Our project to update and expand our Wilmington, California branch is in its final phase! It has been a couple of years since we cracked the concrete to start upgrades, and now we’re applying the finishing touches to our member service areas. The updated building provides over 6,500 square feet of financial service space and eventually will offer a community room for special events. The full renovation won't be complete for a few more months, but members are able to conduct business as usual, and the staff is excited to operate in their new space.

The Wilmington branch originally operated as Family Federal Credit Union, founded in 1983 at Holy Family Church by Father Luis Valbuena. Family Federal moved to its current location in 2003. Since opening its doors, the Credit Union had a mission of bringing mainstream financial services to underserved families and individuals. In 2016 Family Federal Credit Union became Self-Help Federal Credit Union, continuing the same strong commitment to the community.

We appreciate the patience of everyone who may have been inconvenienced by limited branch access during the construction. We hope you will be delighted by the improvements in your credit union space!

The Joy of Giving

Care Packages for Shelter Residents

For a second consecutive year, the staff at our Pittsburg, California branch collaborated with the Concord Adult Homeless Shelter to provide care packages for the shelter's residents. The Shelter, run by Contra Costa Health Services, provides case management services to assist residents in ending their homelessness and attaining self-sufficiency.

Winter Clothing Donation Drive

Scholarship Drive

Each branch of Self-Help Federal Credit Union is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a local student. The purpose is to provide support and public recognition to students of any age who have shown a commitment to service in their community. Eligible applicants must be attending, or accepted to attend, a post-secondary educational institution. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2022. Qualified students can click here to apply.

Full Array of Self-Help Products Now Available in WA

Special greetings to our staff and members in Washington State! Lower Valley Credit Union, located in Washington, officially merged with Self-Help Federal Credit Union in January 2021. In the months that followed, we also merged our systems and databases. Now Lower Valley CU branches located in East Wenatchee, Grandview, Pasco, Sunnyside and Yakima are offering the full suite of Self-Help products and services. We are excited to share our mission and commitment in the Washington region.

Build your career at Self-Help

As we expand our services and service area, Self-Help has a lot of job opportunities right now. We are seeking people with a variety of skills who are customer-focused, results-focused and excited about our mission of expanding economic opportunity for all. Why work for Self-Help? Here are the reasons we hear from our staff:

1. To be part of a high-impact mission. We’re one of the nation’s largest community development financial institutions with a history of achieving measurable results. Since 1980, we’ve invested $11 billion to strengthen community resources and help families build wealth by buying a first home or starting a business.
2. Great benefits and competitive pay. Our minimum wage starts at $18 to $20 per hour, depending on location, and we offer top benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; a matched retirement fund; generous paid vacation time, and more. 
3. Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. A commitment to DEI is part of who we are. We understand that achieving a strong DEI environment takes constant work and dedicated resources, and we’re cultivating a culture where everyone can thrive and be successful.  
4. Excellent experience with lots of training opportunities. Self-Help has a training budget for every single staff person and extensive internal training resources that are easy to access. Many of our staff love that they gain new skills on the job and also have opportunities to learn about other areas that interest them.
5. Great people. We can’t prove this, but we know in our hearts that we have the greatest staff on earth. Maybe that’s because we attract people who truly care about our members, borrowers and communities.

We have openings in all the states we serve, including places such as Northern and Southern California; Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jacksonville, Florida and the Carolinas. You can find links to all our job openings here.

If you have the skills we’re seeking, take a look at our website and find out more about us. If you like what you see, please apply—we would love to meet you!

You Have a Voice: Look for Our Spring Survey

At Self-Help our most valuable asset is you, our member, and we love hearing from you. Be on the lookout for an email survey from us, where we will give you an opportunity to rate our services and offer comments. Your feedback will tell us what we’re doing right and where we can make improvements to ensure we’re providing you the best service possible. As a show of appreciation, we will make a charitable donation for every completed survey.

• Members will no longer be charged a fee for non-sufficient funds (NSF). The fee elimination went into effect on March 1, 2022. You can learn more about our fee change on our website. 
• As COVID cases begin to fall, fraud and scams are rising. Don't let your guard down and risk falling for a money-draining scam! Scam artists use a variety of methods to steal your identity. For resources and information on how to protect yourself, visit our website. 
• Get a free financial "check-up" from our partners at GreenPath. They can help you improve your credit score or work with you to create a plan for building a strong financial future. Call 877-337-3399 to speak with a certified counselor. Financial coaching services are available to Self-Help members and their families.
• March is Women’s History Month. Learn more about one organization’s mission to support, educate and empower women everywhere.