For example, Brooklyn Coop makes a deliberate effort to open access to financial services to as many people in our community as possible. Almost 40% of Bushwick’s population are immigrants, mostly Spanish-speaking. To serve them better, we’ve always created our applications and brochures in two languages. Our logo literally translates ‘credit union’ into Spanish with the phrase ‘la cooperativa de ahorro y crédito’, and every staff member at the Bushwick branch is bilingual.

This past February, the Federation – a strong partner of BCoop from our beginnings and a trailblazer in the world of CDFIs – recognized Brooklyn Coop as a ‘Juntos Avanzamos’ credit union due to our strong focus on ensuring our products and services work well for the Latino community. Thank you, Federation!

The fun part was celebrating this by hiring a mariachi band to perform in front of B’klyn Burro, one of our favorite long-time members, on Cinco de Mayo. The music, plus some free chips and burritos, sparked occasional interest from folks rushing home after work.  Our ‘Move Your Money’ postcards are nice, but no one on Fulton Street had ever heard of Brooklyn Coop and we had to do more to attract attention. What worked best were ‘Build Your Credit!’ and ‘Free Financial Counseling!’.

It’s true – Brooklyn Coop helps you build your credit through our credit building loans, secured credit cards, or small personal loans. Free financial and credit counseling is available at both branches, three days a week, and in two languages. Call 718 418 8232 for more information!