Who We Are
CommunityWide Federal Credit Union was chartered in January 1967 to serve the near northwest side of South Bend, Indiana, with the mission to provide financial services to residents of modest means. Supported by seed deposits from the Model Cities program, the Catholic Church, and other organizations, our credit union aimed to improve the lives of local residents.
Major Events
- Early 1970s: Expanded membership to include members of the Urban League of South Bend and St. Joseph County, enhancing our ability to serve a broader community.
- 1978: Facing potential failure due to inadequate size and equity, we joined the CU Service Center, which provided management support and combined resources, stabilizing our operations.
- 1982-1985: Merged with several small credit unions, including White Farm Equipment, AM General, and Allied Products Federal Credit Unions, allowing us to expand services and improve efficiency.
- 1990s-2010s: Constructed ten new offices in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart, Goshen, Warsaw, and Plymouth, expanding our presence and accessibility. Membership eligibility was broadened to include Michiana Goodwill Boosters, Habitat for Humanity Helpers, and Ronald McDonald House Charities associations.
- 2017-2018: Upgraded our entire computer network and systems, enabling us to adapt quickly to changing financial landscapes and further improve member services. Introduced CWAnyWhere Online Banking and a streamlined loan processing system.
Our Vision
We envision a place where everyone, regardless of their means or status, feels prioritized and valued. As members and owners, you’ll receive top-quality products, services, and friendly, expert financial advice. We strive to be a strong community presence, known for delivering excellent, high-value services in a friendly, personal manner.
Our Values
We respect the dignity of every human being and will conduct all of our affairs with integrity and honesty. We will provide excellent personal service to all of our members by responding favorably to their requests whenever possible and by giving financial advice that is in their best interests. We will provide opportunities for employees to grow personally and professionally and will employ sound business practices to allow us to thrive financially.
Our Members
Our members come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from those with credit challenges and lower incomes to others with higher incomes and large savings. We embrace the opportunity to serve this wide array of needs and wants, providing personalized support for everyone. Our goal is to always consider the needs of our members first in all our efforts.
Where We Are Headed
As we approach the $1 billion asset mark, CommunityWide Federal Credit Union remains dedicated to serving its members, particularly those of limited means. We offer a variety of services, including our special overdraft service (CW SOS), a low-cost overdraft protection, small dollar loans, Visa credit cards, and free financial counseling. With competitive deposit rates and fast loan approvals, we continue to support our members' financial growth.