First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association

The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA), now rebranded as FCSLA Life, is a fraternal benefit society founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1892. It was established by Anna Hurban, who led a group of nine Slovak immigrant homemakers. FCSLA was formed with the encouragement of Father Stephen Furdek to provide death and injury benefits to families facing the hazards of industrial labor, particularly significant during an era when women were often marginalized[2][3].

History

FCSLA began with 9 members and $77 in assets on January 1, 1892. By the end of that year, it had grown to 95 members and $212 in assets[2]. The society rapidly expanded, reaching 1,859 members across 83 branches by 1899[2]. A significant milestone was the filing of the charter papers on October 29, 1899, allowing FCSLA to operate under Ohio's fraternal code[2]. The association celebrated its 35th anniversary in 1927 with a large parade in Cleveland, highlighting its growing presence and community engagement[2].

Growth and Development

By 1942, FCSLA had assets of $12 million and over 65,000 members[2]. In 1945, it merged with the Cleveland Slovak Union[2]. The organization continued to evolve, introducing programs such as a scholarship initiative in the 1950s. In the late 1960s, the name was changed to the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association to avoid confusion with labor unions and other fraternal organizations[2].

As of 2021, FCSLA Life maintained an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best and had grown significantly under the leadership of Cynthia M. Maleski, who served from 2012 to 2025. During her tenure, FCSLA's insurance in force and assets surpassed $1 billion, with a surplus exceeding $108 million[4].

Mission and Community Involvement

FCSLA Life focuses on providing financial security while embracing Catholic values and Slavic traditions. The organization supports various community and charitable activities, including scholarships and aid to churches and schools. With over 103,000 members across the United States, FCSLA Life operates over 546 branches[5].

The association sponsors significant community programs, including annual scholarships totaling over $248,000. It also engages in civic causes and supports Catholic education, reflecting its commitment to both faith and community[5].

[1] https://case.edu/ech/articles/f/first-catholic-slovak-union-usa-and-canada [2] https://www.fcsla.com/about/history/ [3] https://www.fcsla.com/about/first-catholic-slovak-ladies-association-becomes-fcsla-life/ [4] https://www.fcsla.com [5] https://www.fcsla.com/about/