WESTERLY, RI. – May 25, 2022 -- The Westerly Community Credit Union (WCCU) has partnered with Jonnycake Center for Hope to launch a credit builder pilot program. The program will combine a small loan with financial coaching to help build the participants’ credit which is essential in securing housing, employment, and other basic needs.

“We are excited to work with Westerly Community Credit Union to help our members gain access to the tools they need to achieve their financial goals and gain access to housing, employment, or a car loan, all of which increasingly require good credit scores,” explained Kate Brewster, CEO of the Jonnycake Center. “This program will have a direct impact on the financial well-being of the participants.”

As part of this program, the Jonnycake Center will secure a small loan through Westerly Community Credit Union for the participant, who will then build credit by paying it back over six or twelve months.  Participants will also have access to a volunteer coach who will work with them to review financial educational tools including WCCU’s Financial Education Center. The WCCU Financial Education Center offers online financial education and is available on all internet-enabled devices so that members can access the information anytime, anywhere. It offers a robust library of topics that include budgeting, building credit, savings, investing, and more.  These interactive modules are designed to provide members with the tools and personalized knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions.

“WCCU cares about our members, their financial needs and our community” stated Steve White, CEO of Westerly Community Credit Union. “We want to thank the Jonnycake Center of Hope for partnering with us. By offering this program, we can help people in our local community become more knowledgeable about their finances and reestablish their credit.”

About Westerly Community Credit Union:

The WCCU mantra, #WCCUCares, emphasizes their focus on caring about their members, their members’ financial success, and their community. Established in 1948, Westerly Community Credit Union is a local, full–service financial institution that currently serves over 20,000 members with lending and deposit products through convenient locations in Westerly, Richmond, Wakefield, Coventry, and online at www.westerlyccu.com. Recent WCCU awards: Westerly Sun’s Readers’ Choice Best Credit Union (2021), Best Mortgage Company (2021) Best Bank Award (2017-18-19 and top 3 in 2020); Southern RI Chamber Choice Award 2021, Best Employer (2018), and “Spreadin’ the Love” (2019) community service awards; as well as PBN Best Places to Work (2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

About Jonnycake Center for Hope:

The mission of the Jonnycake Center is to provide basic needs, resources, and hope to their community members. Their vision is a community without hunger and poverty, where everyone can reach their full potential and improve their quality of life.  For more information, visit www.jonnycakecenter.org.