BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union continues to break new ground with the opening of its 17th branch in the heart of New Jersey’s Polish community.
The nation’s largest ethnic credit union opened its doors in Wallington, N.J., to an overflow crowd of local residents, existing members and an impressive roster of local dignitaries, politicians and business leaders. The 4,300-square-foot branch, located at 375 Paterson Avenue, marks PSFCU’s fifth New Jersey location, and the first new branch opening for the organization since 2015.
The elegant and modern facility features four separate customer service desks and four teller stations. As an added benefit, the location boasts ample parking areas at the front and side of the facility.
Long considered the center of the Polish-American community in New Jersey, Wallington is the home of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, the Cracovia Polish National Home, and many Polish stores, restaurants and businesses. PSFCU executives opened the branch to better service those in Wallington, East Rutherford, Carlstadt and surrounding towns, the CU said.
PSFCU’s other New Jersey branches are located in Union, Linden, Garfield and Clifton.
“For 40 years, our credit union has been a symbol of the success of the Polish-American community in the United States, and I am convinced that our institution will become an integral part of the Polish community in Wallington and the entire area,” said Malgorzata Gradzki, chairwoman of the PSFCU board of directors.
The official ribbon-cutting featured a distinct Polish flavor. Polish tradition and culture were evident everywhere, as the Aria Choir from Wallington sang the Polish and American national anthems, and the local Podhale children’s dance group gave a beautiful performance that evoked the folk dancing of Poland’s Tatra Mountains.
“Because we are a Polish-American financial institution, we try to reach the greatest possible number of Polish people with our products and services. I promise that our credit union will be actively involved in all initiatives aiming to improve the life of Polish-Americans and to strengthen the Polish community in Bergen County,” said PSFCU Chief Executive Officer Bogdan Chmielewski. The credit union’s leader also gave special thanks to the city council, as well as former Wallington Mayor Walter Wargacki.
In addition to religious and business leaders in attendance, a number of local politicians were on hand for the grand opening. This included Wallington City Council President Christopher G. Sinisi, Councilmen Roman Kruk and Khaldoun Androwis, City Administrator Witold Baginski, and former Mayor Wargacki. Council President Sinisi congratulated PSFCU management for opening the Wallington branch and wished the organization 100 years of success.
Reverend Feliks Marciniak, Pastor of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Wallington, along with Assistant Pastors Marcin Kuperski and Steven D’Andrea, led prayers for those working at the new branch and for those who will be its members. The priests blessed those in attendance, including the branch staff.
Chairwoman Gradzki was joined by Father Marciniak and Sinisi in cutting the ribbon.