One of them was Achieva Chief People Officer Sarah Schackmann, whose home is on Treasure Island, situated on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico and popularly known for its wide beaches that stretch for three miles.

Living on the water has its rewards, but Schackmann experienced firsthand the risks that come with it. The first hurricane spared her home, while the second ripped off the roof entirely.

“Luckily our personal belongings for the most part were fine,” she said. “The roof actually has already been replaced. Now they're working on replacing the walls, ceilings and new flooring from all the water damage. So we've been kind of jumping to different Airbnbs. We went to Illinois to stay with some of my family for about 10 days. And I worked from there just to kind of change it up a little bit and save money because Airbnbs are expensive.”

Schackmann was also lucky to have her home’s roof replaced in about 10 days because her former landlord is a roof contractor.

Last month, Achieva launched a hurricane relief fund to support employees who have suffered severe losses. Credit union employees, members and others can donate an amount of their choice, which will be matched by the board of directors of the Achieva Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the credit union, up to a maximum of $15,000. 

"We are deeply saddened by the damage that Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused to so many of our communities, including several of our own Achieva team members," Achieva President/CEO Gary Regoli said. "By coming together to support each other, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the recovery process for our employees. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide relief to those in need." 

In addition to this financial assistance, the credit union has been providing employees with gift cards for transportation and groceries, helping them find local, state or federal resources and allowing flexible work arrangements.

Schackmann noted that Achieva employees are stepping up in other ways as well.

“I've had employees reach out to me directly and say, ‘Hey, you know, I donated to the hurricane relief fund for our employees, but I would love to sponsor one employee that has a lot of needs, and I'd like to help them individually,’” Schackmann said. “Another employee that owns the Airbnb offered it up free of charge for however long if one of our employees needs a place to stay. So everyone's coming together and helping each other, I can't ask for anything better. It's been great.”

Achieva has also partnered with the League of Southeastern Credit Unions to provide Emergency Disaster Relief Grants for its employees.

These grants of up to $2,500 are available to all credit union employees impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to assist with immediate disaster relief needs, including the cost of evacuating, damages caused by power outages and home repairs. Employees have up to 90 days to apply for assistance. 

"Achieva has always been about family, and when one of us is in need, we all come together,” Regoli said. “Our goal is to provide not just financial support, but hope, comfort and the assurance that no one faces this hardship alone.”

For more information and to donate, people can visit the Achieva Foundation website.