Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union (SCFCU), a not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Lakewood, is pleased to welcome the employees of Hope’s Windows to its credit union family. Beginning May 27, 2020, Hope’s Windows employees will have access to Southern Chautauqua FCU’s five branches and all products and services, including: Home Banking, checking accounts, debit cards, 24-hour ATMs and mobile apps.

Having served the community since 1953, SCFCU is committed to providing members with appropriate products, low fees, and access to affordable loans. As the only financial institution in Chautauqua County that is also a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), SCFCU earned a special designation from the Department of Treasury by providing underserved individuals with access to financial resources. A Low-Income Designation from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) enables the Credit Union to help serve members who face challenges accessing mainstream financial products and services. SCFCU also recently received the Juntos Avanzamos Designation, which recognizes its commitment to financial inclusion, including a history of meeting the needs of low-income consumers in general, and of the Hispanic community in particular.

SCFCU has taken a proactive role in educating students about financial responsibility and recently partnered with Zogo to launch a financial education app that pays teens for playing. The Credit Union operates three high school branches, at no cost to the school districts; and, its award-winning Kids’ Credit Union (KCU) program currently has over 1,200 members. For over a decade, SCFCU has offered a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through which over 1,000 income tax returns are prepared annually, free of charge, for residents of Chautauqua County. SFCFU membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Chautauqua County. For more information, visit www.665-7000.com or call (716) 665-7000.