Verity Credit Union Launches New Community-Centered Financial Well-Being Program to Advance Financial Equity and Inclusion

Verity Credit Union is on a mission to break down barriers to help individuals and small businesses achieve and sustain financial well-being. The Seattle-based financial institution with assets totaling $735 million has launched Pathways to Wealth & Resources (PWR), a new financial well-being program built on a simple belief: people already carry power — through their lived experience, cultural wisdom, and community knowledge. PWR honors those strengths while opening pathways to practical financial knowledge, trusted tools, and long-term opportunity. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Verity is uniquely positioned to bring this work to the communities that need it most. PWR is free, open to everyone, and no membership is required.

“While access to financial information has expanded, access to trusted, community-rooted, and culturally responsive guidance remains uneven,” said Ziquora Banks, Verity’s Chief Impact Strategy Officer. “As a CDFI, Verity is uniquely positioned to respond—working alongside communities to ensure financial education is relevant, accessible, and rooted in lived experience.” 

PWR offers an inclusive approach to financial learning that meets people where they are through a variety of accessible experiences. The program connects three elements that support long-term financial well-being: 

• Learning – Participants build practical knowledge through workshops hosted by Verity’s Community Financial Education Specialist, Tierra Bonds, as well as peer learning and supportive conversations about money.
• Access – Participants gain connections to trusted financial tools, resources, and guidance that support their goals. 
• Opportunity – As participants grow confidence and skills, they can explore pathways toward long-term financial stability and generational wealth, such as homeownership, entrepreneurship, and asset building. 

​Designed to build on the strengths people already bring, PWR requires no prior financial experience. The program is open to everyone, including those who are not Verity Credit Union members, and intentionally centers communities most impacted by financial exclusion, including:

• Low-to moderate-income households
• Communities of color
• Immigrant and refugee communities
• Unbanked and underbanked individuals
• Gig workers and hourly workers
• Young adults and community college students
• Microbusiness owners and entrepreneurs

Participants can engage with PWR in ways that fit their needs and goals—by attending a free PWR workshop, joining a cohort, exploring digital resources, or connecting with coaching partners. Many workshops are hosted virtually to increase accessibility, with select in-person opportunities including the first in‑branch workshop on April 23 in Auburn. A simple sign-up connects individuals to all available opportunities, allowing each person to create their own pathway.

“PWR is an expression of who we are as a credit union, rooted in community, dignity, and partnership,” Mandy Lee, Community Impact Manager, shared. “It reflects how Verity walks alongside our community as they build financial confidence, stability, and long-term well-being.”

To learn more about Pathways to Wealth & Resources and sign up, visit HERE. ​

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