Community Impact
Economic justice is more than possible – it’s doable. Everyone can have an affordable, dignified way to save, borrow, and build a fulfilling life. To make that happen, we work with community and state leaders to advocate for a fair financial system, from Rochester banking options to the federal and state policies that shape them.
Member Stories
Merrie’s story
We know our members enough to protect them from fraud
Merrie’s story
We knew her name and face. Her identity was safe.
Journey
In May 2009, an unsigned check was presented in Merrie Camp’s name for a large amount. Merrie has been a member since 2004, and we know our people. When the person returned with a signed check, our tellers refused to cash it because they knew it was forged.
Testimonial
"I got to see how the sense of kinship the CU propagates, plays out in order to safeguard its members. Thank you, team."
Patrick’s story
From a car to a home – he built the life he dared to imagine
Patrick’s story
He worked down the street. Our doors were open to his dreams.
Journey
Patrick Denney was working at Godiva's clothing store on Monroe Avenue when Genesee Co-op opened a short walk away. Since becoming a member in 1993, Patrick has benefited from the following resources and banking services:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Car loans
- 30-year-fixed mortgage
- Connection to Southwedge Planning Committee for home rehabilitation
Testimonial
“They also helped my wife, who is from Colombia (South America), establish credit. In the meantime, they've helped me with my second and third car loans. I like the fact that they're in the neighborhood and when you walk in, the atmosphere just feels friendly. One of my friends had her artwork displayed on the walls. The credit union has helped me a lot and I've always referred my friends there."
Financial goals take care. That’s what we do best.
The credit union looks at the things happening in your life and works with you. They know that people don't fail because they are not working on their life. Sometimes things just happen. I would like to get my next mortgage through them. I love them, they just fit my needs.
When I first came to the credit union and talked to one gentleman, he was so amicable and welcomed me with a warm reception. I have stayed solely because of the employees. All of them, without any discrimination are welcoming, friendly, amicable people.
We need more credit unions like this. Big or small these folks help all. I have been a member a long time and I think we need to remember local markets and local companies don't always have the resources as the big guys. Sometimes its helpful if we take into consideration the mission of credit unions like this and the people they help. Not all times is going to be super easy but I know that its helping My people right here in Rochester NY not helping some equity position far, far away. Thank you for having us as members.
Genesee gets deep with anyone they’re going to lend to. They listen and support people who are desperate. They have successes that other credit unions are stunned by – but it’s because they take a lot of time to get to know their members. There are no barriers. Genesee creates opportunities for everyone, regardless of who you are.
This little bank is amazing. They treat you like family and genuinely care about your financial help. Best bank I've used.
I had a wonderful experience with this credit union. Everyone from the tellers to the loan officers and even management have been super kind and receptive to my needs. The process itself was incredibly easy and the rates can't be beat.
I turn to Genesee Co-op anytime I need financial help. What I love is that they helped me understand the lending process and educated me on financial tools that allow me to secure financing. They helped me get an affordable car loan, open my business, and recently helped with a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
I joined the credit union because my bank was starting to charge fees for different transactions and setting a minimum amount on how much you had to have in your account. People at the credit union don't wear suits and they're down to earth. When I go there, it's friendly and welcoming.
When we moved to Rochester, we heard about Genesee Co-op from friends. We were so happy to find a credit union that shared our values and could help us buy our first home.
As a small business owner I know how important relationships are - unlike other financial institutions Genesee Co-op feels like a community. In 2021 I was able to buy a home with their help.
It's important to me to know that my money supports a non-profit, community-based, socially-responsible saving and lending institution. Now more than ever, we need alternatives to the mega-banks that have made such a mess of our economy.
The power of community-based banking
We are a starting point and a place to try again.
We are a fair shot at rebuilding or establishing credit.
We are an open door to homeownership and entrepreneurship.
We take care of the environment, making energy and the climate our focus.
We are a credit union and a cooperative, a trusted Rochester banking option.
Member owners
In assets
First-time homeowner mortgages a year
Auto loan refinances a year
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What matters to you matters to us
We fight for inclusive housing
We participated in meetings with the staff of the NYS Attorney General’s Office on mortgage redlining, gentrification & consumer protections.
We stand for small business
We have advocated for the Consumer & Small Business Protection Act, the NYS CDFI Fund, the federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the federal CDFI Fund.
We push for public banking
As a founding member of the Rochester Public Banking Coalition and the NYS Equity Agenda Coalition, we have continued our advocacy for the NYS Public Banking Act.
Advocate with us
Are you working to create fairer Rochester banking options and economic policies? Let’s join forces.
Our partners
We work with dreamers and builders of economic justice.
It takes all of us to care for everyone
This little bank is amazing. They treat you like family and genuinely care about your financial help. Best bank I've used.
We need more credit unions like this. Big or small these folks help all. I have been a member a long time and I think we need to remember local markets and local companies don't always have the resources as the big guys. Sometimes its helpful if we take into consideration the mission of credit unions like this and the people they help. Not all times is going to be super easy but I know that its helping My people right here in Rochester NY not helping some equity position far, far away. Thank you for having us as members.
I had a wonderful experience with this credit union. Everyone from the tellers to the loan officers and even management have been super kind and receptive to my needs. The process itself was incredibly easy and the rates can't be beat.
Genesee gets deep with anyone they’re going to lend to. They listen and support people who are desperate. They have successes that other credit unions are stunned by – but it’s because they take a lot of time to get to know their members. There are no barriers. Genesee creates opportunities for everyone, regardless of who you are.
As a small business owner I know how important relationships are - unlike other financial institutions Genesee Co-op feels like a community. In 2021 I was able to buy a home with their help.
When we moved to Rochester, we heard about Genesee Co-op from friends. We were so happy to find a credit union that shared our values and could help us buy our first home.
I joined the credit union because my bank was starting to charge fees for different transactions and setting a minimum amount on how much you had to have in your account. People at the credit union don't wear suits and they're down to earth. When I go there, it's friendly and welcoming.
I turn to Genesee Co-op anytime I need financial help. What I love is that they helped me understand the lending process and educated me on financial tools that allow me to secure financing. They helped me get an affordable car loan, open my business, and recently helped with a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
When I first came to the credit union and talked to one gentleman, he was so amicable and welcomed me with a warm reception. I have stayed solely because of the employees. All of them, without any discrimination are welcoming, friendly, amicable people.
It's important to me to know that my money supports a non-profit, community-based, socially-responsible saving and lending institution. Now more than ever, we need alternatives to the mega-banks that have made such a mess of our economy.
The credit union looks at the things happening in your life and works with you. They know that people don't fail because they are not working on their life. Sometimes things just happen. I would like to get my next mortgage through them. I love them, they just fit my needs.
Let’s build together
Borrow and save with a Rochester credit union committed to economic justice, or join us as we carry out that commitment together.
What’s Happening at Genesee Co-op
The Push for Public Banking in New York
