The Northwest Credit Union Association and the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions have announced a formal partnership to promote the Juntos Avanzamos program among credit unions in the Northwest and to expand access to credit union services to the Hispanic community throughout the region.
According to the Federation, the Juntos Avanzamos designation identifies financial cooperatives committed to providing affordable and responsible financial products and services that provide asset-building opportunities for Hispanic and immigrant consumers.
Lower Valley Credit Union, a $99 million-asset institution headquartered in Sunnyside, Wash., became the first Northwest credit union to earn the designation in January. The $97 million Point West CU, Portland, Ore., will become the second — and first in Oregon — at a Juntos Avanzamos Celebration Ceremony Wednesday evening, Aug. 17.
"We are excited and proud that Point West Credit Union has earned the Juntos Avanzamos designation," Troy Stang, president and CEO of the NWCUA, said in a statement. "It is a testament to their service to all communities — and particularly the non-citizen community. The Portland region is among the fastest growing in the country, and 15% of that population is coming from outside the United States. Finding ways to help those communities build financial strength is at the heart of the credit union difference."
"Juntos Avanzamos is a tremendous honor," said Amy Nelson, Point West CU's president and CEO. "It is a reflection of our vision and commitment to serve the Hispanic community in providing financial services and asset building opportunities in conjunction with our amazing community partnerships."
"It is an honor to welcome Point West to this program," said Pablo DeFilippi, the Federation's VP of membership and business development. "This credit union is truly committed to financial inclusion and to opening the doors of opportunity to a community that so desperately needs access to affordable and equitable financial services. We congratulate Amy Nelson and her team on being the first credit union in Oregon to obtain the Juntos Avanzamos certification, and look forward to working with Troy Stang and the NWCUA to bring credit union services to the Hispanic community, a market that is without a doubt connected to the future and relevance of our industry."
Juntos Avanzamos was developed by the Texas Credit Union League as a Hispanic outreach program for credit unions. On Sept. 22, 2015, the Federation announced the national expansion of the program in partnership with the Cornerstone Credit Union League and a growing number of state leagues and associations across the country, including the Credit Union Association of New Mexico, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, the Iowa Credit Union League, the Mountain West Credit Union Association, and now, the Northwest Credit Union Association, along with Coopera and the Network of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals.
Fifty credit unions in 12 states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington, and the District of Columbia, have earned the designation.
The Juntos Avanzamos designation is contingent upon a credit union's commitment and ability to serve Hispanics regardless of their immigration status. The program also seeks to standardize operational processes and procedures to ensure a more consistent experience for community members. Qualifications include bilingual member-facing employees, partnerships with Hispanic community organizations, financial education, and competitively priced products and services for Spanish speakers.
