First Pioneers Federal Credit Union celebrated 75 years of serving the greater Acadiana community last month. First Pioneers opened its doors in 1949 serving the employees of AT&T under the original name, Lafayette District Telephone Credit Union.
Those first years, the credit union was actually operated out of the home of the first manager, Louis Girouard and his wife, Ann. Later, the credit union moved to a location on Pierre Street in downtown Lafayette and built their current main branch location on South College Drive Extension in 1996.
In the mid-80’s, First Pioneers began offering services to non-telephone companies, with the first being Lafayette Woodworks. They were granted a community charter in 2018 serving Lafayette, Acadia, St. Martin, Vermilion, or Iberia Parishes.
Heritage FCU was merged into the First Pioneers family in 2017 and a 2nd branch of First Pioneers was opened in 2020 on Highway 14 in New Iberia. In 2022, the main branch underwent a renovation and expansion which included a new administration building.
Lawoka Bolden, CEO of First Pioneers FCU said, "As we mark our 75th anniversary, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our members, staff, board and community for their unwavering support, which has been the cornerstone of our success over the past 75 years. Together, we have built not just a financial institution, but family rooted in trust, integrity, and shared prosperity. Here’s to 75 years of caring for our members financial needs with heart and to the countless chapters of growth that lie ahead.”
First Pioneers celebrated their members with a week of Member Appreciation giveaways that included cash prizes and gift cards to local merchants. Those who visit either the Lafayette or New Iberia branch for their banking needs and those who become new members throughout the year will receive a token of our appreciation as well!