Hyland Tours Low-Income N.Y. Credit Unions

NEW YORK-NCUA Board Member Gigi Hyland visited Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union in Manhattan and Bethex Federal Credit Union in the Bronx in conjunction with her recent remarks to the New York State Credit Union League’s Metropolitan Chapter of Credit Unions in Manhattan. LESPFCU Board Member Pablo DeFilippi and staff greeted Hyland and explained all the services the credit union provides. “This credit union has filled an unparalleled need to serve people who live or work in this primarily Hispanic area on the Lower East Side of Manhattan,” she said. “I’m particularly impressed by the credit union’s efforts to combine products and services with financial education that is successfully helping members achieve ownership of homes and small businesses which will help the community thrive.” At Bethex FCU, Hyland noted how the credit union meets challenges with innovation and works to save members from predatory lenders by partnering with check cashers for convenience, discounts, and savings incentives. “Interestingly, this year’s theme for National Women’s History Month is `Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams.’ Joy [Cousminer, CEO of Bethex] is definitely a living and breathing example of such a builder,” Hyland remarked. The NCUA Board member also visited the offices of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, where staff outlined the latest tools and benefits for their low-income members and communities.