FINANTA ANNOUNCES DARIO BELLOT AS ITS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

FINANTA ANNOUNCES DARIO BELLOT AS ITS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

On November 19th in Philadelphia, PA – Finanta, a thirty-year-old nonprofit whose mission is to improve lives and create economic mobility, is pleased to announce Dario Bellot as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A new member of the executive team, Dario is responsible for financial operations, including IT and data strategy, property management, and the overall financial health of the organization. 

Dario has 30 years of finance and operations experience in large global corporations and non-profit organizations. During his tenures, he has been instrumental in achieving organizational goals through improved management practices, and adding value by leveraging technology and innovation. He has also been successful in building synergy between finance and other organizational departments to support mission delivery and strategic business objectives.

“Finanta welcomes Dario to our organization and to the executive team as our new CFO,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Finanta. “His decades of professional finance experience plus extensive and varied nonprofit board leadership roles will enable his success in our organization and in support of the communities we serve.”

Most recently, Dario was the VP of Finance at KenCrest where he was responsible for accounting, banking and investments, overseeing the annual audit process, managing payroll, and implementing new systems for efficiency and efficacy. Prior to that, Dario held high-level roles at Harcum College, the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and Congreso de Latinos Unidos.

“I”m thrilled to be joining Finanta, a mission-driven organization that has great impact on the economic mobility of residents of Philadelphia, and beyond” said Dario. “I look forward to leveraging my financial background, contacts, and passion for mission-driven organizations to help create more opportunity for families, small business owners, and communities.”

Dario’s educational background includes achieving a master’s and bachelor’s degree from Universidad Argentina de la Empresa, as well as attended the Wharton School of Business Executive Education’s certificate program. 

He has served on many nonprofit boards, including: Commissioner, Pennsylvania Governor Advisor for Latino Affairs; Board treasurer, Philadelphia250; Treasurer, Nueva Esperanza Inc; Chair, Seybert Foundation; Treasurer, Greenwoods Charter School; among many others.

Working out of the Philadelphia office, Dario will travel to Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, and York to the other Finanta offices, as needed. He is tri-lingual in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Stef Arck-Baynes at stef@achievinggood.co or 917-710-1901.

# # #

Finanta, formerly Community First Fund, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.finanta.org.

FINANTA PARTNERS WITH FÉLIX TO HELP SUPPORT LATINO FAMILIES

FINANTA PARTNERS WITH FÉLIX TO HELP LATINO FAMILIES SAFELY SEND MONETARY SUPPORT HOME

PA-based credit union is the first in the U.S. to offer this new responsible, low-cost, and efficient financial product to its members

February 19, 2026 (Philadelphia, PA) – Today, Finanta Credit Union and Félix announced a partnership to expand trusted, affordable financial services to its members. This new collaboration will enable Finanta Credit Union members supporting families in Latin America to send money through a secure, chat-based transfer service designed specifically for Latino communities.

Through this partnership, Finanta Credit Union members can send money instantly, at low cost, and conveniently through an institution they already trust, rather than navigating unfamiliar money transfer services or falling prey to scams. This is the first U.S. credit union partnership with Félix, available to customers of any Finanta Credit Union location.

“This partnership with Félix strengthens our ability to provide safe, accessible financial tools to the communities we serve,” said Daniel Betancourt, CEO of Finanta. “Thanks to this collaboration, our credit union extends its offerings to our members so they can safely send support back home while saving money.”

Félix is a secure, efficient, low-fee digital service that helps customers save time and money by offering an alternative to waiting in long lines and paying high wire transfer fees. For Finanta Credit Union members,  the first transaction will be free, and after that, there will be a $2.99 fee for cash transfers and $4.99 fee for cash pick-up. By comparison, corner stores and large money-wire services typically charge $9-12 per transaction, with fees increasing with the amount of the transaction. 

“Félix grew out of working directly with Latino families in Philadelphia who needed a safer, simpler way to support loved ones abroad,” said Claudia Garavini, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Félix. “Partnering with Finanta extends that same community-rooted approach through a trusted local institution.”

Félix operates through WhatsApp, an app used by an estimated 90% of Latin Americans,  allowing users to send money through a channel they already use daily with family and friends, with end-to-end encryption for security. While traditional transfers to Latin America can take days, Finanta Credit Union members can send money instantly through Félix and see the transaction confirmed in real time.

For interviews or more information, please contact Stef Arck-Baynes, PR Consultant, at Stef@achievinggood.co or 917-710-1901. 

~

About Finanta Credit Union

Finanta Credit Union was established in 2022 by Finanta, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Finanta Credit Union offers fair, accessible financial products and services and creates financial stability through wealth building opportunities. Our approach to fostering financial well-being and community revitalization includes being deeply integrated in the communities we serve, nurturing growth and opportunity. Learn more at: FinantaCreditUnion.com.

About Félix

Félix Pago is a Philadelphia-founded financial service that enables Latino users in the United States to send money to their family abroad directly through WhatsApp, with no app download required. Founded in 2021 by two latino immigrants, Félix simplifies cross-border payments through a familiar, chat-based experience designed for Latino communities. The company has grown rapidly across the U.S and Latin America and is now based in Miami. More information: https://www.felixpago.com

FINANTA PARTNERS WITH FÉLIX TO HELP LATINO FAMILIES TO SEND MONETARY SUPPORT HOME

‘PHILLY BUILDS CREDIT’ LAUNCHES TO HELP CITYWIDE CREDIT GAP

‘PHILLY BUILDS CREDIT’ LAUNCHES TO HELP BRIDGE CITYWIDE CREDIT GAP

New initiative brings national credit-building model to Philadelphia as a tool for change

Philadelphia, PA (May 20, 2025)— Today, Finanta (formerly Community First Fund) and Congreso de Latinos Unidos, in partnership with the Credit Builders Alliance (CBA), announced Philly Builds Credit —a bold new effort to tackle the credit gap affecting hundreds of thousands of Philadelphians. 

Across the city, more than 250,000 residents are underbanked or credit invisible, making it difficult to rent apartments, buy homes, open businesses, or even land a job. Philly Builds Credit aims to change that by bringing credit-building services, education, and products directly into neighborhoods—through the organizations and people residents already trust. 

“Credit isn’t just a number—it’s a tool for financial visibility,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Finanta. “With Philly Builds Credit, we’re building a trusted network of partners who can meet residents where they are – no matter the age, income or financial history.” 

The event featured: 

• A national perspective from CBA on why they’re bringing their proven model to Philadelphia 

• A funder’s view from Wells Fargo on why credit equity matters now more than ever 

• A panel discussion with leaders from Congreso, Finanta, and CBA 

Philly Builds Credit is built around three core strategies: 

1. Community-Based Credit Education: Training local “Credit Building Champions” to deliver one-on-one coaching and workshops across trusted organizations. 

1. Partner Network & Referrals: Creating a connected ecosystem of service providers to guide residents along their credit journey. 

1. Access to Safe Products: Linking residents to responsible financial tools like credit-builder loans, secured cards, and affordable banking options. 

“Credit building is essential to creating a strong financial future,” said Stephen Briggs, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “We have partnered with Credit Builders Alliance for years and are proud to do so again to help set Philly residents on the path to financial success.” 

“Philadelphia is a city full of resilience—and financial potential,” said Jannette Diaz, President & CEO of Congreso. “Collaborative efforts like this one are critical to help unlock it, one credit score at a time.”   

For additional program information, email 

• Giovannie Vilomar, Finanta, gvilomar@finanta.org
• Brendinelle Lopez, Congreso, at lopezb@congreso.net

~

For more information, or an interview with any project partners, please contact Stef Arck Baynes at 917-710-1901 or stef@achievinggood.co.

~

About Finanta 

Finanta, formerly Community First Fund, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.finanta.org. 

About Congresso

Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1977 with a mission to enable individuals and families in predominantly Latino neighborhoods to achieve economic self-sufficiency and wellbeing. In Fiscal Year 2023, over 11,000 unduplicated clients were served through 25+ programs focused on education, workforce development, health, housing, and family services. 

GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR CHILDCARE FACILITY EXPANSION IN ALLENTOWN

GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR RESURRECTED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CHILDCARE FACILITY EXPANSION IN ALLENTOWN

Finanta- and Truist-Funded $7.2 Million New Markets Tax Credit Project Underway

Allentown, PA (August 12, 2025) – On Tuesday, August 12, Resurrected Community Development Corporation and Finanta, in partnership with Truist Financial Corporation, held a groundbreaking celebration for a new state-of-the-art early childhood learning facility. This $7.2 million investment in childcare access, job creation, and economic development in Allentown is a milestone, a decade in the works. 

“We are grateful to Finanta and Truist for making this historic, community-driven project a reality,” said Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Senior Pastor, Resurrected Life Church, and President and CEO, Resurrected Community Development Corporation. “It will mark the most expansive development initiative completed in the city of Allentown by a Black-led and -managed entity.”

With funding from New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), the goal of this project is to renovate a building that currently houses RCDC’s childcare center, James Lawson Freedom School, STEM school, and preschool program, creating a state-of-the-art learning facility with:

• expanded education programs
• employment opportunities
• family support initiatives
• food programs

“With an anticipated impact on more than 500 children and a projected annual benefit to 30,000 individuals, this project – anticipated to open in Spring 2026 – will enable RCDC to make even more significant improvements in the lives of many community members,” said Finanta CEO Daniel Betancourt. “This project aligns with Finanta’s core areas of focus, including education, economic opportunity, and food resources, all which are vital to our community and important in creating local impact.

RCDC currently provides Early Childhood Learning, a Pre-K Counts initiative, a STEM program, and the James Lawson Freedom School which hosts after school and a summer educational program to a student body whose families identify as: 

• 100% are low-income 
• 40% are Black
• 60% are Latino

“Truist is thrilled to support this project, which will provide jobs and additional educational services and opportunities to children, students, and families in Allentown,” said Truist Market President Art Dorn. “Our purpose at Truist is to inspire and build better lives and communities and this new childhood learning facility aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Currently, the waiting lists for subsidized, quality daycare in Lehigh County are three times higher than any other area in Pennsylvania, the unemployment rate is around four percent, and ten percent of Allentown residents report being food insecure; the expansion of RCDC’s services will increase accessibility to quality education, childcare, and family support in Allentown.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Stef Arck Baynes at 917-710-1901 or stef@achievinggood.co

~

About Finanta 

Finanta, formerly Community First Fund, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.finanta.org. 

About Resurrected CDC

The Resurrected Community Development Corporation is a non-profit organization focused on individual and community liberation and transformation by providing early childhood education, literacy and leadership skills, and workforce development. It was founded in 2011 to create a community of equity, excellence, and empowerment to the residents of the community. Learn more at: rcdclv.org

About Truist

Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $544 billion as of June 30, 2025. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.

RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE MARKET IN READING

RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE MARKET IN READING

Super Natural & Fresh Produce III to Improve Access to Fresh, Healthy Food and Create Jobs in Underserved Community, thanks to $6 Million in New Markets Tax Credits Allocated by Finanta

READING, PA (August 27, 2025) – Super Natural & Fresh Produce III and Finanta (formerly Community First Fund) are pleased to announce the ribbon-cutting of a new supermarket in Reading. Finanta, a nonprofit advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods, allocated $6 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) to support the development of this new full-service grocery store at 243 N. 4th Street, Reading, PA. The project, led by Leopoldo Sanchez, a longtime grocery store operator serving residents, will bring fresh, healthy and affordable food, including Latino foods not found in larger regional stores, to one of Reading’s most important neighborhoods. Sanchez will also hire and train local residents, creating dozens of stable jobs with career growth opportunities, allowing families to achieve greater financial stability.

“This investment reflects Finanta’s commitment to increasing access to healthy food while helping families gain the financial stability to save and plan for their futures,” said Daniel Betancourt, President & CEO of Finanta. “With the support of NMTC financing, this project will create quality jobs, provide essential grocery access, and strengthen the local economy.”

Super Natural & Fresh Produce III will be a 43,000-square-foot facility offering fresh produce, meats, dairy, and other grocery products. On its first floor, customers can visit its cafe to enjoy a healthy bite before or after they shop. Additionally, the project includes a wholesale distribution warehouse for small grocers, and a future tortilla manufacturing facility on the second floor.

The $19 million project is made possible through $6 million in federal tax credits led by Finanta with participation from Blue Hub Capital and Reinvestment Fund. Additionally 

Fulton Bank, Low Income Finance Fund, Greater Berks Development Fund, Commonwealth Cornerstone Group, Commonwealth Financing Authority and contributions from owner Leopoldo Sanchez, and grants from the City of Reading and the County of Berks, demonstrate a commitment to economic development and to the residents of the Reading community.

Owner Leopoldo Sanchez said: “Super Natural & Fresh Produce III, the newest addition to the Super Natural family, is bringing fresh, locally sourced produce and a commitment to healthy living to the heart of the City of Reading community. Today marks more than just the opening of Super Natural & Fresh Produce III — it’s a celebration of community, health, and hard work. I’m deeply grateful to not only God and my family, but also Mayor Moran, Representative Guzman, County of Berks, City of Reading, and everyone who believed in this vision and helped bring it to life. Thank you for your support, your smiles, and your trust. Here’s to fresh beginnings and nourishing futures!” 

Community and Economic Impact

• Fresh Food Access: Providing affordable and accessible groceries for an estimated 5,900 weekly customers.
• Job Creation: 120 permanent full-time and 30 part-time positions. 
• Wholesale Expansion: A second-floor warehouse will supply corner stores and small grocers, reducing supply chain barriers.
• Supporting Local Business: Plans for a tortilla manufacturing facility, with letters of intent from multiple regional buyers.
• Investing in Community: The project is revitalizing a long-abandoned city garage, transforming it into a vital community resource.
• Economic boost: The project is expected to generate a 2000% increase in new tax revenue and spur additional investment in surrounding businesses.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Stef Arck Baynes at 917-710-1901 or stef@achievinggood.co

~

About Finanta 

Finanta, formerly Community First Fund, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.finanta.org.

About Super Natural & Fresh Produce

A specialty grocery store, Super Natural & Fresh Produce opened in March 2015 and is located on the North Side of Reading, PA. Bringing healthy food from the farms to your table.

FINANTA ANNOUNCES ANGIE WILLIAMS AS ITS NEW CHIEF HR OFFICER

FINANTA ANNOUNCES ANGIE WILLIAMS AS ITS NEW CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

On October 8th, 2025 in Lancaster, PA – Finanta, a thirty-year-old nonprofit whose mission is to improve lives and create economic mobility, is excited to announce Angie Williams as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). A member of the executive team, she is responsible for the strategic positioning of the human resource efforts and the overall success of the employees of Finanta. 

With almost two decades of experience in human resources, Angie is a people-focused manager who builds high performance teams, engaging and developing employees through career pipeline programs, as well as ensuring workforce diversification to represent the communities the organization serves. 

“Finanta is excited to have Angie join the executive team and bring her wealth of experience to our nonprofit at an unprecedented time of growth,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Finanta. “Her experience in workforce diversification aligns well with our mission, as well as our strategy to ensure our staff reflects the communities we serve.”

In her new role, Angie will have oversight of the following facets of the human resources department: recruitment; talent management; compensation; benefits administration; culture and employee engagement; health and safety; legal compliance; and non-discrimination activities.

Angie joins the organization from the School District of Lancaster where she spent more than ten years in a multitude of Human Resources roles. Most recently, she was the Director of Human Resources, managing a department of twelve professionals.

“I”m excited to leverage my 18 years of experience in HR leading people, increasing employee engagement, and building people-first systems to Finanta’s mission of advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods, “ said Angie.

She received a Masters of Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College where she graduated with honors. Prior, she received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Central Penn College, where she held a concentration in Human Resources.

Angie will work out of the Lancaster office and travel to Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, and York, as needed. She lives in Lancaster with her husband, two dogs and has two daughters.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Stef Arck-Baynes at stef@achievinggood.co or 917-710-1901.

# # #

Finanta, formerly Community First Fund, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.finanta.org.

AMALGAMATED BANK MAKES FIVE MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN NONPROFIT FINANTA

AMALGAMATED BANK MAKES FIVE MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN NONPROFIT FINANTA

Funding to support expansion of critical services and resources in low-income communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

On January 15 in Philadelphia, PA, Finanta, a 33-year-old community development financial institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunities for individuals, families and entrepreneurs, announced it received a five million dollar investment by Amalgamated Bank, a subsidiary of Amalgamated Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: AMAL). This infusion of funds will expand access to capital for affordable housing developers, healthy food providers in food deserts, community development projects, childcare and education providers, healthcare providers, small businesses and entrepreneurs in the tri-state area.

This is Amalgamated’s first investment in Finanta.

“Finanta’s work to strengthen communities is  aligned with Amalgamated’s core values and mission,” said Sam Brown, Chief Banking Officer at Amalgamated Bank. “We’re thrilled to continue our commitment to  CDFIs,  increase access to health care, and staunch community builders that create access to education, healthy food, small business and affordable housing.” 

CDFIs like Finanta rely on below-market-rate investments from generous partners, such as Amalgamated Bank, to make accessible, low-cost funding available to clients and for projects that may not qualify for traditional financing.

“Investments like these expand access to loans that support long-term financial stability for hard-working families,” said Daniel Betancourt, CEO of Finanta. “We are grateful to Amalgamated for partnering with us so we can continue to offer access to capital in communities that need it the most.”

Every time a Finanta client makes a loan payment, those dollars are reinvested in the community as it makes new loans. As a result, investments and contributions in its loan fund – like this one from Amalgamated – have a perpetual ripple effect in the community as dollars are reinvested over and over again.

In Finanta’s 30-year history, its impact includes:

• $645 million in loans and investments; Eighty-six percent in low-income communities
• Almost 77,000 jobs have been created
• 22,245 childcare and education opportunities financed 
• 12,088 business and community projects financed
• Financing about 5,000 housing units

~

ABOUT AMALGAMATED

Amalgamated Bank, the wholly owned banking subsidiary of Amalgamated Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: AMAL), is a mission-driven New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of live branches across New York City, Washington D.C, San Francisco and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation. www.amalgamatedbank.com.

ABOUT FINANTA

Finanta, formerly Community First Fund, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.finanta.org.

Media Contacts:
Stef Arck-Baynes
Achieving Good Communications
917-710-1901
stef@achievinggood.co

Ayele Ajavon
Head of Communications
Amalgamated Bank
media@amalgamatedbank.com
929-979-5811

FINANTA USES NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT FOR LOCAL MOBILITY CENTER

FINANTA MAKES $8 MILLION NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS INVESTMENT IN XIENTE’S ECONOMIC MOBILITY CENTER 

Funding will support development of a new center for education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and social services in North Philadelphia 

March 3, 2026 (Philadelphia, PA) – Today, Finanta and Xiente announced an $8 million investment to develop a new bi-lingual Economic Mobility and Community Center. Located at 2015 N. Hancock Street off of Norris Square – an area where poverty is high and the median income is low – this project will enable revitalization of the decades-old St. Boniface building and become a hub for youth and families to access the services they need to prosper. Work will begin in February 2026 and the anticipated opening is in late 2026/early 2027. 

The Economic Mobility and Community Center will provide integrated services for youth and families focused on increasing their social, human, and fiscal capital. This investment aligns with Finanta’s efforts to drive economic mobility and build wealth for families and individuals. 

“Finanta is investing in Xiente’s Economic Mobility and Community Center to help improve the health and wealth of individuals and families in Norris Square and beyond,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Finanta. “By supporting education, workforce development, social services, and entrepreneurship, we will collectively build wealth for Philadelphians seeking to move out of poverty.”

Xiente is a 40-year-old nonprofit in Norris Square providing transformative programming to help families and individuals achieve economic mobility. Its Economic Mobility and Community Center will serve 500 families and 2,000 individuals a year through programming such as a head start, workforce development opportunities, individualized economic mobility counseling, housing support , a community venue for making cross-social connections, meeting space to discuss critical neighborhood topics, and more. It will also be a vital resource for the community’s seniors, and a safe space for teens to participate in after-school programming , get homework help, secure a mentorship, and learn valuable work and life skills, like conflict resolution – all aimed at keeping young adults engaged and on the path to break the cycle of poverty .

“This project will greatly move the needle on poverty and increase economic mobility for thousands of residents in our area,” said Dr. Michelle Carrera Morales, CEO of Xiente. “The center is critical to scale up our Prosperity Project, ensuring more Philadelphians have a space to work one-on-one with a dedicated concierge helping them develop an individual path to economic mobility.” 

This investment is possible, in part, thanks to a New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund to Finanta. Additional funding is being provided by the State’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP),  LSA and William Penn.

For interviews or more information, please contact Stef Arck-Baynes, PR Consultant, at Stef@achievinggood.co or 917-710-1901. 

~

About Finanta 

Finanta is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. Finanta has managed over $205 million in NMTC allocation since 2013, placing investments in 36 impactful projects throughout the region. For more information, visit www.finanta.org. 

For more information about Finanta and the NMTC Program, visit https://finanta.org/financing/new-markets-tax-credits/

About Xiente

Xiente is a nonprofit organization transforming communities by empowering families to achieve economic mobility. Since 1982, it has helped over 20,000 people in Norris Square and surrounding communities overcome poverty by providing transformative programming and assistance with education, affordable housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and social support. Through its innovative Prosperity Project, Xiente provides multiple generations of families more pathways to prosperity. Take action at www.xiente.org.

FINANTA CREDIT UNION OPENS FIRST BRANCH IN READING

FINANTA CREDIT UNION OPENS FIRST BRANCH IN READING

New financial center provides consumer and business services and financial education in English and Spanish  

Reading, PA – On Wednsday April 8th, Finanta launched its first credit union in Reading at 240 Penn Street. This location is fully bilingual, Spanish and English, and will act as a financial center serving its current commercial operations and now providing new consumer services and financial education offerings to families and individuals.

Finanta is a 34-year-old non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunities for individuals, families and entrepreneurs in low-income communities by offering accessible financial services and education. Finanta Credit Union’s strategy builds on this mission of creating economic mobility opportunities throughout the communities it serves and is responsive to the needs of each community where it’s located, and asks members in each geography what financial products and services they need to succeed. It also hires from the community and offers services in Spanish and English.

“As a CDFI, Finanta exists to provide fair, affordable financial services to people who have too often been left out of financial institutions,” said Daniel Betancourt, CEO of Finanta. “By pairing Finanta Credit Union services with financial education and one-on-one support — in both Spanish and English — we build real relationships with our members and design solutions that help families build wealth and strengthen their communities.”

Building on the successful launches of credit union branches in Lancaster and Philadelphia, the Reading location advances its community-focused strategy to ensure products and services are reflective of the needs of its customers. As such, Finanta Credit Union’s offerings will evolve as it builds relationships and longevity in the community and solicits and receives members’ feedback in order to develop financial solutions driven by their needs.

This new financial center blends the services of Finanta’s business loan fund with the credit union to provide access to financial education and loans to support establishing savings, accessing and managing personal loans, buying a car, starting a business or becoming a homeowner. In addition to offering free checking and savings, and low-cost loans, Finanta Credit Union will offer a  financial education workshop series on building wealth in Spanish and English on topics such as :

• How to buy a car or a home
• Understanding credit
• Obtaining a loan
• Budgeting

Finanta Credit Union will also forge partnerships to meet the needs of the Reading community with other local nonprofits, like Tech Centro, as well as national and international brands, like Félix, which allows customers to safely send money to Latin America at a low-cost. Another partnership from which Finanta members benefit is no-fee ATM transactions at partner institutions CitiBank, Santander, M&T Bank, and more.

For an interview with CEO Daniel Betancourt, a tour, or more information, please contact Stef Arck-Baynes at stef@achievinggood.co or 917-710-1901.

ABOUT

Finanta Credit Union was established in 2022 by Finanta, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Finanta Credit Union offers fair, accessible financial products and services and creates economic stability through wealth building opportunities. Our approach to fostering financial well-being and community revitalization includes being deeply integrated in the communities we serve, nurturing growth and opportunity. Learn more at: FinantaCreditUnion.com.

Finanta, formerly Community First Fund, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods through a loan fund and credit union. Since 1992, Finanta has provided innovative and responsible financing solutions to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits in greater Philadelphia, eastern and southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. As of 2025, Finanta’s manages over $250 million in safe, reliable, and inclusive capital to build vibrant and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.finanta.org.