Credit unions were founded upon one guiding principle, people helping people.  But what exactly does that mean?  Are credit unions a charity organization helping only the underserved?  Should credit unions expect members to not pay back loans?  The answer to both questions is a resounding NO.  People helping people in action means that credit unions are supposed to help depositors earn a good return by lending money to borrowers who want a reasonable rate and intend to pay the loan back.  This is the fundamental task of credit unions.  It is not to provide a hand out but to provide a hand up.  That is why FORUM has the “We can Help” program in place to help members with FORUM loans that are experiencing economic difficulties.   That is also why FORUM is continuing to lend to qualified borrowers – auto loans, mortgage loans and home equity loans.  Our fundamental task of helping to facilitate the need for borrowing with the need for earning a good return has not changed in these economic times.  That is what makes credit unions and FORUM in particular different from other financial institutions.