Growing bigger without losing sight of the people who got you there is the hard part of any financial institution’s story.
First Harvest Credit Union just hit a major milestone, and its leadership insists the mission hasn’t budged an inch.
At the end of September 2026, First Harvest passed $500 million in assets. That makes it the first credit union headquartered in Southern New Jersey to do so. The credit union has been around for more than 85 years, and it started out serving the shipbuilders of Camden.
The Numbers Behind the Milestone
Here’s what the first nine months of 2026 looked like:
- Membership: More than 51,000 members, with over 2,000 new ones joining this year
- Lending: A record $150 million-plus in new member loans
- Dividends: More than $4 million in dividend value returned to members
- Volunteering: A record 500-plus employee service hours across Southern New Jersey
- Awards: Two national marketing honors from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC)
Lending With a Purpose
First Harvest is New Jersey’s largest Low-Income Designated Credit Union. That’s an official label for institutions serving a high share of members with modest incomes. The credit union says it is putting that role to work by widening access to responsible lending, keeping financial services simple, and helping people build steadier footing.
Why Members Get Something Back
Credit unions are member-owned, so profits don’t head off to outside shareholders. Growth in membership and lending lets First Harvest send value back to the people who use it. That $4 million in dividends is one example. The credit union also funnels its success into competitive products, member perks, financial education, and community programs.
Boots on the Ground
Employees logged a record 500 volunteer hours through September. They supported local groups including Unforgotten Haven, Pitman Manor, Funny Farm Animal Rescue, and the Camden Education Fund. The credit union pairs that time with financial support for its community partners.
The marketing team earned some hardware, too. MAC gave First Harvest a Gold Award in Public Relations for its 85 Acts of Kindness initiative, plus a Silver Award for social media content and engagement. Both fit the credit union ethos of “People Helping People.”
What the CEO Says
“When we were founded more than 85 years ago, our mission was to serve the hardworking shipbuilders of Camden. Today, we are honored to serve nearly 52,000 members across New Jersey who have placed their trust in First Harvest and helped us achieve this $500 million milestone,” said President and CEO Mike Dinneen.
“While we are proud of our continued growth, our focus remains unchanged: delivering exceptional value to our members, providing accessible financial solutions, and reinvesting in the communities we serve. This achievement reflects the dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our members, and the strength of the partnerships that help us make a meaningful impact every day.”
What You Can Do With This
If you live in New Jersey and haven’t looked at a credit union lately, compare one against your current bank. Check loan rates, savings yields, and fees side by side. Because members are the owners, the difference can show up in your wallet.