EATONVILLE, Fla.–Unity of Eatonville FCU is celebrating its official opening this week. The credit union was officially granted its charter and share insurance fund coverage in December of 2021.
The new CU is located seven miles north of downtown Orlando in Eatonville, which is the oldest black-incorporated municipality in the United States. Throughout the city’s history, the credit union said Eatonville has been an underserved community by established banks, adding that the opening of Unity of Eatonville FCU is a “landmark celebration” as it is the community’s first federally insured financial institution.
“I began exploring the possibilities of starting a local credit union back in 2018,” said Rev. Willie C. Barnes, pastor and CEO of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville. “It was necessary to originate a financial concept that would be compassionate and understanding of our local community members. With the direct relationship Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church has within our community, it was important to leverage this relationship to build a financial system from within our town to foster a sense of trust and confidence.”
According to its organizers, Unity of Eatonville FCU was founded with the mission to provide exceptional products, steadfast customer service and uncompromised integrity.
The New FOM
The credit union’s field of membership consists of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church members and their families, community members and businesses in Eatonville.
It said members can expect low-interest loans and the opportunity to invest their earnings and savings in a manner that “supports community development.”
“Unity of Eatonville FCU will benefit our community by supporting and motivating our members to take control over their financial futures,” said Board Chairman George Williams. “We will be there for our members every step of the way – from providing educational programs that deepen understanding of money management to long range financial and retirement planning, we are here because we understand and cater to the specific needs of our community.”
UEFCU said Jacksonville, Fla.-based
VyStar Credit Union has been a strong advocate for its establishment, and began partnering with the credit union as a mentor shortly after it earned its charter at the end of 2021.
An ‘Honor’
“It’s been an honor to come alongside the Unity of Eatonville team as they’ve worked to bring this dream to life,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg. “The resilience of this team in establishing the very first federal credit union in an otherwise underserved area is truly admirable. VyStar is thrilled to have had the opportunity to play a small part in its beginnings, and we can’t wait to see what good Unity of Eatonville FCU does for the community."
To celebrate the grand opening, Unity of Eatonville FCU will host a community event on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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