Credit union history and principles are rooted in helping underserved communities and advancing cooperation among cooperatives. We are calling on credit unions and service providers to join our groundbreaking Coalition for Justice-Involved Individuals to help end systemic discrimination for this highly unbanked and historically marginalized population. Access to affordable banking is an essential component of successful reentry and can help people create a path to financial stability and economic mobility.

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The goals of the Credit Union Coalition are to:

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• Create a national network of credit unions and community organizations to improve access to affordable financial services and help people achieve successful reentry and sustainable financial independence.

• Promote cooperation among cooperatives to help a highly underserved community.

• Provide customized programs, guidance, and policies and procedures to credit unions working with justice-involved individuals.  

• Amplify the impact of current initiatives aimed at this population.

• Create a community loan fund to provide direct lending and back-stop capital, with a focus on auto and small-dollar loans.

• Support financial inclusion and help reduce recidivism. 

 

Your support is critical, as we work toward reducing barriers to mainstream financial services for the millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals and their families across the country who have been affected by the criminal justice system. You can make a huge impact on the lives of many people and help reduce recidivism. 

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If you'd like to join us or learn more, please complete our interest form HERE. 

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Many thanks,

 

Nancy Eiden

Founder, First Step Alliance

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Blanche Jackson

CEO, Stepping Stones Community Federal Credit Union

 

Coalition Organizers