ASI is dedicated to not only providing low-cost financial services for all members, but also to improving the quality of life in the communities served by its branches.  ASI volunteers are encouraged to share their generosity of time and talent in a myriad of ways throughout the year to promote social justice and economic equality.  Listed below are just a few of the community programs sponsored or staffed by ASI volunteers:

VITA SITES-Each Saturday during tax season, ASI volunteers operate three Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites through a partnership with the IRS.  ASI volunteers assist low income tax filers in obtaining tax refunds as quickly as possible via electronic filing and direct deposit.  ASI volunteers also field tax questions regarding common tax issues and help educate tax filers about credits which they may be eligible to claim.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY-ASI has forged partnerships with three branches of Habitat for Humanity.  In addition to regularly fielding teams of ASI volunteers to assist with the painting and construction of Habitat Homes, by the end of 2005, ASI will have assisted 35 families or individuals in moving into their new homes.  At various times, ASI volunteers have taught basic financial education classes to future Habitat for Humanity homeowners and implemented a matched savings program to assist future homeowners in saving for the down payment on Habitat Homes.

REBUILDING TOGETHER-Though this organization, (formerly known as the “Christmas in October Project,) is relatively new for ASI, this past October, ASI volunteers assisted in a complete outside renovation of the home of a former Avondale employee.

GIRLS HOPE/BOYS HOPE-This international program assists economically disadvantaged youngsters in attaining the best education possible.  School aged children are accepted into a residential program and participate in a variety of academic, volunteer, and extra-curricular activities.  Inside New Orleans, there are two program residences, one for boys and one for girls, each with the capacity for eight students.  Girls Hope/Boys Hope is one of ASI’s favorite partners.  All departments at ASI take turns hosting bi-monthly luncheons at work, and 100% of the proceeds are donated to this program.  At various times, ASI volunteers have enjoyed giving the boys’ home a fresh coat of paint, gardening at both homes, and cooking for the staff and residents of both homes.  ASI volunteers also take part in “Bowl for Hope” each year, which is an annual fundraiser for the organization.

OTHER ACTIVITIES - ASI also takes part in a number of annual walks, community fairs, and fundraisers each year.  Walk into a branch during any time of the year, and you will see ASI employees involved in fundraisers for Children’s Hospital, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Heart Association, Toys for Tots, the Second Harvesters and many others.  The blood mobile is also a common sight in our parking lot, with routinely scheduled blood drives.

If you have a favorite charity or cause that is close to your heart, please take a moment and e-mail: marketing@asifcu.com.  We are interested in hearing about our members’ interests and we are always looking for new ways to share our time and talent in the community.