Our Self-Help Federal Credit Union Merger
| [Durham, NC] — Self-Help Federal Credit Union (self-helpfcu.org) and Cencap Federal Credit Union (cencap.com) announced their merger, effective November 1, 2025. Cencap will temporarily operate under the name Cencap, A Division of Self-Help Federal Credit Union, continuing a shared mission to expand access to fair, affordable financial services within underserved and underbanked communities. The merger brings together decades of dedication to community development, financial education, and equitable access to credit. By combining resources, technology, and expertise, Cencap will be better positioned to deliver enhanced products, more convenient services, and increased lending capacity to its members. Cencap Federal Credit Union has two locations, 443 Franklin Avenue and 2775 Main Street in Hartford, serves over eight thousand members and has approximately $34 million in total assets. “The partnership between Self-Help and Cencap Federal Credit Union represents a continuation of our shared purpose: helping people and communities reach their full potential,” said Al Festini, CEO of Cencap Federal Credit Union. “Self-Help’s deep commitment to economic justice and opportunity for all perfectly aligns with Cencap’s mission of service and impact. This merger strengthens our ability to serve members, provides stability and better benefits for our staff, and ensures that our work to create financial inclusion in Hartford will continue to grow for years to come.” “This merger will help deepen Self-Help Federal’s nascent presence in Connecticut, so we’ll be able to provide even greater financial opportunities and stability for individuals and families who have historically faced barriers to traditional services,” states Self-Help Federal Credit Union president Rodolfo Medina. “With our merger with Northeast Family this past May, we now have four branches in Connecticut, which is a powerful step forward for our members and the communities we serve.” Key aspects of Cencap member experience remain unchanged. · Existing branches remain fully operational. · Online banking, mobile banking and ATM access remain the same. · Credit cards and debit cards remain the same. · Direct deposit and automatic payment services remain the same. Rates on Cencap deposit accounts and loans products will change to align with Self-Help Federal, and members can expect to see the elimination of services like courtesy pay that can create an unexpected and recurring cost burden through fees and charges. Members will be able to access direct services at other Self-Help branch locations later in 2026. About Self-Help Federal Credit Union Established in 2008, Self-Help Federal Credit Unino expanded access to responsible financial services for working families and communities historically excluded from the financial mainstream. Today, with over $2 billion in assets and more than 130,000 members, Self-Help Federal operates 44 branches across six states: 22 in California, 2 in Connecticut, 9 in Illinois, 4 in South Carolina, 5 in Washington, and 2 in Wisconsin. It is one of the nation’s fastest-growing community development financial institutions. Self-Help Federal is part of the Self-Help family of nonprofit organizations, united by a mission to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all. For over 40 years, the Center for Community Self-Help and its affiliates have provided more than $12 billion in financing to help over 174,000 people buy homes, launch businesses, and build stronger communities. To learn more, visit http://www.self-helpfcu.org. About Cencap Federal Credit Union Founded in 1950, Cencap Federal Credit Union serves a diverse community, providing financial services to individuals who live, work, learn, or worship in select underserved areas in and around Hartford. Formerly known as the Hartford Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, Cencap is committed to the values that have guided us since our founding and our expanded field of membership reflects our vision for a brighter future. Visit https://www.cencap.com/ For more information, please visit self-helpfcu.org or contact Jenny Shields, Director of Media Relations, Center for Community Self-Help Direct Line: 919.794.6798 | Cell: (919) 584-4379 | Email: Jenny.Shields@self-help.org |