Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, a member of the NationalFederation of Community Development Credit Unions, this weekblessed its second community resource center.

The blessing was performed by Kumu Koh'okele Crabbe, a localreligious leader.

Located next door to the Hawaii First's Hilo branch, the newHawaii First Community Resource Center will open to the publicnext Monday and will provide no-cost resources to any resident ofthe County of Hawaii.

Specific offerings include financial education, individual development accounts for home purchase, assistanceto job seekers and employment training, small business startupassistance and development and foreclosure preventionassistance.

The center also boasts a computer lab and resource library opento the community.

“We are very excited for this expansion,” said Laura Aguirre,president/CEO of Hawaii First FCU. “We couldn't have done thiswithout the continued support of the CDFI Fund, the NationalFederation of Community Development Credit Unions and the Office ofHawaiian Affairs.”

She added, “Our team worked long and hard to make this a realityfor our community members located in rural areas on the Hilo sideof the Big Island.

The resources provided through the Hawaii First communityresource centers are critical tools to help our members and ourcommunity to get ahead.”

The credit union opened its first community resource center inKamuela in 2008.