Photo courtesy of Golden 1 Credit Union

Golden 1 Credit Union launched its newest Branch and Financial Resource Center in Madera — the first in the Central Valley — on Sept. 24.

The center expands beyond traditional banking to provide workshops, one-on-one coaching and financial guidance.

“The idea of a financial resource center, I like to think of it as the branch of the future,” said Erica Taylor, senior vice president, community impact and public relations officer at Golden 1. “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 said the long-term goal for the center is to help residents overcome potential barriers, such as lack of credit, debt or limited access to financial systems.

“We are here to help you move forward so you can live your best financial life,” she said.

Golden 1 debuted its first Financial Resource Center in Sacramento in early 2024. The Madera branch is its second 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, said Madera was a natural choice for expansion.

The Madera center also includes a dedicated family resource desk and partnerships with 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.”

The branch is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.