The New York Credit Union Association has partnered with the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions to support the Federation’s Juntos Avanzamos—Spanish for “Together We Advance”—immigrant outreach initiative.

Juntos Avanzamos was developed by the Cornerstone Credit Union League as a Hispanic outreach program in Texas, and it has since grown into a nationwide movement and designation for credit unions that demonstrate a commitment to serving immigrants.

Through the partnership, the Association will promote the Juntos Avanzamos designation to New York credit unions and encourage participation.

“New York has always served as a beacon of light for the world’s migrants and immigrants, and for more than a century New York’s credit unions have worked to serve the unique needs of our many immigrant communities,” said Association President/CEO William J. Mellin. “The Juntos Avanzamos initiative epitomizes what the New York credit union community represents, and we’re proud to promote the designation to our member credit unions.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the New York Credit Union Association to the growing Juntos Avanzamos family,” said Pablo DeFilippi, SVP of membership and networke engagement at the Federation. “With 4.5 million immigrants and the fourth largest Hispanic population in the country comprising almost 25 percent of New York State’s population and workforce, partnering with NYCUA is a critical step forward in our mission to advance financial inclusion and economic opportunity in underserved communities.”

To receive the Juntos Avanzamos designation, credit unions must demonstrate a strategic plan for improving service to Hispanics, offer bilingual services and information, collaborate with community organizations that support Hispanics, offer affordable products and services relevant to the immigrant consumer, and offer financial education in Spanish and English.

Currently, 79 credit unions in 20 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia have earned the Juntos Avanzamos designation.

In New York, the following credit unions have earned the designation: Brooklyn Cooperative FCU, Cooperative Federal CU (Syracuse), Genesee Co-Op FCU, Lower East Side People’s FCU and Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union.

To learn more, visit the Federation’s Juntos Avanzamos website.