First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association of the USA

The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA Life) is a fraternal benefit society founded in 1892 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was established by Anna Hurban and eight other Slovak women with the goal of providing financial support and protection to families, particularly in the context of industrial labor hazards. The organization received encouragement from Father Stephen Furdek and initially operated with $77 in assets from its inception at St. Ladislaus Church.

History

The FCSLA was formally recognized after filing its charter papers with the Ohio Secretary of State on October 29, 1899, allowing it to operate under Ohio's fraternal code. By 1899, the society had grown to 1,859 members across 83 branches, with each member paying a monthly fee of 14 cents. The organization experienced significant growth over the next decades, with its assets increasing by an average of 86 percent every two years between 1893 and 1915.

In 1905, the FCSLA formed a youth division to involve younger members. In 1914, it launched a newspaper called Zenska Jednota, meaning "Fraternally Yours." By the early twentieth century, the FCSLA began supporting Slovak educational and religious institutions financially. For example, between 1922 and 1935, it contributed over $100,000 to these causes.

By its 75th anniversary in 1967, the FCSLA had expanded to include more than 103,000 members nationwide across 900 branches, with total assets exceeding $40 million. The association has continued to grow, becoming the largest Slovak fraternal society in the United States and Canada by 2007, with over 88,000 members in 458 branches and assets exceeding $493 million.

Mission

FCSLA Life focuses on providing financial security to its members while affirming its Catholic values and Slavic traditions. The organization supports community and charitable activities through its member-supported initiatives. In recent years, FCSLA Life has rebranded to emphasize its enduring commitment to family, faith, and financial stability, reflecting these values through its updated logo and mission statement.

Rebranding and Current Status

In a strategic move to reflect its evolving mission and identity, the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association adopted the name FCSLA Life. As of recent years, FCSLA Life has maintained a strong financial profile, with over 107,000 members across the United States and an A- rating from A.M. Best. The organization continues to offer quality financial products while actively engaging in community service and charitable activities that align with its long-standing values.