Carrying Forward Our Legacy: Leadership, Membership, and Mission at 1891 Financial Life
At 1891 Financial Life, every decision we make is rooted in the enduring Christian and Catholic values upon which our organization was founded. As your CEO, it is both my privilege and responsibility to ensure that our leadership has a meaningful and lasting impact—not just on our operations, but on you, our members. We are more than a financial services provider. We are a fraternal family, a faith-based community, and a movement built on purpose.
Living Our Mission Through Leadership
My role as CEO is centered around stewardship—guiding our organization with wisdom, integrity, and vision. But leadership at 1891 does not begin and end in the boardroom. It extends to each one of our members. Just like churches rely on laypeople to minister, build community, and sustain their missions, we rely on you—our members—to carry out the heartbeat of 1891 in your homes, parishes, and neighborhoods.
Through your involvement, passion, and faith, our shared mission comes to life in ways that no business model or financial report can capture. Whether you’re organizing service projects, introducing a friend to our mission, or simply living out our values in your day-to-day life, you are a leader of this organization too.
Celebrating Our Impact Teams and Pop-Up Events
This year, I am especially proud of the tremendous work done by our Impact Teams and Pop-Up Team events. These grassroots initiatives have made waves in their communities—delivering meals, supporting youth programs, helping families in crisis, and spreading joy and connection where it’s needed most.
These aren’t just feel-good efforts—they are a visible, powerful witness to our Catholic and Christian heritage. They show that fraternalism is alive and well at 1891, and that our members care deeply about serving others in the spirit of Christ.
Our Impact Teams represent what makes us unique: real people, real action, real faith in motion.
How You Can Help Grow the Legacy
Our continued strength as an organization depends on growing our membership—and that means we need you.
Talk to your friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners. Tell them what makes 1891 Financial Life different. Share your story. Invite them to join an Impact Team event or attend a fraternal gathering. Let them see the depth of our mission and the joy of our community.
In today’s world, people are hungry for belonging, purpose, and faith-based connection. We have that to offer—and when you share it, you help ensure that this legacy will live on for generations.
Stewardship and Longevity: Our Sacred Responsibility
Fraternal life is built on stewardship—the careful, faithful management of the gifts we’ve been given. That includes our resources, our mission, our faith, and our people. As a CEO, I am committed to protecting and growing our assets, strengthening our operations, and aligning every aspect of our organization with the mission that matters most.
But stewardship also belongs to you. Every member has the opportunity to serve, to give, to invite, and to lead. By doing so, you are helping ensure the longevity of 1891 Financial Life—not just as a business, but as a vibrant, faith-rooted community.
Together, We Are the Heart of 1891
In a world that is often uncertain, our values remain a firm foundation. At 1891, we believe in Christ-centered service, neighborly love, and financial protection that honors faith and family. With your help, we can continue to expand that mission to more families, more communities, and more hearts.
I thank you for your membership, your service, and your belief in who we are. Together, we are not just carrying on a legacy—we are building a future worthy of the faith that started it all.
Let’s keep growing, together.
With gratitude and hope,
Lisa M. Bickus
Chief Executive Officer
1891 Financial Life