A Message From Our CEO

Dear Members, Partner and Friends,

I write this reflecting back on 2025 as a year of both adversity and persistence. Working families across the country felt the impact of price increases, job insecurity and political turmoil. It’s a troubling moment, and there is much to do. So, as we do every day, we roll up our sleeves.

Some highlights from an impactful 2025:

• Our home lending provided more than $114 million in financing across our 10-state network, including loans to 741 first-time homebuyers. Our Equity Boost program made these mortgage loans more accessible to those who otherwise might not have qualified.
• Our work in the affordable housing sector created or preserved 756 affordable housing units.
• We made over $219 million in loans to impactful businesses and nonprofits.
• We expanded our reach through partnerships with trusted local organizations to fill gaps with responsible financial services that benefit families and individuals at all income levels.
• We launched Business Train, a grant-funded pilot program that connects small business owners with coaching in accounting, marketing and growth strategy.
• Our research and policy affiliate, the Center for Responsible Lending, continued its fight for fair lending policies across the U.S.
• 50% of our loans went to borrowers in underserved areas, reflecting in real numbers our commitment to serving our communities with sound financial products and opportunities for wealth-building.
• In 2025, we welcomed new branches through four mergers: two credit unions in Connecticut, one in North Carolina and one in Florida.

The fight for economic justice has always required persistence. We are grateful to the members, stakeholders and community partners willing to work alongside us in our fight for an inclusive financial landscape. I have never been more confident in this organization, our partners and the communities we serve than I am now.

With gratitude,

Martin Eakes
CEO, Self-Help