Virginia Beach, VA (April 29, 2024) — Chartway Credit Union held a Juntos Avanzamos proclamation celebration on April 24, 2024, at the grand reopening of its Ferrell Parkway branch in Virginia Beach, Va.—its first bilingual branch in its Virginia market.
The Juntos Avanzamos designation signifies Chartway’s commitment to financial inclusion and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers in Virginia and across the U.S.—a historically underbanked group. Chartway is committed to closing these gaps and removing barriers to financial opportunities for people living in underserved communities, providing relevant and affordable financial services. Chartway is proud to be the first credit union headquartered in Virginia to receive Inclusiv’s prestigious designation.
"Receiving the Juntos Avanzamos designation is a tremendous honor and reflects Chartway's deep commitment to financial empowerment and inclusion for the Hispanic and immigrant communities we serve," said Melissa Cade, Chartway's chief retail officer. "Our newly renovated, fully bilingual Ferrell Parkway branch represents a major step forward in providing a culturally relevant banking experience, including access to safe, affordable financial products and education. This new location reinforces Chartway's commitment to ensuring everyone in the community understands, You Belong Here."
Wednesday’s fiesta featured live music from local Spanish radio station La Selecta, games, and samplings of authentic Mexican cuisine. Attendees had an opportunity to learn about Chartway's products and services in Spanish from bilingual team members. Products and services include:
- A Spanish-language landing page on Chartway.com—Tu Perteneces Aqui (You Belong Here), guides consumers to Chartway’s bilingual branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia; outlines products and services; and provides information on how to join the credit union.
- Other services available to Spanish speakers in-language:
- Toll-free member services at (800) 678-8765
- Personalized banking services at bilingual branches with FiCEP-certified financial coaches
- Brochures and signage
- Checking and loan products, including ITIN* (Individual Tax Identification Number) mortgages at highly competitive terms, to increase homeownership among the Hispanic community.
Since Chartway began offering ITIN loans, the credit union has funded 150 ITIN mortgages totaling over $53 million, the majority of which facilitated the dream of homeownership for first-time homebuyers.
"I'm so proud that the Ferrell Parkway branch is leading the way as Chartway's first fully bilingual location in Virginia," said branch manager Roy Spencer. "By removing language barriers, we can build deeper relationships with our Hispanic members and provide a trusted financial partnership so they can thrive."
As part of the celebration, Chartway's charitable arm, the Chartway Promise Foundation, granted a surprise wish to a 5-year-old boy with autism and cancer through its partnership with Make-A-Wish® Greater Virginia. Lennox Uhlik, who loves farm animals and lions, was granted his wish to go to the Miami Zoo and conceded that his 3-year-old sister Ivy could come, too. His mother says Lennox is in remission, and this gift means the world to her family.
“By granting this wish, the Chartway Promise Foundation allows Lennox to play again. The ability to play was taken away from him when he was first diagnosed, so we are looking forward to him doing something fun after going through such a difficult time,” Tess Uhlik explained. “It means a lot that the foundation does this for kids like Lennox and other children and families like ours in the community.”
“Lennox and his family will take their trip in May, and we are thrilled to be able to work with our long-time charity partner to make it happen,” said Christine Wilson, Chartway Promise Foundation president. “We saw the joy, hope, and smiles firsthand at the celebration and are committed to making more wishes and dreams come true for medically fragile children and their families in our communities.”
About Chartway
Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $2.9 billion credit union proudly serves more than 230,000 members with branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions, included on American Banker’s Top Credit Union to Work For list, and received numerous other top workplace and best credit union accolades. Reflecting a bright way forward, our charitable arm – the Chartway Promise Foundation – has granted nearly $15 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles. For information on our vibrant organization, please visit www.Chartway.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Juntos Avanzamos
Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) is a designation for credit unions committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers – helping them navigate the U.S. financial system and providing safe, affordable, and relevant financial services. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions employ bilingual, culturally competent staff and leadership, accept alternative forms of ID and treat all of their members with respect, regardless of immigration status. Inclusiv is leading the national expansion of Juntos Avanzamos, in partnership with the Network of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals (NLCUP); Coopera, Iowa-based consultants to the credit union industry on the Hispanic market; Cornerstone Credit Union League, and a growing number of state leagues and associations across the country. First developed by the Cornerstone League as a Hispanic outreach program in Texas, the number of Juntos Avanzamos credit unions is expanding rapidly; today the network includes 134 credit unions in 28 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.juntosavanzamos.org.