September 2019

A Young Scholars Program testimonial

What have you received from your Mentoring experience?

"Great companionship, and learning from my mentee. Good times together. Great family.

I have received great joy meeting someone younger in our ever-growing community. My mentee is teaching me how to expand my mind around our very diversified community. I am learning new things every day. I am also growing my relationship with my mentee, and building a wonderful friendship."   

- Tammy Cieslak

Become a Mentor

Becoming and being a mentor is easy, takes very little of your time and money, and may become the most rewarding experience of your life.

Learn more about how to become a mentor in the Young Scholars Program, and how you can help our community.

Learn More
 

A Young Scholars Program testimonial

Would you recommend the Mentoring program to others?

"Yes...it has been very rewarding!

I know everyone leads busy lives, but if you are volunteering for an upcoming event, how about something that just seems like a leisure trip to the beach, or a day excursion? Your mentees need volunteer hours for the program, and any of those things more than likely exposes them to new opportunities they never had in the past, and could be life-changing experiences for them. 

On all of the outings I have had with my mentee, we have planned different things to do and spent some quality time together. The expressions on his face and the joy he seems to be experiencing make this so rewarding. Every time, it almost gives you the feeling of getting up the morning of Christmas to see the looks on your kids’ faces when they see the presents under the tree."

- Ryan Misencik

Become a Mentor

Becoming and being a mentor is easy, takes very little of your time and money, and may become the most rewarding experience of your life.

Learn more about how to become a mentor in the Young Scholars Program, and how you can help our community.

Learn More
 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

First Source Federal Credit Union is a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society. Throughout the month of October we will be "thinking pink" to raise awareness, and educate our employees, Members  and community about breast cancer. 

Efforts will include an employee Jeans dress-down fundraising day, a First Source team of employees, friends and family, participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and an awareness campaign with Roser Communications to bring you the stories of 4 breast cancer survivors throughout the month of October.

Meet the Survivors

Survivor #1 - Cathy Abel
Cathy Abel and her husband Scott are from Ilion. They have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Cathy is a 3 year breast cancer survivor and credits her yearly mammogram for the early detection of her Stage 0 cancer. She says, “Don’t EVER put off your mammogram, because it can save your life." Cathy has a whole new outlook on life and appreciates each and every day that she is given. Learn more about Cathy's story and hear clips from her interview.

Survivor #2 - Karyn Urtz
Karyn is from Rome and was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer two years ago. Her mother, a four time breast cancer survivor, passed away in 2006. Because of her family history, Karyn scheduled regular mammograms and credits those tests and her doctor with the early detection. She says "Awareness is the key," and praises her mother's sense of humor as the reason she has been able to deal with her own cancer. Karyn is very thankful for the support she has received from her family and friends, and feels fantastic today! Learn more about Karyn's story and hear clips from her interview.

Survivor #3 - Terry Decola
Terry is from Utica and was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer back in 2016. Thanks to her routine mammograms, her doctor was able to diagnose her cancer in the very early stages. She went through radiation and is still taking her chemotherapy pill to fight the disease. Despite being a private person, Terry decided to share her story to bring hope and awareness. She says the love, support and positive attitude of her family is what helped her get through it all, and be here today. Terry continues to live life to the fullest! Learn more about Terry's story and hear clips from her interview.

Survivor #4 - Maryrose Tucker
Maryrose is from Utica and was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer after finding a lump during a breast self-exam. She went through 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation in her fight against breast cancer. Maryrose didn't have time to feel sorry for herself, because everything happened so quickly, but says she couldn't have made it through the ordeal without the love and support of her family. She feels wonderful now, and recommends regular breast self-exams and routine mammograms. Learn more about Maryrose's story and hear clips from her interview.
 

How Can You Get Involved?

Donate: October 11th is a First Source fundraising Jeans Day for Breast Cancer, when many of our employees with be dressing down and donating to support the American Cancer Society (ACS). You can join our efforts and make a donation to the American Cancer Society in their fight, either directly, or to someone participating in the Walk. Your donation will help to fund groundbreaking research, raise awareness and provide support to those fighting this disease.

Wear Pink: It’s a simple way to show your support and solidarity for all who are at risk for breast cancer: mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters, friends and loved ones. Friday, October 18th is National Mammography Day, so that’s a great day to wear your pink. Share your photo on social media and become a part of something so much bigger. #NationalMammographyDay

Walk: Register online, to take part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at the Masonic Care Community on Sunday, October 20th. This is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about how we can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, and raise money to help the ACS. The ACS leads the fight against this disease with groundbreaking breast cancer research, information and support 24-7, and access to testing. Every step you take is personal, and together we’re helping the fight against breast cancer. Join us!

First Source is pleased to announce that our very own Ryan Misencik received one of two Genesis Volunteer Awards given at the 19th Annual Genesis Group Meeting & Joseph R. Carucci Legacy Awards luncheon. We would also like to congratulate all of the 2019 honorees for their continued efforts and dedication to our community.

Class of 2019 Honorees

George Aney, Eqs.  |  Brian Bogan  |  John Calidonna  |  Jackie Romano
Rev. Dr. Mary Webster  |  Remsen Barn Festival

The Genesis Group is an organization that brings together business and community leaders who are working to improve economic, social and cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation within the Mohawk Valley. Their focus is to create a positive impact in our community, a mission that Ryan is certainly familiar with.

About Ryan

Ryan Misencik, a Project Analyst with First Source, is a devoted husband and father, and an avid runner and cyclist. He strives to be a good role model for his daughters by sharing his time and talents, volunteering in a variety of capacities throughout our community. His actions and attitude emphasize how important giving back truly is.

The Ride for Missing Children - Ryan has been a Ride volunteer for 10 years serving in several official positions, including Shepherd, Steering Committee and Leadership Team. Ryan also leads the group of cyclists throughout Ride Day as the Official Pace Shepherd.

The Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program - This year Ryan became a mentor for a student in need as part of the Young Scholars program. He enjoys having the ability to provide guidance and introduce his mentee to a world of new opportunities that otherwise they may never experience.

Read more about Ryan’s mentorship experience >

Genesis Group St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day and RCIL Holiday Parades - Ryan is also an integral part of the Parade Organization Committee for The Genesis Group. He assists with the planning and organization of the full parade event, plus day of coordination and parade line up.

Music for Genesis Events - As a radio and private DJ for over 25 years, Ryan has also donated his skills and services for many Genesis Group events, including Taste of the Mohawk Valley and their annual holiday party.  

Ryan truly enjoys making a difference in our community in any way he can and we are so proud to have him as part of our First Source family. Congratulations Ryan!