VACAVILLE, Calif.–Travis Credit Union said it has launched a series of Financial Inclusion Forums in Solano, Contra Costa and Yolo counties.
According to a statement from Travis CU, the forums’ long-term goals are to connect with community leaders and partners whose “goals align with the credit union’s goal of creating an inclusive and judgment-free environment for the underbanked to develop and build wealth, according to a press release.”
Travis CU added the efforts will involve a comprehensive study of community needs, partnership collaboration and expanded language options for financial education.
“Economic development, technological advancements and demographic shifts provide us with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to provide quality, inexpensive financial services to the underbanked members of our community,” said EVP Nav Khanna in a released statement. “This aim is clear and attainable if the public and private sectors work together and coordinate our efforts.”
Local Leaders Participating
The $4.7-billion Travis CU reported the coalition has attracted local leaders from commerce, education, government and the nonprofit community to “chart a course to make full financial inclusion a reality.”
In its statement, Travis CU said it recognizes many people in its communities face difficulties that prohibit them from fully participating in political, economic and social life, and that the disadvantage is frequently based on social identity, which can include gender, age, location, employment, color, ethnicity, religion, citizenship status, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
In the same statement, Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County superintendent of schools, said financial literacy and inclusion are fundamental components to building equitable communities and lifelong success.
“Solano County Office of Education is excited to be invited to the forum and partner with Travis Credit Union in their efforts to expand community access to sound financial information and products,” she said. “We look forward to amplifying their outreach and will continue to partner together to reach young people in Solano County.”
‘New Pathways’
Travis Credit Union said its focus for years has been to help the underserved and “create new pathways for them to achieve financial stability and wellness,” and that it was recently recognized as one of the top philanthropic companies in the Bay Area for implementing multiple financial relief initiatives for members and distributing more than $3 million to 120 community and nonprofit partners that provide essential services and PPE equipment during this pandemic.
Travis Credit Union has nearly 223,000 members.