Notre Dame FCU Recognized for Serving Hispanic and Immigrant Community
November 15, 2018
NOTRE DAME, IN - November 14, 2018- Yesterday Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (Notre Dame FCU) celebrated becoming the first Indiana credit union to be awarded the prestigious national Juntos Avanzamos designation by Inclusiv. The Juntos Avanzamos designation is awarded to credit unions that are committed to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities by providing education and services that improve financial well-being.
In recognition of the honor, community members, Notre Dame FCU employees, Inclusiv Executives, and South Bend Mayor, Pete Buttigieg, gathered in the Martin’s Community Kitchen at the Martin’s Super Market on Mayflower Road for a proclamation ceremony and celebration catered by Notre Dame FCU Business Member, Puerto Vallarta.
Opening remarks were delivered by Notre Dame FCU President and CEO, Tom Gryp, and by Chief Retail Officer, John Wilkening, both of which accepted the Juntos Avanzamos flag from the Inclusiv Senior Vice President of Membership and Network Engagement, Pablo DeFilippi.
Tom Gryp said, “Our commitment to serve Michiana, includes everyone, not just the wealthy and financially comfortable. This very important designation and national recognition reinforces even further our efforts to serve the underserved and those living paycheck to paycheck.” John Wilkening added, “We will no longer stand by and watch financial institutions hire a part-time teller that wears a button stating they speak Spanish. Notre Dame FCU is fully committed to this community. We have 23 trained Spanish speaking professionals throughout the organization ready to provide financial guidance for all. We will do more than speak the language. We're building a path for all to rise and what is better than that. We have one mission every single day, and it's not just to give you a bank account, it's to change a life.”
Notre Dame FCU launched a new marketing campaign on national Citizenships Day, to celebrate this designation and to convey we are “Doing More than Just Speaking the Language.” Learn more at www.notredamefcu.com/JuntosAvanzamos .
South Bend Mayor, Pete Buttigieg also spoke at the event. He said, “South Bend’s diversity is one of its greatest assets. The Juntos Avanzamos designation signifies a commitment to meeting the needs of all area residents. Notre Dame Federal Credit Union has the City’s support in achieving this important milestone.”
After presenting the Juntos Avanzamos flag, Pablo DeFilippi, of Inclusiv, said, “On behalf of the network of Juntos Avanzamos credit unions, Inclusiv congratulates Notre Dame Federal Credit Union for their leadership in promoting financial inclusion for the Latino community. We’re pleased to announce that Notre Dame Federal Credit Union is the first credit union in the state of Indiana to receive the Juntos Avanzamos designation. We salute your vision and commitment and welcome you to our growing family of credit unions opening the door of opportunity to immigrants and Hispanics.”
At the end of the ceremony, Notre Dame FCU board member, Freddie Thon, was honored for his dedication to Notre Dame FCU’s intentional decision to serve the Hispanic and immigrant communities. Mr. Thon was a key catalyst in the credit union opening its first fully bilingual branch in the West Side of South Bend in 2003 perpetuating its success since then.
About Inclusiv:
At Inclusiv, we believe that true financial inclusion and empowerment is a fundamental right. We dedicate ourselves to closing the gaps and removing barriers to financial opportunities for people living in distressed and underserved communities. Inclusiv is a certified CDFI intermediary that transforms local progress into lasting national change. We provide capital, make connections, build capacity, develop innovative products and services and advocate for our member community development credit unions (CDCUs). Inclusiv members serve over eight million residents of low-income urban, rural and reservation-based communities across the US and hold over $92 billion in community-controlled assets. Founded in 1974, Inclusiv is headquartered in New York, NY, with offices in Madison, WI and Atlanta, GA. For more information about Inclusiv visit us at Inclusiv.org and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Notre Dame FCU
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (Notre Dame FCU) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. With assets exceeding $630 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.