BANNOCKBURN, Ill.–Great Lakes Credit Union has received the Juntos Avanzamos designation from Inclusiv.
The Juntos Avanzamos designation (a Spanish term that translates to “Together We Advance” in English) recognizes credit unions that are committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant communities.
“Hispanic and immigrant communities play an important role in the U.S. economy and are a key part of the member base that CDCUs serve,” GLCU said. “Financial empowerment is especially important for immigrant communities, which are often unbanked and targeted by predatory financial service providers. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions provide access to essential financial services and help Hispanic and immigrant members navigate the U.S. financial system.”
According to Inclusiv, Juntos Avanzamos credit unions “employ bilingual, culturally-competent staff and leadership, accept alternative forms of ID and treat all of their members with respect, regardless of immigration status.”
“Providing equal access to financial empowerment for socioeconomically and racially diverse communities is an important part of GLCU’s mission of banking for a greater good,” said Chief Experience Officer Patrick Basler in a statement. “We’re honored and proud to receive the Juntos Avanzamos designation. We look forward to building even stronger relationships with the Hispanic and immigrant communities we serve.”
GLCU said one of the ways it financially empowers immigrant communities is through providing assistance and support to asylum seekers. In 2023 and 2024, the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment helped 529 people through its Asylum Seekers Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
GLCU also supports Hispanic and immigrant communities through its outreach efforts. In October 2023, GLCU sponsored the Mano a Mano Hispanic and Latin Heritage gala – a fundraising event that supports Mano a Mano’s efforts to advocate for immigrant families in Lake and McHenry Counties.