SPJST reinvests in the community for more than 125 years
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos courtesy of SPJST
Investing in children and families is the heartbeat of Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, otherwise known as SPJST, a fraternal organization that believes in giving back to the community.
“SPJST is a different kind of insurance company because we are driven by purpose, not profits. Unlike a commercial insurance company, our profits are reinvested back into our communities to make a difference,” said Melanie Zavodny, SPJST’s vice president of communications, explaining the organization’s fundamental calling to make a difference. “We love families and have activities available for all ages, including summer camp, service projects and scholarships for the youth.”
SPJST has been providing life insurance to Texans for 125 years and counting. Founded in Fayetteville, Texas, in 1897 by Czech immigrants, the organization moved its headquarters to downtown Temple in 1952. But SPJST is not your average insurance company — and you don’t have to be of Czech descent to belong to the organization as their life insurance and annuity products are available to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Zavodny said most people are not familiar with the purpose of fraternal organizations. For nearly 150 years, fraternal organizations have been a force for good in North America. In addition to providing life insurance, they serve their members and society at large through cultural, social, educational, and various civic and fund-raising activities. Democratic principles are an important aspect of membership in a fraternal benefit society. Within SPJST, members elect their local officers, as well as their society’s board of directors.
The organization’s youth program is 70 years old this year, with teaching leadership skills and team-building as some of the main goals at camp and throughout the year. SPJST also sponsors an annual youth showcase at the Mayborn Center where students can enter their creative art projects, perform a musical number or compete to be crowned as SPJST royalty. In addition to the youth program, adult members of SPJST enjoy social activities and service projects, as well as trips and tours. Members also have access to Camp Kubena, a 182-acre conference and retreat facility in Ledbetter.
As a family and community-oriented nonprofit, SPJST also takes great pride in its philanthropic endeavors. To make a meaningful impact statewide and in their local communities, the more than 38,000 SPJST members contribute more than 50,000 service hours and $250,000 to local communities annually. From scholarships for deserving students to donations for community projects, SPJST actively supports causes that align with its values. One of their most significant contributions to Central Texas was helping lead efforts to build the Fort Hood November 5th Memorial in Killeen.
SPJST’s vision is to not only provide financial security for their members and help build a wholesome family environment, but they also encourage cherished Czech traditions through various lodge activities and the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple. The small museum has a big vision: to tell the story of Czech immigrants in Texas from 1850 to the early 1900s and to preserve the memories and cultural legacies of the living children and grandchildren of those Czechs today.
CONTACT SPJST
Email: info@spjst.org
Phone: 254-773-1575
Website: spjst.org
Czech Heritage Museum
119 W. French Avenue, Temple
Website: czechheritagemuseum.org
Camp Kubena
Website: campkubena.com
