With 2014 in mind, Freedom First Credit Union held agroundbreaking ceremony Thursday to celebrate the beginning of theconstruction of a community revitalization project.

The $300 million credit union in Roanoke, Va., broke ground withthe city of Roanoke and the West End Center for Youth for a projectto include an urban mix of commercial and meeting space, acommunity pavilion with a full-service production kitchen, andgardens to encourage and promote healthy financial and physicallifestyles, according to Freedom First.

The project will be anchored by a full-service Freedom Firstbranch scheduled to open in early 2014, which will serve the WestEnd, Hurt Park and Mountain View neighborhoods, as well ascommuters to downtown Roanoke.

“This important project will enable Freedom First to reach intothe community with the financial education and specialized productswe've developed to serve people of modest means,” said FreedomFirst President/CEO Paul Phillips.

“Establishing a community development financial institution inthe West End area of Roanoke gives people who are currentlyunbanked and under-banked a real opportunity to move towardlong-term financial self-sufficiency,” he added.

Freedom First said it is working closely with nonprofitagencies, local government, and other businesses on this and otherprojects that serve community and economic development goals.

“We are excited to partner with Freedom First in this venturethat will greatly expand the opportunities available to thefamilies we serve,” said Joy Parrish, executive director of theWest End Center, which owns the property and will oversee itscommunity activities.

The planned production kitchen and gardens will enable the WestEnd Center to bring fresh food and nutrition education to theneighborhood, and the community meeting space will accommodateeducational initiatives, according to Freedom First.

“The West End is a neighborhood that is on the rise,” saidRoanoke City Manager Chris Morrill. “With existing assets like theWest End Center, interesting housing stock, and proximity todowntown, the West End is poised to be an even better place to liveand work.”

“It is our hope that Freedom First's investment in theneighborhood, and services that will be offered to residents andbusinesses, will be a catalyst to more rapid improvements,” Morrilladded.