El Paso, TX (July 6, 2026) |
Raiz Federal Credit Union was recognized by the El Paso County Judge and Commissioners Court on Monday, June 29, with a resolution commemorating the credit union’s 90 years of service and its longstanding commitment to strengthening communities across El Paso County through financial inclusion, education, innovation, and community investment.
Presented during Commissioners Court by County Judge Ricardo Samaniego and the El Paso County Commissioners, the resolution honors Raiz’s evolution from its beginnings as El Paso Teachers Federal Credit Union in 1936 to a modern financial institution serving more than 78,000 members throughout the region. The resolution also recognizes the credit union’s decades of investment in local schools, nonprofit organizations, healthcare partners, workforce development, financial education, and volunteerism throughout El Paso County.
“We feel like [Raiz] aligns with us as Commissioners Court [in] that we're always looking at how we make sure that everybody has the same path to success,” said Judge Ricardo Samaniego during the Commissioners Court Meeting. “The famous American dream cannot happen if you don't have the financial status, and [Raiz has] done everything possible… to create that path for so many individuals.”
For nine decades, Raiz has remained guided by the cooperative philosophy of people helping people. Founded by seven educators during the Great Depression, the credit union has grown alongside El Paso County while continuing to invest in the people and organizations that make the region stronger.
Today, anyone who lives, works, worships in El Paso County is eligible to become a member. From Anthony and Canutillo to Socorro, San Elizario, Tornillo, Fabens, Fort Hancock, Sierra Blanca, and the communities in between, Raiz proudly serves families, businesses, and organizations across the county. Even if you’re not from El Paso County, you can still join the credit union by becoming a Lifetime Member of the Underserved Communities Foundation (UCF), learn more here.
“For 90 years, our story has been intertwined with the story of El Paso County. We’ve grown alongside the community,” said Max Villaronga, President and CEO of Raiz Federal Credit Union. “We’ve always believed that strong communities are built through collaboration, and we’re honored that El Paso County recognizes that shared commitment.”
Over the years, Raiz has invested in the community through scholarships, educator professional development grants, community grants, financial education initiatives reaching tens of thousands of individuals, and thousands of employee volunteer hours. The County’s resolution also recognizes initiatives such as the Spirit Debit Card Program, which has generated more than $215,000 since 2019 for local schools and community partners. Raiz’s work as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is dedicated to expanding financial opportunity and access in underserved communities as featured on the national reality TV series – Opportunity Knocks.
The resolution also highlights Raiz’s commitment to developing local talent by creating opportunities for employees to build long-term careers in El Paso County. Among those accepting the resolution on behalf of the credit union was Vice President of Facilities and Purchasing Carlos G. Orozco, who began his career at Raiz as a teller and has advanced to executive leadership, reflecting the organization’s ongoing investment in employee growth and professional development.
As El Paso County continues to grow, Raiz remains focused on helping people put down roots, build brighter futures, and strengthen the communities they call home.
Learn more about Raiz and its impact at www.raiz.us/90years. Follow Raiz FCU on all social channels for updates on its 90th Anniversary celebration.
