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
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."
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."
Financial goals take care. That’s what we do best.
Genesee is for the community. They often come up as a great auto loan provider to clients who can’t access typical banking services.
Javier Zapata Rodriguez
The Enterprise Center
Genesee Co-op builds takes the time to get to know and build relationships with their clients. You’re not just another number there; you’re a part of their community.
Dr. Candice Lucas
Urban League of Rochester NY
Genesee is supports individuals with troubled credit and less access to quality banking opportunities. They’re a trusted partner and a credit union that will work with you.
Regina Seabrook
Visions FCU
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 time to get to know their members. There are no barriers. Genesee creates opportunities for everyone, regardless of who you are.
Deniz Akman
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Rochester
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.
Deb Muratore
Member since 1985
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.
David Knol
Genesee Co-op Founder
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.
AJ & Ada van Tine
Members since 2021
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.
Carly Chung-Stowe
Member since 2009
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 tobuy a home with their help.
Monwell Floyd
Member Since 2004
I like dealing with nice staff who know my name, who are eager to help, and who are dedicated to financial literacy and empowerment. Plus, it's good to know that my money is being used to invest in people rather than fill the pockets of the wealthiest.
James Renfrew
Member since 1982
Basically what institutions like our CU does for 'underserved' people like me, is to put a little faith and trust in our financial life. And that is all we need in order to get out of our broken situation. Believing in the human ability to overcome any situation just by supporting them is enough.
Alina Diaz
Member since 2007
The credit union has helped me straighten out my credit so I could own a home. They helped me every step of the way to homeownership right down to recommending and suggesting various avenues to save money and providing me with my first mortgage.
June Capitulik
Member since 2001
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.
Ephraim Kinfemichael
Member since 2004
I got my mortgage through them, a 30-year-fixed at less than 6 percent interest. It took about a year to secure because the house had to be rehabilitated but they helped me discover the Southwedge Planning Committee to make it happen. It was exciting.
Patrick Denney
Member since 1993
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.
Francine Keeton
Member since 1982
It feels good to support such a human-sized institution where accounts and lending are handled with compassion and common sense. I feel that by depositing my money at the Credit Union, I am helping good things happen for other people.
Patty Love
Member since 2023
My parents have been members of the credit union for more than 30 years and I became a member by default - a kind of family tradition. They're not just people there, they're friends. They all know my name and it's a really friendly place.
Charles Worl
Member since 2006
What has the CU done for and meant to me? How about warmth and security? When I joined I felt, and still feel, that the diversity of the neighborhood is well represented both by the CU's members and its employees.
Merrie Camp
Member since 2004
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 steward the environment, making energy and the climate our focus.
We are a credit union and a cooperative, a trusted Rochester banking option.
4,000
Member owners
$38M
In assets
~8
First-time homeowner mortgages a year
~30
Auto loan refinances a year
50%
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50%
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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
Genesee is for the community. They often come up as a great auto loan provider to clients who can’t access typical banking services.
Javier Zapata Rodriguez
The Enterprise Center
Genesee Co-op builds takes the time to get to know and build relationships with their clients. You’re not just another number there; you’re a part of their community.
Dr. Candice Lucas
Urban League of Rochester NY
Genesee is supports individuals with troubled credit and less access to quality banking opportunities. They’re a trusted partner and a credit union that will work with you.
Regina Seabrook
Visions FCU
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 time to get to know their members. There are no barriers. Genesee creates opportunities for everyone, regardless of who you are.
Deniz Akman
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Rochester
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.
Deb Muratore
Member since 1985
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.
David Knol
Genesee Co-op Founder
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.
AJ & Ada van Tine
Members since 2021
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.
Carly Chung-Stowe
Member since 2009
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 tobuy a home with their help.
Monwell Floyd
Member Since 2004
I like dealing with nice staff who know my name, who are eager to help, and who are dedicated to financial literacy and empowerment. Plus, it's good to know that my money is being used to invest in people rather than fill the pockets of the wealthiest.
James Renfrew
Member since 1982
Basically what institutions like our CU does for 'underserved' people like me, is to put a little faith and trust in our financial life. And that is all we need in order to get out of our broken situation. Believing in the human ability to overcome any situation just by supporting them is enough.
Alina Diaz
Member since 2007
The credit union has helped me straighten out my credit so I could own a home. They helped me every step of the way to homeownership right down to recommending and suggesting various avenues to save money and providing me with my first mortgage.
June Capitulik
Member since 2001
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.
Ephraim Kinfemichael
Member since 2004
I got my mortgage through them, a 30-year-fixed at less than 6 percent interest. It took about a year to secure because the house had to be rehabilitated but they helped me discover the Southwedge Planning Committee to make it happen. It was exciting.
Patrick Denney
Member since 1993
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.
Francine Keeton
Member since 1982
It feels good to support such a human-sized institution where accounts and lending are handled with compassion and common sense. I feel that by depositing my money at the Credit Union, I am helping good things happen for other people.
Patty Love
Member since 2023
My parents have been members of the credit union for more than 30 years and I became a member by default - a kind of family tradition. They're not just people there, they're friends. They all know my name and it's a really friendly place.
Charles Worl
Member since 2006
What has the CU done for and meant to me? How about warmth and security? When I joined I felt, and still feel, that the diversity of the neighborhood is well represented both by the CU's members and its employees.
Merrie Camp
Member since 2004
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
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