Golden 1 Credit Union Celebrates Grand Opening of First-Ever Financial Resource Center in Del Paso Heights

Location part of Golden 1’s multi-million dollar community investment that will support members on their path to financial well-being

Golden 1 Credit Union (Golden 1) recently celebrated the grand opening of its first-ever Financial Resource Center in Sacramento’s Del Paso Heights neighborhood, a long-neglected, high-poverty area with a predominantly minority population. The unveiling of the new location included a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Golden 1 President and CEO Donna Bland as well as elected officials and community partners including Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, State Senator Angelique Ashby, representatives from the Office of Congressman Ami Bera, and President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Urban League Dwayne Crenshaw. Dozens of community members and Golden 1 employees also joined the celebration, showcasing a strong sense of unity and support for the newly inaugurated location.

"Golden 1 is proud to officially open our first-ever Financial Resource Center as part of our commitment to being a present and accessible financial partner to the Del Paso Heights community," said Bland. "It’s much more than a branch as members will receive expert guidance and support on their path to financial well-being."

The Financial Resource Center is part of Golden 1’s $10 million commitment over five years to support key community organizations and projects that uplift the neighborhood, initially announced in July 2023. The new location will serve as a resource for residents' personal financial empowerment, providing education, products, and services unique to their needs. This includes free financial education workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions with a goal of supporting members on their path to financial well-being and uplifting the community.

Local leaders shared inspiring words at the grand opening event. Mayor Steinberg, addressing the crowd, remarked, “I just want to say how grateful I am to Golden 1, the Urban League, and all of the partners in Del Paso Heights and North Sacramento for making this catalyst investment in a part of town that not only needs it but deserves it." Senator Ashby echoed these sentiments, stating, "The first place that Golden 1 decided to plant that seed was Del Paso Heights and I can think of no better investment in our city. That was the best community you could have possibly selected, and the best financial partner that we could have possibly asked for to step into a space and make a real difference in the lives of people that we care about every single day."

Golden 1’s investment in Del Paso Heights is the result of years of research and collaboration with community leaders, residents, elected officials, business groups, and others to increase financial inclusion, generate equitable opportunities, and create pathways to generational wealth for historically marginalized people and communities.

"Golden 1 is committed to creating a more equitable and financially inclusive California, and we are hopeful that our new Financial Resource Center will help generate positive outcomes and empower our neighbors in Del Paso Heights for years to come," added Bland. "We are grateful to work alongside the community in our dedicated partnership and look forward to what's to come."

In addition to the current low- to no-cost products and services Golden 1 provides, specialized products were also developed as a part of this effort, specifically targeting those who are new to the financial system. From the low barrier Easy Checking and Credit Builder Personal Line of Credit options to first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs, Golden 1 is meeting a broader spectrum of financial services needs.

"We deeply value Golden 1's financial investment and steadfast commitment to the Del Paso Heights community," said Crenshaw. "Their new Financial Resource Center will provide crucial financial services to our community, and we hope it will be the start of a larger economic revitalization along the Marysville Boulevard corridor."

This marks Golden 1’s first-ever Financial Resource Center to open in California, which serves as a one-stop shop for financial education and services. Golden 1 is devoted to continuing to expand its social and community impact programs to uplift communities. The Credit Union hopes to partner with other businesses to expand the Del Paso Heights initiative, as well as replicate the effort in other diverse communities to advance financial equity.

Golden 1’s Financial Resource Center is located inside the Greater Sacramento Urban League Empowerment Center building at 3725 Marysville Blvd. Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95838 and is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents interested in attending a Financial Education workshop at the location should register online. For more information, visit golden1.com/delpasoheights.

ABOUT GOLDEN 1 CREDIT UNION
With more than $20 billion in assets, Golden 1 Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the United States, providing easy access to the financial solutions, resources, and support their members and communities need to improve their well-being. Golden 1 is committed to creating a more equitable and financially inclusive California and proudly serves all those who live or work there. Golden 1 is more than 1 million members strong and has over 2,000 employees. Visit golden1.com for more information.