News and Events
Save the Date!
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New Report on Homelessness Released
| The National
Alliance to End Homelessness has released their report on The State of Homelessness in America 2012. Even during the recession and protracted economic downturn, this report shows
that homelessness in America decreased by 1 percent from 2009 to 2011. In large
part, this decrease is due to innovative, federally funded approaches that are
focused on preventing homelessness and quickly and strategically re-‐‑housing people who do become homeless. In the year since the data in this report was collected (January 2011), there have already been reports that the number of homeless people is increasing. So while holding the line on homelessness between 2009 and 2011 was a major accomplishment of federal investment and local innovation, the failure to sustain this early recipe for success threatens to undermine progress now and in the future. |
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BCCAP's Operation Holiday a Success!
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1st Bergen Receives CDFI Certification
| 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union recently received notification from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI), that it has met the requirements for certification by that organization. This is a significant designation since 1st Bergen is currently one of only 16 financial institutions in New Jersey to attain that status. It was among only three in the nation to receive certification in January 2012. | ||
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A CDFI is a specialized financial institution that fosters community development and provides a variety of financial products and services to populations that are underserved by traditional financial institutions. Products and services available through 1st Bergen include: Savings, Club Accounts, Certificates of Deposit, Loans, Money Orders, Direct Deposit, Financial Education, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). ATM services are coming soon. 1st Bergen’s credit counseling is important to people who lack credit or have poor credit. Without these services, so many adults would go without key resources to help improve their lives. For many unbanked people who have been declined loans and/or access to financial services, 1st Bergen has opened the door to new opportunities. | |
CDFI certification positions 1st Bergen to continue making a difference for people who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Bergen County. With CDFI designation, the Credit Union is well positioned to seek additional support to enhance services for its membership. 1st Bergen is chartered, regulated and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and is sponsored by Bergen County Community Action Partnership (BCCAP). For information about 1st Bergen, call 201-968-0202. |
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1st Bergen Federal Credit Union takes First Place in Financial Literacy Challenge
1st Bergen FCU has been named the 1st place winner of the New Jersey Credit Union League’s Financial Literacy Challenge. The League, which is the association for credit unions in New Jersey, challenged credit unions in the state to offer as much financial literacy education as possible for one year starting in April 2010. Sixteen credit unions signed up for the contest. |
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| Two members of 1st Bergen FCU have been selected based on their dedication to the financial literacy classes and their academic and career goals. Allan DeGiulio, Chairman of the Board of Directors of 1st Bergen says, “The awardees for these scholarships are not graduating seniors. They are women who have been in the workforce and are forging new pathways to move ahead in their careers. The scholarships to local colleges will make a significant difference in their lives." The credit union’s curriculum is geared to helping the unbanked and underbanked become savvy, responsible consumers, able to comfortably navigate through the programs and services of financial institutions. The classes highlight the “how-tos” of deposit and credit services, maintaining checking accounts, developing spending plans, understanding the importance of saving, knowing how to obtain credit effectively and the basics of building and/or repairing credit. In addition to financial education and help with credit issues, 1st Bergen’s services include savings, loans, checking, and more. Watch for information about ATM-Debit card services—coming soon. 1st Bergen FCU is chartered, regulated and insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is sponsored by the Bergen County Community Action Partnership, Inc. Membership in the credit union is open to people who live, work, worship, attend school, or volunteer in Bergen County. For additional information about 1st Bergen FCU, call 201-968-0202 or visit www.1stbergen.com. |
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Weatherization Help Available
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Federal stimulus funds are still available for weatherization work on the homes of qualified residents at no cost. Over 600 homes will receive weatherization services, which may include furnace repair/replacement, window replacement, attic, wall and foundation insulation, and safety inspections – all with the goal of reducing home fuel costs significantly. “For over 40 years, Bergen County Community Action Partnership has been the leader of energy conservation in Bergen County,” said Bob Halsch, BCCAP Executive Director. “Community Action is excited about the Federal Government’s increased investment in weatherization and commitment to reduce energy costs for residents in Bergen County.” The program has also helped to create jobs in the community. Thanks to federal stimulus funding, BCCAP has hired and trained additional staff to get the job done. Halsch added that they’ve seen weatherization reduce household fuel costs an average of 20 to 25 percent. In some households, it has reduced utility bills by as much as $160 to $450 per heating season. In addition to helping the environment by lowering energy use, BCCAP puts a premium on providing “green” services as part of its work. |
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Crews use cellulose insulation and recycle all building parts. Moreover, they use the latest diagnostic tools, such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and furnace testing instruments to verify the need for, and the effectiveness of the work. To apply for Bergen County Community Action’s Weatherization Program, call 201-968-0200 ext. 7050. For Home Energy Assistance Services that helps low-income residents with their heating and cooling bills, and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance, call 201-968-0200, ext. 7008. |
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