VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.—Ventura County Credit Union is now officially a low-income credit union (LICU). The designation, granted by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, demonstrates VCCU’s commitment to supporting the underserved, the CU said.
To receive low-income designation, a credit union must show that at least half of its membership is at or below the 80th percentile of area’s median income. Other factors that helped VCCU earn this designation include the financial support provided by both the credit union and its foundation, as well as VCCU’s financial education efforts, partnerships with organizations like MICOP and the Mexican Consulate, and designation as a Juntos Avanzamos credit union.
Becoming a Juntos Avanzamos designated credit union means VCCU demonstrated its ability to go above and beyond to help individuals and families from Hispanic and immigrant communities navigate the U.S. financial system. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions employ bilingual, culturally competent staff and leadership; accept alternative forms of ID; and treat all members with respect, regardless of immigration status, VCCU said.
“Our community is home to a significant number of underserved and underbanked individuals,” said VCCU President and CEO Linda Rossi. “Many of those individuals are first- and second-generation immigrants, including the folks who perform backbreaking work moving Ventura County’s beautiful crops from farm to table. This designation is a huge honor that speaks to our commitment to serving our entire community.”
Each year, VCCU said it participates in hundreds of community events and partners with countless organizations supporting a variety of causes throughout Ventura County. The credit union’s charitable organization, The Foundation of VCCU, has given more than $300,000 in grants to local nonprofits.