Press
More than 20 families benefit from First United Credit Union’s spanish-speaking financial literacy seminar
GRANDVILLE, MI (October 17, 2014) – As part of First United Credit Union’s financial literacy initiatives for Kent County (Mich.), more than 20 families attended a free financial literacy seminar on September 25. Conducted entirely in Spanish, the workshop, “Take Control of Your Finances,” was geared to young families and the unbanked Hispanic population. The Kent District Library Wyoming Branch provided a relaxed and comfortable setting.
Presented by the bi-lingual staff of First United, participants learned about the basics of budgeting, saving, and money management, as well as establishing and maintaining good credit. Participants also had the opportunity to see how a credit union operates within the community it serves.
First United has an established, proactive approach to serving the Hispanic community, and was recently awarded a $4,000 grant from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation to expand its community efforts.
“The foundation believes in our work with the Hispanic population and the importance of providing financial education,” explains First United Credit Union CEO Mark Richter.
Funds will also be used to expand the educational programs offered to the Hispanic market and Spanish-speaking members of First United, which includes plans to partner with area Hispanic businesses for more outreach.
First United is a firm believer in being a community resource to members and residents. “We’ve served this community since 1937. Providing financial education is part of our people helping people philosophy,” continues Richter.
With International Credit Union Week recently taking place the third week in October, this First United initiative is a perfect example of the not-for-profit, and cooperative philosophy that guides all credit unions.
“We’re thrilled to see more organizations, like First United, embrace the Hispanic market and take steps to provide a fair financial alternative,” says Yeli Romero of La Mejor Radio (Grand Rapids). “By encouraging the financial well-being of our neighbors and the Spanish-speaking community, all of us benefit.”
In addition to community projects, First United offers a full-time bi-lingual staff to assist with members with daily transactions. Staff can open new accounts and loans entirely in Spanish for members who prefer. “Serving a wide-range of member needs has always been important to us,” concludes Richter.
Anyone interested in learning more about membership or the credit union’s financial literacy initiatives can call 866-255-1004 or visit www.FirstUnitedcu.org.
About First United Credit Union
Headquartered in Grandville, Mich., First United Credit Union is a full-service financial institution offering mortgages, home equity loans, vehicle loans, savings, CDs, business services, checking, and online banking services. Originally chartered to serve the Leonard Refrigerator Plant, the credit union has been providing exceptional personal service to its members since 1937. Today, First United can serve anyone who lives or works in Kent and the surrounding 22 counties in Lower Michigan. Learn more at www.FirstUnitedCU.org.