WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – Brookland Federal Credit Union, which said it is deeply rooted in faith and community values, has announced an expansion of its products and services to empower its “mission to serve the underserved and strengthen the financial lives of those who are members with Brookland Baptist Church.”
Brookland FCU said members will soon have access to enhanced money management tools, including a more streamlined online and mobile banking experience, through a collaboration with Caro Federal Credit Union. Brookland FCU will add lending opportunities, such as home and business loans, as well as tap into a network of more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 5,000 shared branches nationwide through the coalition of the two Columbia-based credit unions.
The enhancements will be rolled out over the next eight months. BFCU membership will be notified as products become available.
“Founded on Christian principles, we are driven by our devotion to making a positive impact in the lives of our members and the communities we serve,” said Brookland FCU CEO Ronald A. Cooley. “This expansion of services is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to serve the underserved and fostering financial empowerment among our 1,300 members.”
According to Caro CEO Anne Shivers, cooperation can go beyond member-centricity; it can also be one credit union helping another thrive.
“Brookland Baptist Church is a beacon of hope, compassion and transformation for so many in Columbia,” Shivers said. “With unwavering dedication to the church, Brookland FCU touches the lives of many in very profound ways. We feel blessed to be able to assist those who are shining the light on the path toward financial well-being for the people in the Midlands.”
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Caro said it is dedicated to serving economically distressed and underserved communities, often in low-income and disadvantaged areas. It allows the credit union to access resources and support to further their mission.
Founded in 1999, Brookland FCU serves more than 1,300 members tied to Brookland Baptist Church, a congregation that supports 50+ ministries, including the Brookland Baptist Soup Kitchen, Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, Brookland Health and Wellness Center, and Brookland Foundation. Brookland FCU takes pride in providing financial literacy as part of its mission, as well as opening financial pathways to those who traditionally cannot access other financial institutions and services.