Southwest Louisiana Credit Union has partnered with SWLA Center for Health Services, a community-based healthcare center in north Lake Charles, to bring financial services to an underserved area of its community.
The new branch, called the ‘Southwest Louisiana Credit Union Financial Empowerment Center’ has been three years in the making. Through hurricanes, a historic flood, an ice storm and changes in leadership at the health center, the commitment to the north Lake Charles community has never wavered.
Southwest Louisiana Credit Union CEO Chad Miller said the partnership was born out of a desire to provide affordable, convenient financial services to citizens in the area.
“The north Lake Charles community is often promised plans that will improve their community, only to have resources placed elsewhere,” said Miller. “This partnership—this branch—is a small gesture to meet people where they are and provide convenient access to financial education and resources.”
The branch has an Interactive Branch Kiosk—an ATM-style device that handles transactions that are usually done in person—and a full-time financial education employee. People can open accounts, make deposits and withdrawals, apply for loans and get free, one-on-one financial counseling.
“Our goal is to be a resource for members of our community—a place where they can be empowered to be in control of their financial lives and not let it control them,” said Miller.
Dianna Ross, director of community affairs for SWLA Center for Health Services, says it’s one more way they can serve the north Lake Charles community.
“SWLA Center for Health Services has the ability to help those in our community physically, mentally and now financially,” said Ross. “This community partnership allows SWLA Center for Health Services to give the members of our community access to banking services along with education about financial literacy."
Miller said they could not have done it without the support of the SWLA Center for Health Services’ CEO and his staff, who share a desire and passion to build up the community, specifically the north Lake Charles area.
“The north Lake Charles area has been deemed a “financial desert” for far too long and entering north Lake Charles not only helps us reach our goals, but also provides the hand up that many people need,” said Chad Miller, SWLACU CEO.