Skip to Content

Aligning Values and Resources


Gretchen Dautermann Gordon (right) with her mother Jennie Dautermann.

Gretchen Dautermann Gordon faced a challenging situation when her mother Jennie Dautermann lost her long-time partner. With her mother also having recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Gretchen suddenly found herself in “the sandwich generation,” stretching to parent her two young adult children, while providing support, care and guidance to her aging and grieving mother. 

As Gretchen stepped in to support her mother and help manage her affairs, she realized she needed a plan for protecting her mother’s nest egg, and it couldn’t just be any plan. Gretchen had deep admiration for her mother who, along with her partner, had shared a lifelong commitment to civil rights, social justice and other progressive values. Gretchen sought a financial solution that would both protect and grow the funds while still being aligned with her mother's principles. It was a lot to take on. She also needed a solution that came with caring customer service, which she knew would be helpful during this difficult time.  

After careful consideration, Gretchen decided to move her mother Jennie's resources into a Self-Help account. This provided a secure place for Jennie's savings while supporting an institution that reflects the family's commitment to social justice and diversity. Unlike traditional banks that seemed impersonal and profit-driven, Self-Help Credit Union offered Gretchen the peace of mind that her mother’s nest egg would be safe, would grow, and would contribute positively to the community.

Miami Springs branch Member Service Representative, Forest Dezore (left), with Gretchen Dautermann Gordon (right) and her mother, Jennie Dauterman (center)