Chartway Credit Union hosted a fiesta at its Salt Lake Crossing branch today to celebrate its recent Juntos Avanzamos designation from Inclusiv, an organization dedicated to closing the gaps and removing barriers to financial opportunities for people living in distressed and underserved communities. In addition to the reading of a proclamation, the afternoon ceremony included the raising of a Juntos Avanzamos flag. Chartway members and community partners also enjoyed an authentic fiesta experience with a Mariachi band, Mexican cuisine, traditional folkloric dancing, and a special surprise for a child from their community. During the ceremony, Sandra Lopez, a Chartway member who utilized the credit union's Spanish language services, shared her testimony about how this Chartway initiative has impacted her life.

"I am grateful to Chartway and the ITIN loan program. Because of this program, I was able to buy my family's very first home," said Sandra Lopez, a Spanish-speaking member of Chartway. "I had a wonderful experience with my loan officer, who went above and beyond to help secure my loan, ensuring I understood the process every step of the way. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. Because of her and the Chartway team, my family and I have our very own home."

The Juntos Avanzamos recognition signifies Chartway's dedication to helping Hispanic and immigrant consumers navigate the U.S. financial system by offering relevant, affordable financial services, including a Spanish-language Chartway landing page—Tu Perteneces Aqui (You Belong Here)— guiding consumers to the credit union's bilingual branches, outlining products and services and providing information on how to join the credit union. Now available to Spanish speakers in-language:

  • Toll-free member services at (800) 678-8765 

  • Personalized banking services at bilingual branches with FiCEP-certified financial coaches

  • Brochures and signage

  • Checking and loan products, including ITIN* (Individual Tax Identification Number) mortgage loans at highly competitive terms to increase homeownership within the Hispanic community  

"Our commitment to inclusivity is baked into our mission and has been our guide throughout this process of providing safe, affordable financial solutions," said Melissa Cade, senior vice president of product and innovation at Chartway. "Representation is important, and we're glad we can create a welcoming environment as we continue to serve our Hispanic Community – this event is evidence of that sentiment, and we look forward to unlocking the potential of all our members in the future so they can thrive."

"The ceremony was something special. This journey we've been on to help provide financial solutions to underserved communities has been educational and rewarding," said George Pita, chief banking officer. "We're committed to serving the Hispanic community and finding new ways to help them meet their financial needs. Everyone deserves access to financial support, and we've partnered with Inclusiv to find equitable ways to do that. This proclamation is confirmation that we've taken a step in the right direction."

As part of the celebration, a child from the local Hispanic community got a special surprise during the day's festivities. The Chartway Promise Foundation funded a "wish reveal" through Make-a-Wish Utah for ten-year-old Itzayana, a cancer patient currently battling a brain tumor. Itzayana wishes to visit Hawaii to swim with turtles and dolphins and learn to hula dance with her brother at a luau. The Chartway Promise Foundation and Make-A-Wish Utah granted her wish today thanks to funds provided by the foundation. As Chartway's charitable arm, the Promise Foundation funds memorable experiences for its Promise Heroes to provide joy, hope, and smiles to both the child and their family.

"One of the reasons Make-A-Wish Utah is honored to partner with Chartway Credit Union is because they care for all segments of our community and take an inclusive approach to their outreach. There is no more deserving organization of the Juntos Avanzamos designation," said Daniel Dudley, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Utah. "In addition to planning an amazing wish proclamation for wish child Itzayana, the Chartway Promise Foundation provides vital funding that enables Make-A-Wish Utah to reach more Hispanic children battling critical illnesses. We congratulate Chartway on their success empowering Hispanic communities and thank them for providing hope to critically ill kids, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background."

"On behalf of Inclusiv, we congratulate Chartway on this accomplishment, and we are thrilled that they are now a part of our growing family. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions are committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant communities," said Pablo DeFilippi, executive vice president of Inclusiv. "We commend everyone at Chartway for going deeper into the communities they serve where minorities are often overlooked by the financial mainstream and targeted by predatory lenders. We look forward to working more closely together to expand access and create opportunities for Latinos and immigrants."

* An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number (SSN). Accepting ITINs allows credit unions to be more inclusive, providing access to deposit accounts, credit building opportunities, and affordable financial services to a larger portion of the population.

 

About Chartway & Chartway Promise Foundation

Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $2.8 billion credit union proudly serves more than 200,000 members with branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions, included on American Banker’s Top Credit Union to Work For list, and received numerous other top workplace and best credit union accolades. Reflecting a bright way forward, our charitable arm – the Chartway Promise Foundation – has raised nearly $15 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles. For information on our vibrant organization, please visit www.Chartway.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Juntos Avanzamos

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. Inclusiv is leading the national expansion of Juntos Avanzamos, in partnership with the Network of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals (NLCUP); Coopera, Iowa-based consultants to the credit union industry on the Hispanic market; Cornerstone Credit Union League, and a growing number of state leagues and associations across the country. First developed by the Cornerstone League as a Hispanic outreach program in Texas, the number of Juntos Avanzamos credit unions is expanding rapidly; today the network includes 134 credit unions in 28 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.juntosavanzamos.org. 

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