Coming full circle
José Baltazar’s journey with Latino Community Credit Union is one of coming full circle. Born in a small town in Mexico, José grew up in a place where access to banking services was almost nonexistent. When his family immigrated to the United States, they faced the same barriers many immigrant families encounter, no credit history, and no access to traditional banks. That’s when they found Latino Community Credit Union. “LCCU helped my family so much,” José recalls. “First with ITIN numbers, then with our first credit card, then a car loan, then a home loan. Thanks to that, my family was able to have a stable life here in the United States.”
As the family built financial stability, a new opportunity opened for José, education. He became the first in his family to attend college. But like many first-generation students, the path wasn’t easy. “Many times, you feel lost,” he shares. “You don’t know how much college costs or how you’ll pay for it. But LCCU was there for me.” Through LCCU’s scholarship program, José received the support he needed to complete his studies without debt. “The scholarship helped me pay for my books, focus on my studies, and graduate without loans. For me, that meant everything.” After earning his degree, José knew exactly where he wanted to start his career. “For me, the decision was easy,” he says. “LCCU isn’t just a job or a career. It’s my family.”
Today, José works at the Monroe branch, serving members who remind him of his own parents. “Now that I’m on this side, I identify with every member who walks in for the first time. My parents were once in their place. For me, it’s not just a pleasure, it’s a pride to help my community.” What makes José’s story even more powerful is how he has turned his personal experience into a commitment to others. He makes sure young members, and their families know about the scholarship program that changed his life. “When I see a young member getting ready for college, I take the time to tell them about our scholarships. I was once in their shoes, and I know the difference it makes.”
José’s journey, from a child of immigrant parents to an LCCU scholarship recipient, to a valued teammate, is proof of what is possible when opportunity meets perseverance. His story is a reminder that LCCU changes lives, creates pathways, and inspires the next generation to dream bigger. “My advice to young people,” José says with conviction, “is to keep dreaming. Everything is possible. Ask us how we can help. LCCU is here for you so you can achieve your goals. I am living proof of that.”