JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 17, 2022) —
Unity of Eatonville Federal Credit Union will celebrate its official opening this week at 323 E. Kennedy Blvd. Suite G, Eatonville, FL 32751. In December 2021, the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) granted a federal charter and Share Insurance Fund coverage to the credit union, which will open its doors to serve the community.
Located just 7 miles north of downtown Orlando, Eatonville is the oldest black-incorporated municipality in the United States. Throughout the city’s history, Eatonville has been an underserved community by established banks. The opening of Unity of Eatonville FCU is a landmark celebration as it is the community’s first federally insured financial institution.
“I began exploring the possibilities of starting a local credit union back in 2018,” said Rev. Willie C. Barnes, pastor and CEO of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville. “It was necessary to originate a financial concept that would be compassionate and understanding of our local community members. With the direct relationship Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church has within our community, it was important to leverage this relationship to build a financial system from within our town to foster a sense of trust and confidence.”
Unity of Eatonville FCU was founded with the mission to provide exceptional products, steadfast customer service and uncompromised integrity. The credit union’s membership consists of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church members and their families, community members and businesses in Eatonville. Members can expect low-interest loans and the opportunity to invest their earnings and savings in a manner that supports community development.
“Unity of Eatonville FCU will benefit our community by supporting and motivating our members to take control over their financial futures,” said Board of Directors Chairman George Williams. “We will be there for our members every step of the way – from providing educational programs that deepen understanding of money management to long range financial and retirement planning, we are here because we understand and cater to the specific needs of our community.”
VyStar Credit Union has been a strong advocate for the establishment of Unity of Eatonville FCU. VyStar began partnering with the credit union as a mentor shortly after it earned its charter at the end of 2021. Through this mentorship, VyStar has supported the credit union by providing guidance and support throughout its opening.
“It’s been an honor to come alongside the Unity of Eatonville team as they’ve worked to bring this dream to life,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg. “The resilience of this team in establishing the very first federal credit union in an otherwise underserved area is truly admirable. VyStar is thrilled to have had the opportunity to play a small part in its beginnings, and we can’t wait to see what good Unity of Eatonville FCU does for the community.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Unity of Eatonville FCU will host a community event on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To learn more, visit unityofeatonvillefcu.com
The Unity of Eatonville Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution offering checking and saving, new and used auto loans, direct deposit, credit counseling, financial literacy classes and more. The credit union’s membership includes Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church members and their families, community members and businesses in Eatonville, Florida.
jordan mccrary
pr senior account manager
Phone: 561.308.8478
