Katie BaileyAcross MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union’s field of membership, many individuals and families are working full time yet still struggle to afford basic necessities as the cost of living continues to rise. These households, often referred to as ALICE households or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represent a growing segment of the community that lives just one unexpected expense away from financial instability.
“ALICE households are people who are working, often full time, but still struggle to afford basic necessities due to rising costs of living,” said Bryttani Graddick, Chief Administrative Officer at MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union. “Supporting these households aligns directly with our mission to improve financial well being, expand access to affordable financial services, and strengthen the communities we serve.”
In MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union’s service area, ALICE households include educators, school support staff, service industry workers, and single parent families who may earn above the federal poverty level but still face ongoing financial pressure. The most common challenges MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union sees among these households include limited emergency savings, credit constraints, reliance on high-cost lending options, and difficulty managing unexpected expenses. Without access to affordable credit or practical financial tools, a single setback such as a car repair or medical bill can quickly create long term financial stress.
To help address these challenges, MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union focuses on pairing financial education with access to responsible lending options. Through partnerships with organizations such as United Way, Bibb County Public Schools, and Central Georgia Technical College, the credit union delivers budgeting, credit education, and savings workshops tailored to students, working adults, and ALICE households. These programs are designed to meet participants where they are and provide practical guidance they can apply immediately.
In addition to education, MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union offers targeted loan products designed to support households facing seasonal or career related financial strain. Programs such as the Holiday Helper Loan and the interest free New Teacher Loan are structured to provide short term relief while helping members avoid predatory rates and fees, supporting both immediate needs and long-term stability.
The impact of this work is reflected in the experiences of participants in MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union’s financial literacy partnerships. Through its United Way GENERATE program, individuals reviewed their credit reports for the first time, created realistic household budgets, and set achievable savings and debt reduction goals. One participant shared that understanding their credit and learning how to budget based on their actual income gave them confidence they had never felt before and helped them take meaningful steps toward improving their financial outlook. Pre and post confidence surveys conducted ahead of each partnership consistently show increased confidence and clearer financial direction among participants.
“Credit unions are uniquely positioned because our purpose is people, not profit,” Graddick said. “That allows us to offer flexible, affordable products and personalized financial guidance with a long-term commitment to helping members build financial resilience.”
