Backbone coalition amplifies the impact of credit unions, highlighting real stories of financial empowerment and community investment
GoWest Credit Union Association has become a part-owner and board member of the Backbone credit union coalition to amplify the voices and stories of credit unions that are transforming lives and communities. In line with the January declaration of 2025 as the Year of Financial Health, and as part of its commitment to making financial well-being accessible to all, GoWest is dedicated to sharing the powerful impact of credit unions.
“We are thrilled to join the Backbone team at a new level. This is about credit unions showing up with proof of their great work across the nation,” said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. “Through our collaboration with Backbone and our member credit unions, we’re excited to continue amplifying impactful stories from every corner of the country to inspire more people to take control of their financial futures.”
“We are thrilled that GoWest has become a part-owner and board member of the Backbone coalition” said Tansley Stearns, President and CEO of Community Financial Credit Union and Backbone board chair. “GoWest’s increased partnership strengthens our collective voice and ensures that Americans know credit unions are the financial partner they deserve.”
To bring this effort to life, GoWest is excited to highlight real stories that showcase the impact credit unions are making in communities across the country like:
- Isa Varela and her husband, Adrian Valencia, expanded their catering business with a Small Business Resiliency Loan (SBRL) from Canopy Credit Union in Spokane, Washington. They are two of the 600 entrepreneurs who have accessed capital through the collaboration between Washington credit unions, the GoWest Foundation, and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
- A GoWest Foundation partnership with Idaho credit unions and community partners is addressing the affordable housing crisis by constructing more than 30 new homes, many designated for teachers, firefighters, and healthcare workers.
- Jimmy, a member of On Tap Credit Union in Golden, Colorado, credits personalized coaching sessions with helping him take control of his financial future.
- Vantage West Credit Union in Tucson helped a member restructure a high-interest loan from another lender, saving him over $360 per month.
- Kids from financially struggling families in Laramie, Wyoming, start school with the supplies they need, thanks to StagePoint FCU’s collaboration with local businesses.
- 44 North Credit Union in Lebanon, Oregon, has been sending kids to summer camp for more than 20 years, ensuring they have enriching experiences despite financial hardships.
- Rogue Credit Union’s annual Rogue Community Rally sees teams volunteering at nearly 60 events, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of not-for-profit cooperative credit unions.
- Gail, a single mother and nonprofit employee in Tucson, AZ, worked with her local credit union to achieve homeownership for the first time. The Tucson Welcome Home Program not only provided zero-down financing but also offered educational workshops on budgeting, financial health, and homeownership responsibilities, setting buyers up for long-term success.
GoWest is already jumping into a renewed focus on promoting credit unions and leveraging the deep bench of thought leadership across the movement; securing spots in Fortune, the Hill, American Banker, Banking Dive, Denver Post, Yahoo and more. GoWest is leaning into stronger, clearer, and more compelling messaging, grounded in real data, that reflects credit unions’ values and shows the strength of their business model in today’s market. This role with Backbone will expand the ability to showcase how credit unions are collaboratively and uniquely leaning in, as not-for-profit cooperatives, to support their members and communities.
“This is just a taste of the impact and voice of credit unions. Our foot is on the gas, and we are excited to see more!” Stang continued. “Credit unions are at the forefront of financial empowerment, and by sharing these real-life stories, we’re ensuring their impact reaches even more communities. We are showing up with data-informed, humanized and impactful proof.”