Gonzales, LA – Ascension Credit Union has been granted approval to expand its field of membership to include four (4) neighboring parishes: Assumption, Iberville, Livingston, and St. James. This historic expansion extends the credit union’s reach beyond Ascension Parish and represents a major step forward in addressing the critical lack of affordable financial services in surrounding communities.
For decades, Ascension Credit Union has focused on ensuring financial access in Ascension Parish. The inclusion of these four parishes brings an opportunity to serve various areas widely recognized as financial deserts, where residents have limited access to safe, affordable banking options.
“This expansion is about creating opportunities for these underserved communities” said Lloyd Cockerham, President/CEO. “Far too many families in these parishes have been left with limited choices, relying on costly lenders or going without essential financial services. By welcoming them into our credit union, we are providing a reliable partner for building stability, securing fair credit, and planning for the future. Our goal is to remove barriers that have stood in the way of these communities’ financial security.”
The expansion will also position Ascension Credit Union to further its role as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with:
- Affordable Consumer Lending: Offering fair alternatives to payday and predatory loans.
- Small Business Growth: Financing local entrepreneurs who fuel economic vitality.
- Financial Education: Equipping families with tools for long-term success.
- Community Investment: Reinvesting directly in neighborhoods through accessible, mission-driven financial solutions.
Cockerham continued, “When we opened our Donaldsonville branch in 2022, we quickly saw how great the need was for a community credit union presence on the west bank, where no other option exist within a 25-mile radius. The strong response from residents beyond Ascension Parish made it clear that expanding our field of membership was the right next step.”
And just as importantly, this expansion helps us remain strong for the long term. Welcoming a broader membership means we can continue reinvesting more effectively into the people and communities we serve, while staying true to who we are as a cooperative.
“Growth only matters if it leads to greater impact,” Cockerham added. “Our responsibility is to ensure this expansion delivers lasting change for families and businesses that have historically had the least access to fair financial services. That is the standard by which we measure success.”
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