Alternatives Federal Credit Union

On this day, in 1979, Alternatives Federal Credit Union was founded with a vision for empathetic financing to lift people out of poverty. Our Founder and first CEO Bill Myers, along with four friends chipped in $25 each to form our social justice-minded credit union. When the NCUA granted the CU charter on January 12, 1979, the charter CU name was Alternatives Fund Federal Credit Union. Then in 1981, the CU name was changed to be just Alternatives Federal Credit Union. F...rom these humble beginnings, we led with a steadfast vision of providing low-cost services to small businesses, low-income households and non-profit organizations. We also launched the first living wage study when we discovered our own tellers (now called MEA’s) were unable to afford rent without first securing parental or other assistance. By launching this groundbreaking living wage study, we set the standard and shaped the narrative for why paying a living wage was a moral imperative for not just our credit union, but for all other area employers. What makes us unique is our local-first community programs, initiatives, free credit counseling, free business coaching, and a variety of free financial literacy programs provided to those in elementary school students to elders. Because we’re a credit union, we invest your money back into the local communities that we serve. Through Alternatives Impact, our 501 c3 non-profit, we also raise money to help those families, businesses, and neighbors in need, particularly during COVID-19. Currently led by our CEO Eric Levine, Esq., we serve 10,886 members and have over $140 million in assets. We continue to hold fast to our values of ownership, innovation and collaboration. These values and the dedicated staff who champion them each day create a community-minded and engaged work culture. As an award-winning credit union, we hold dearly to our mission to find innovative ways to serve those most neglected by the mainstream financial industry. We also both empower and rely on our front-line staff to relay member and community needs, so we can innovate solutions to meet those needs through socially conscious investments, programs, and initiatives. We also believe in giving back. In addition to donating to causes that match our values, our employees are avid volunteers time that is paid for by the credit union. We look forward to continuing to serve our members and our community in even more compelling and vibrant ways into the future.

Congratulations to Joshua, who won $25 just from saving with his Lucky Savers account! Lucky Savers helps you save while giving you a chance to win cash prizes! For each $25 deposit (up to $250 per month), you receive a chance to win a prize from $25 to $5,000. Start saving and winning today, like Joshua! Learn more: http://ow.ly/5iPp50D2MFj

COVID-19 Free Tax Program Update: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, AFCU is modifying our Free Tax Prep Program for 2021. Our Free Tax Prep Program will have a delayed start, and we will encourage as much remote tax filing as we can for your safety and the safety of our community. We are still here to help and will be available to help you file your taxes, answer questions, and have limited appointments as our community needs them!... Please visit our website to learn more about how you can have your taxes filed for free this year: https://www.alternatives.org//fre/make-an-appointment.html

A message from our CEO: From everyone at AFCU, we’d like to wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons. 2020 was a time of great change, uncertainty, and challenge. We'd like to recognize our community's resilience and say thank you to our incredible membership for their support during the past year.... We look forward to ushering in a New Year with you and continuing to be a resource for our community in 2021 and beyond. We’re here, as always, to serve as your trusted financial partner. Thank you for being a member of AFCU. Happy New Year! Eric Levine CEO, and Fellow Member

AFCU will be closing early at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, and closed on Friday, January 1 in observance of the New Year holiday. While we're closed, make use of our Digital Services including: ATM locations Online banking... Mobile app with remote check deposit Opening accounts online Applying for loans online ... and more! To stay up-to-date on our hours and holiday closures, make sure to check our Hours page regularly: https://www.alternatives.org/.../why.../locations-hours.html We hope you have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday!