Each month in 2020, members of the community who embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” will be nominated by ēCO employees to be “Credit Unioned.”
Kathryn Johnson, Gardendale Branch Manager, nominated Mrs. Cindy Hughes to be “Credit Unioned” for the month of February. Johnson nominated Mrs. Hughes because of her commitment to help those who are often overlooked. She has committed her professional and personal time to serving those with special needs.
Hughes had a long career with Jefferson County Schools. She worked at Gardendale High School, the Jefferson County Board of Education, Mortimer Jordan High School, and Pinson High School. Throughout her career, she focused on empowering the special needs community, including serving as a Job Coach and Special Needs Coordinator. Mrs. Hughes retired in 2017 but continues to serve as a substitute teacher.
Her dedication to serving those with special needs also reaches far beyond her tenure in education. Mrs. Hughes formally served as a Board Member for The Miracle League of Gardendale. The Miracle League of Gardendale is a baseball league that provides opportunities for all children and adults to play baseball regardless of physical ability. Mrs. Hughes is no longer a Board Member, but continues to serve as a volunteer to the league. For more than 18 years, she has also been an active member of Gardendale First Baptist Church, where she serves the special needs community.
According to Johnson, “She is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met. She gives so much of her time and self to others. She embodies the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people' because she has spent her time doing just that… thinking of others and not herself.”
She was surprised with a cookie cake and ēCO gear at ēCO’s Gardendale branch as a small token of our appreciation. ēCO Credit Union is proud to call Mrs. Cynthia Hughes a member, and we’re grateful for her commitment and investment in her community. Thank you, Mrs. Hughes, for your leadership and dedication to the community!