Part of Self-Help’s history goes back to 1956, when DuPont purchased land to start the nation’s first silicon plant in Brevard, North Carolina. The company evolved over the years, at one time employing 1500 people. Employees formed tight bonds during that era. As one way to help each other, they formed a credit union that became Carolina Mountains Credit Union and, more recently, Self-Help Credit Union. This is the story of a community where bonds remain strong, and a mission of economic opportunity continues as a key part of the legacy.