Golden 1 Credit Union has opened its first Financial Resource Center in the Central Valley, with a new branch in Madera that began operations on September 24. This center is part of Golden 1’s effort to move beyond traditional banking by offering workshops, individual coaching, and financial guidance to the community.
Erica Taylor, vice president of communications and community relations at Golden 1, described the new model: “The idea of a financial resource center, I like to think of it as the branch of the future. In addition to all of the transactions you can make and all the help that you can receive, you can really get more consultative service, more help with things that you are struggling with.”
Taylor added that one of the long-term goals for the center is to support residents facing obstacles such as lack of credit or debt. “We are here to help you move forward so you can live your best financial life,” she said.
Golden 1 previously launched its first Financial Resource Center in Sacramento earlier in 2024. The Madera location marks its second such facility in California.
“You’ll find that credit unions are very cooperative,” Taylor said. “At Golden 1, we have the scale and the ability to scale our services.”
Young Moon, senior vice president of retail member service and performance at Golden 1, explained why Madera was chosen for expansion. The new center features a family resource desk and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits.
“We have some great people doing amazing work for Madera,” Moon said. “What a great place to bring them all under one roof, under the financial resource center. One of the biggest needs is to be able to offer additional financial guidance, that one-on-one coaching and counseling, and really be able to walk through that financial journey step by step.”
