Putting Credit To Work
 Sharron Hill
The Cariboo
Integris
"I needed money to start a non-profit organization that would help get people back to work. My credit union made it all possible."
Situated in the middle of the province, the Quesnel region is rich in rugged scenery, sprawling ranches and frontier history. Gold prospectors poured into the area in the 1800s, their legacy maintained at the popular tourist destination of nearby Barkerville. In the 1900s, cattle breeders and farmers scooped up vast tracks of rolling land. It takes a feisty attitude and strong community spirit to tame the terrain and economic ups and downs of life in British Columbia's Cariboo country, and Sharron Hill has them by the truckload.
Twenty-five years ago, Sharron and her husband decided to pack up their belongings and make a new life for themselves at a 225-acre ranch twenty miles outside of Quesnel. While her husband raised livestock, Sharron developed a scheme that she hoped, would increase job opportunities for the unemployed.
"We have a high unemployment rate here," Sharron said. "I had an idea to start an organization that would give people without work effective job training skills so they could become self-reliant."
However, she lacked the funding required to make her dream a reality. There was government support available for the type of service she had in mind but first she needed to be able to show funders that she had something tangible to fund.
"I went to the Integris Credit Union. I had my own account there (she has half a dozen today) and so they knew what kind of person I am. Based on that, they loaned me the initial startup money."
The New Focus Society was formed and in no time it was a resounding success, even if, as Sharron pointed out, most of those who completed the program found work outside the region.
"We had an 86% placement rate."
She said "had" because recent funding cutbacks meant that she had to scale down, and the Society is no longer able to offer job training. Yet it continues to provide the local community with much-needed résumé services, and childcare resources and referral services.
Sharron is still Executive Director and she is determined to continue the New Focus Society's service to the community. That's the kind of attitude that the Integris Credit Union—and credit unions in general—reward.
"I have accounts in other banks," said Sharron, "but hands-down, my credit union offers by far the best service and care."
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