Category: Community Partners
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Meet Carver Federal Savings Bank, The Harlem-Headquartered CDFI Offering Tailored Small Business Lending
Lloyd Doaman has dedicated his life to community development. He began his career in finance at JPMorgan Investment Management before pivoting to community development financial institutions (CDFIs), where he helped to provide access to capital and technical assistance to small businesses, nonprofits, and credit unions. Over three years ago, Lloyd had the opportunity to join…
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Where Are They Now? A Check In with Cortaiga Collins
Cortaiga Collins: Redefining Community Impact When we first introduced Cortaiga Collins in 2021, she was on the verge of a major milestone: opening the doors to a new, state-of-the-art facility for her thriving childcare business, Good Shepherd Preschool and Infant/Toddler Center. At the time, her story captivated readers as she shared her journey from being…
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Great Lakes Credit Union: Filling a Banking Desert in Chicago’s Austin Neighborhood
The Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side, home to nearly 100,000 residents, has long been a financial services desert. For decades, its residents were forced to rely on predatory payday lenders or travel outside their community to access basic financial services. This lack of access perpetuated cycles of poverty, leaving residents vulnerable to financial insecurity.…
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Meet Clean Energy Credit Union, The Member-Owned Cooperative Making It Easier For Everyone To Access Affordable Green Lending
Like the majority of people, Nicole Burford sometimes feels weighed down by the challenges presented by climate change. But as someone who’s long been passionate about environmental protection and sustainability, Nicole has found a way to keep her chin up. “When we think about what we can control as an individual,” she said, “we can…
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For Opportunities Credit Union, Energy Efficiency Loans Help Low-Income Individuals Save Money—And Combat Climate Change
Over the span of 48 hours in mid-July 2023, most of Vermont was battered with record amounts of rainfall, resulting in catastrophic flash flooding. As the state’s rivers swelled, homes were submerged, roads and bridges were washed out, and, tragically, at least two lives were lost. The 500-year flooding event devastated communities across The Green…
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From Farm To City: How ChoiceOne Bank is Championing Michigan Agribusiness
ChoiceOne Bank’s vision isn’t a secret: it’s front and center on its website. “We want to be the best bank in Michigan,” said Adom Greenland, the bank’s chief financial officer. “That means really making an impact in our communities.” ChoiceOne Bank was established in 1898 as a farm bank, and the bank operates in some…