Self-Help Shares

Celebrating a Long History and a Promising Future in Chicago


By Suzanne J.
  | Nov 21, 2016

folklorico dancers

Dancers from Ballet Folklorico Xochitl

Mariachi music, folklorico dancers, good food and community--last week's ribbon-cutting celebration at our Second Federal branch in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood was full of life.

Second Federal, a Division of Self-Help Federal Credit Union comprises three branches in Chicago, including the Little Village branch. Second Federal began life in 1882 as a savings and loan association. When financial hard times forced the thrift to close in 2012, Self-Help Federal Credit Union (SHFCU) joined with partners to save it, bringing Second Federal into the Self-Help family. Now Second Federal is a full-service division of SHFCU.

Members, partners, friends and community members came together last night to celebrate Second Federal's accomplishments and all that lies ahead. Highlights included:

  • A panel discussion on the past and future of Second Federal. Panelists discussed Second Federal's impressive history, the power of impact investing, and the work ahead as we continue to stand up for the communities we serve.
  • Testimonials from community members and Second Federal borrowers.
  • A proclamation welcoming SHFCU and Second Federal into the Juntos Avanzamos network, a designation for credit unions committed to serving and empowering Hispanic consumers.
  • A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the renovation of the branch, two years in the making and nearly complete.

Panel discussion

The discussion panel featured (l-r) Dennis Jones, Hinsdale Bank & Trust CEO; Martin Eakes, Self-Help CEO; Julia Stasch, MacArthur Foundation President; Rudy Medina, Second Federal President; and Connie Lindsey, EVP at Northern Trust.

 

Juntos Avanzamos

Pablo DeFilippi of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions joins with others to welcome Self-Help Federal as an official member of the Juntos Avanzamos (“Forward Together”) movement.

 

mariachi band

Musical entertainment from local mariachi band Mariachi Ameca contributed to the festive atmosphere.

 

Second Federal member Delores Bochenek

Longtime Second Federal member Delores Bochenek was happy to attend.

 

Randy Chambers, Rudy Medina and Raul Raymundo

 

 

Self-Help CFO Randy Chambers, Second Federal President Rudy Medina and The Resurrection Project CEO Raul Raymundo enjoying the celebration.

Many thanks to all the friends, partners and members who attended!



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