America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) has been named a 2019 adoption advocate by Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA), an Ohio-based nonprofit started by the founder of Wendy’s. DTFA, which annually releases a list of the nation’s most Adoption-Friendly Workplaces, has recognized ACCU as an adoption advocate in the past as well.
This year, ACCU placed fifth in the “Best by Size” category for organizations with 1 to 100 employees. The faith-based financial institution headquartered in Southern California was also listed among the companies offering foster care and adoption benefits, such as financial reimbursement and/or paid time off.
ACCU has helped close to 2,000 families since its Adoption Loan program was launched in 2009. This low-interest, consumer-friendly program aligns closely with the credit union’s key corporate priorities of building stronger families and communities. Many vulnerable children have found permanent, loving Christian homes, fulfilling the promise that God sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6).
Caleb and Amanda Cagle, who adopted Emmi in May, are grateful for ACCU’s prayers and practical help. “It’s been a rough road but the loan made the process doable and stress-free,” they say. “God has used ACCU over and over again to show His faithfulness in this journey.”
In the ten years since its inception, ACCU’s pioneering program has inspired a restructuring of adoption loans across the nation. The credit union has formed close relationships with leading adoption agencies and advocates in the U.S., including the National Council For Adoption (NCFA). Fawn Imboden, Chief Development Officer at ACCU, serves on the NCFA board.
The adoption lending program is regularly updated to remain current with member needs. “At ACCU, we’re always looking for ways to make the journey easier for families,” says consumer lending AVP, Natalie DePrat. “For example, we now use e-signatures. By minimizing paperwork and making quick decisions on funding, the average turnaround time has been reduced from one week to just 48 hours. In many cases, we can even manage a next-day turnaround!”
Earlier this year ACCU rolled out the Adoption Line of Credit, which is beneficial for members who only need a portion of their funds at a time. This keeps their monthly payments low.
ACCU’s loans give members flexibility because the interest rates and terms are extremely reasonable and there are no early payoff penalties, explains consumer loan processor Jennifer Salvi. “Some families use our loans as a short-term option while they wait for fundraising money or federal tax or employer credits,” she says. “We can also send the funds directly to the agency, eliminating the stress of making sure it gets done. The families usually appreciate this a lot.”
In July 2015, David and Sarah Olson’s adoption finances unexpectedly fell through, and the Minnesota-based couple found themselves needing a significant amount by the next day so they could adopt baby Tilly Pearl. David got in touch with Cindy Rodriguez, an underwriter at ACCU, who immediately helped him with the paperwork. When she called back to inform David that their application had been approved, he began sobbing. “Thank you for helping close the gap and getting what we needed to complete the financial aspects of this adoption!” he says.
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