Notre Dame FCU Honored for Serving Hispanic and Immigrant Consumers
September 18, 2018
Notre Dame, IN – September 17, 2018- Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (Notre Dame FCU) announced today that it is the first and only Indiana credit union to be awarded the prestigious national Juntos Avanzamos (Together We Advance) designation for its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers.
Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) is a designation for credit unions committed to helping Hispanic and immigrant consumers navigate the U.S. financial system and providing safe, affordable and relevant financial services. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions employ bilingual, culturally-competent staff and leadership, accept alternative forms of ID and treat all of their members with respect.
“On behalf of the network of Juntos Avanzamos credit unions, the Federation congratulates Notre Dame Federal Credit Union for their leadership in promoting financial inclusion for the Latino community. We’re pleased to announce Notre Dame FCU is the first credit union in the state of Indiana to receive the Juntos Avanzamos designation.” – Pablo DeFilippi, Senior Vice President of Membership and Network Engagement, National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions.
Thomas J Gryp, President & CEO commented, “This distinction acknowledges our historical and on-going commitment to help all our member-owners “move forward together” with financial empowerment tools that improve lives.”
To earn the Juntos Avanzamos designation, credit unions must complete an extensive application, requiring information about what products and services the credit union offers to specifically address the needs of the Hispanic Market, as well as what strategies they are utilizing to serve this important demographic group.
One such program cited was the Opportunity Loan, offered by Notre Dame FCU since 2009. The program provides low-cost financing for immigration-related fees associated with seeking citizenship, permanent residency or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) extensions.
Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Esmi Rivera, commented, “Receiving this designation is a great honor that was not achieved overnight. I am very honored and proud to work in an organization that supports and loves the community and does not allow cultural barriers to stand in the way of financial empowerment. Our mission at Notre Dame FCU is to change a life a day, and with our commitment, coupled with the help of the Juntos Avanzamos team, we will truly create a remarkable impact in our community.”
To celebrate the designation, Notre Dame FCU will be launching a new marketing campaign on national Citizenship Day to celebrate Doing More than just speaking the Spanish language. In addition, a formal presentation event will be scheduled later in the year. Learn more at www.notredamefcu.com/JuntosAvanzamos.
Notre Dame FCU Chief Retail Officer, John Wilkening, added, “I've been dreaming of this opportunity to take the lead in financial services with the Latino community. For too long the banking world has said “Se Habla Espanol,” and all they offer is an interpreter. It is window dressing. We are giving the community a team of experts. We say to all welcome home. We are on a mission to change lives.”
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (Notre Dame FCU) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. With assets exceeding $600 million and more than 57,000 members worldwide, Notre Dame FCU's dedicated partners (employees), coupled with a wide array of financial services, provide members a personalized experience through the credit union's nine convenient branch locations, its virtual branch (Shamrock Center), and through its robust online banking platform and mobile apps. Founded in 1941, Notre Dame FCU has grown from its origins in the Administration Building at the University of Notre Dame, and today serves over 900 affiliated groups. Visit us at www.NotreDameFCU.com. Insured by NCUA.
Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) is a designation for credit unions committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers – helping them navigate the U.S. financial system and providing safe, affordable and relevant financial services. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions employ bilingual, culturally-competent staff and leadership, accept alternative forms of ID and treat all of their members with respect, regardless of immigration status. The Juntos Avazamos network is growing quickly; it currently includes 85 credit unions in 23 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
Learn more about Juntos Avanzamos at www.cdcu.coop/juntosavanzamos.