CoastHills CU Finds Community Engagement Path to Support Diverse Community
CU Strategic Planning assists with central California CU CDFI certification
When CoastHills Credit Union launched its new Community Engagement Department, Carolyn White, who is Vice President of the department, said it had two objectives: 1) Invest more time and resources in the communities the credit union serves and 2) Facilitate community development outreach programs. This year the credit union has doubled down on that focus with its new Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification and a CDFI Fund grant application with the help of CU Strategic Planning.
According to Senior Community Engagement Officer Rose Pereirra, “There’s a large, underserved community that is sometimes overlooked,” she explained. “We look to develop a more inclusive outreach effort and serve those who are often left behind.”
“We are committed to strengthening our community connection within the counties we serve,” CoastHills CU CFO Tim Jensen said. “Our members’ financial success is a passion of our board. A CDFI grant will allow us to expand our efforts to provide products and services that reflect the needs of our diverse community.”
Jensen added that the credit union continues to review its offerings to ensure a good fit, as well as seeking to serve more rural and Hispanic communities.
“The team at CoastHills Credit Union has the heart for serving economically disadvantaged areas, and now, through CDFI certification, they will have access to additional resources as a multiplier of their mission,” CU Strategic Planning AVP of Certification Services Carrie Ostrem said. “We can’t wait to see what great opportunities they’ll bring to their community!”
CU Strategic Planning is the credit union movement’s largest organization for obtaining Community Development Financial Institutions Certification and grants from the U.S. Treasury Department.
“CU Strategic Planning was responsive and kept us on task to get through the certification process successfully,” Jensen said. “The team there has a great combination of know-how and analysis to determine our true capacity to serve these areas.”
