Self-Help is more than a credit union. Along with you, our members, we're a family of organizations that includes a lending organization; two credit unions serving the Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast; and the Center for Responsible Lending, our advocacy and research arm (you can learn more about our structure here). Here are a few recent highlights from our efforts to achieve our mission — creating and protecting ownership and economic opportunity for all — in communities around the country and through each part of the Self-Help family:
Laying the groundwork for successful homeownership this fall
Staff in many of our branches have been busy with homeownership events in their communities. On September 18th, the Wilmington, NC branch participated in the Cape Fear Latino Festival, which featured food and performances from countries around Latin America. “We were so excited to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month by being onsite to discuss homeownership with the Latino community,” said regional manager Chase Faircloth, who attended along with staff from our mortgage team to answer questions and discuss prequalification steps.
Thinking about taking that first step toward a home of your own? Check out our home mortgage products, and reach out to your local branch or call our mortgage team at 800-476-7428.
CRL Launches video series on issues in finance
Our advocacy and research arm, The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), just released the first in their "In Focus" short video series. Check out "APR Matters" to learn more about the annual percentage rate of interest (APR) and how it can help consumers see the true cost of payday loans. Interested in learning more about issues like this? Follow CRL on social media or sign up for CRL newsletters.
Seaway-Self-Help Celebrates Five Years of Partnership
Seaway opened on the South Side of Chicago in 1965 and was one of the largest Black-owned banks in the US before becoming part of Self-Help Federal Credit Union in 2017. As a division of Self-Help FCU, it continues to foster financial empowerment in the Chicago area. Check out this short video from our Legacy series to learn more about Seaway's history. This September 24th, members and community partners will gather in Chicago to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Seaway joining the Self-Help family.
Dreams come true in Modesto, CA!
Jamie and Eva Guzman worked with our mortgage team to prequalify for a mortgage and are now the owners of their first home. Eva shares: “Our home has made such a difference and we will be grateful to Self-Help for all of our life.” If you’re wondering if this could be you – get in touch with us! Contact your local branch, and learn more at https://www.self-help.org/personal/loans/home-mortgage-loans
Self-Help’s My Name card is here!
We’re excited to launch a new product in both Self-Help Credit Union and our sister credit union, Self-Help Federal Credit Union. Our new My Name card features the option to use your preferred name. Now you can make transactions with the freedom of expression that you deserve on your Self-Help credit or debit card. Find out how to update your card with your preferred name.
Want to learn more about how we've made an impact across the Self-Help family? Check out our 2021 Annual Report.