Partnership between Lighthouse Community Credit Union and Save First Financial Wellness extends services to Vancouver
VANCOUVER — Vancouver-based Lighthouse Community Credit Union and Lighthouse Resource Center, joined in a partnership this week bringing more services to those struggling in Clark County and beyond.
In collaboration with Save First Financial Wellness, an “economic empowerment program” of catholic charities in Portland, Lighthouse will be adding new services, information and financial resources to this side of the river.
According to Lighthouse, some 27 percent of Clark County residents fall below average median income, and thus are likely living in poverty. On top of this factor, the continued issues caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, are causing many to lose work and possibly into debt.
“At Lighthouse, we seek to offer both hope and opportunity to people with low to moderate incomes. It just made sense to align with the team at Save First who can help further our mission of financial empowerment and serving our local community,” the Lighthouse Board Chair David Bristol said in a release. “This partnership has been in the works for several months, but now with COVID-19, we believe it is even more urgent that we make these financial wellness services available for our neighbors in need.”
Currently, the Save First team has implemented online tools for people to access through Lighthouse. After social distancing restrictions end, the team will put people in place at the Lighthouse Resource Center. The center is the credit unions non profit financial education component, and offers coaching, classes and workshops.
“We could not be more excited for the opportunity to partner with Lighthouse and deepen our impact in southwest Washington,” Save First Director Molly O’Donnell, said in a release. “With more than a decade of experience in financial literacy and a robust toolkit to help people get on sound financial ground, Save First is ready to help struggling Americans save money and keep their debt under control. This is particularly necessary in times of crisis as we are today. Together, we’re hoping to help people weather this current storm and change the course of their financial futures.”
To reach out for more information on this partnership and the programs available now, visit lhccu.org or LighthouseResourceCenter.org. For resources from Save First Financial Wellness, visit SaveFirstFinancial.org. You can also find Lighthouse on Facebook.
The following information was provided by Lighthouse Credit Union
About Lighthouse Community Credit Union
Founded in 1953, Lighthouse Community Credit Union is a non profit financial institution owned by its members. They are Low Income Designated (LID) and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing affordable access to savings, loans, and payment services at three locations across Clark County, Washington and online.
About Lighthouse Resource Center
Since 1995, Lighthouse Resource Center, located at 1910 W. Fourth Plain Blvd., has been removing barriers to financial empowerment by facilitating comprehensive financial education and counseling. They are a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified agency and a qualified 501c3 nonprofit organization serving greater Clark County. LighthouseResourceCenter.org
About Save First Financial Wellness
Save First Financial Wellness is an open-door for anyone who wants to improve their financial situation. Offering one-on-one financial coaching, workshops and classes, Save First works with everyday people to get their money matters under control, track expenses, reduce debt, manage credit and save for tomorrow – so they can get on with living life. Save First provides financial wellness services to several corporate employers and community partners across the Pacific Northwest. SaveFirstFinancial.org
