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  Financial Freedom  

Helping Formerly Incarcerated People Take the First Step

Our Goals, Vision & Commitment

Who We Are

Volunteer With Us!

Financial education and access to affordable banking services help people create a path to financial stability and economic mobility.   

The First Step Alliance Fresh Start Financial Education, Banking 

and Entrepreneurship Programs are available to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people through community organizations and government agencies. There is no cost to participants and all Programs, including credit counseling services, are offered in both English and Spanish. 

Justice-involved individuals experience significant challenges in accessing mainstream financial services. Our vision is to start a new credit union for this community, their families, friends and supporters.  

Marble Surface

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures Together

We are committed to ending systemic discrimination in mainstream banking. Diverge Proposed Federal Credit Union will be a groundbreaking not-for-profit financial institution uniquely focused on the financial needs of formerly incarcerated people. With comprehensive, affordable financial services -- from no-cost checking accounts, credit-building resources, and car loans to savings products, financial education, credit counseling, and much more -- we'll be with you every step on your journey to financial independence.

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Formerly Incarcerated People Deserve a Real Second Chance. 

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Partners & Supporters 

Element FCU logo
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NJRC logo
SCORE NE logo
Silent Cry logo
CLEAR logo
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Homebridge logo
OIC logo
Witness logo
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AEO logo
Fountain Fund logo
Right Now Project logo
ameelio logo
secure learn logo
Hinda Institute logo
Beautiful Hearts Ministries logo
HIRE logo
Family Promise logo
Tzedek logo

Thank you to all of our generous donors, including the following:

Financial Health Network logo
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Goldman Sachs Philanthropy logo
Alloya Corporate FCU logo
US alliance logo
Pro bono Partnership logo
Walmart logo
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PSE & G logo
Rothschild Foundation logo

Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud. 

Maya Angelou

First Step Alliance is a proud member of:

Justice Roundtable logo
Paterson Alliance logo
NRWC logo
Society for Non-profits logo
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