The work we do with credit unions allows them to make real differences in the lives of their members and communities. This could be through CDFI certification or grant writing, strategic planning, product design, partnership creation or any of our other many services. And as part of this work, we get to hear the wonderful member impact stories that illustrate what credit unions are doing to unlock opportunities in the communities they serve. We will be highlighting some of these stories here.
This one’s about NorthPark Community Credit Union in central Indiana. A member had been with the credit union for about five years when she called one day in tears, because she had just gotten notice from an attorney about a legal matter from ten years ago.
The woman had thought all issues had been resolved, but she now was in danger of having her wages garnished if she didn’t have $500 in the next two days to pay a final fee. The thought of having her wage garnished was embarrassing and upsetting.
This member had a micro loan with NorthPark, which was nearly paid off. The rep she talked to told her she qualified for another micro loan with a good interest rate, and that her current loan balance could be incorporated into the new loan.
The rep explained how to use NorthPark’s secure chat system, which made it quick and easy to provide the needed documents. Within two days the loan officer finalized the loan over video chat, and the member was so relieved that she's become one of NorthPark’s biggest boosters among her friends and family.
CDFI-certified credit unions have countless stories like these to share; we’re proud to highlight a few from our clients.