Urban League, Credit Unions Form Partnership to Advance Financial Well-Being of Black Oregonians

The Urban League of Portland, the Northwest Credit Union Foundation, and five Portland-area credit unions today announced a new partnership designed to advance the financial well-being of Black Oregonians.

The purpose of the new pilot program, called the Financial Empowerment Collaborative (FEC), is to foster financial empowerment in Portland’s Black community and provide solid pathways for participants on their path to financial and housing stability and wealth creation.

The FEC’s approach will focus on addressing Black Oregonians’ unique needs, so they can gain access to supportive products, services, education, and financial tools. The program will include customized financial education and coaching, case management, and an environment where participants can easily access essential credit union products and services.

“The Urban League of Portland is excited to be a part of a partnership with local credit unions to empower and increase financial education and resources to our community,” said Urban League Director of Housing Programs, Denetta Antoinette Monk. “Launching a Financial Empowerment Collaborative is a strategic step towards accomplishing Urban League’s mission to empowering AfricanAmericans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life.”

The partnership grew out of discussions among Portland-area credit unions eager to find opportunities to create tangible positive community impact in the wake of racial justice protests that shook the city in 2020. The credit union partners are Advantis Credit Union, Consolidated Community Credit Union, Point West Credit Union, Rivermark Community Credit Union, and Unitus Community Credit Union.

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