First Harvest Credit Union is First Southern New Jersey-Based Credit Union to Achieve $500 Million Asset Milestone

First Harvest Credit Union has become the first Southern New Jersey-based credit union to achieve $500 million in assets, attaining the milestone at the end of September 2026 and marking another significant chapter in the credit union’s more than 85-year history of serving members and communities throughout New Jersey.

The achievement comes during a year of exceptional growth and meaningful community impact for First Harvest. Through the third quarter of 2026, the credit union surpassed 51,000 members, originated a record $150 million in new member loans, returned more than $4 million in dividend value to members, earned national marketing awards, and completed over 500 hours of employee volunteer service for organizations throughout Southern New Jersey. Together, these accomplishments reinforce First Harvest’s continued commitment to delivering financial value to members while strengthening the communities it serves.

First Southern New Jersey Credit Union to Reach $500 Million in Assets
First Harvest concluded September 2026 with more than $500 million in assets, becoming the first credit union headquartered in Southern New Jersey to reach the milestone. The achievement underscores the organization’s sustained financial strength, responsible growth strategy, and continued trust placed in First Harvest by its growing membership.

Record Membership and Lending Growth
Through the first nine months of 2026, First Harvest welcomed more than 2,000 new members and originated over $150 million in new member loans, helping more New Jersey residents access affordable financing solutions. As New Jersey’s largest Low-Income Designated Credit Union, First Harvest remains focused on expanding access to responsible lending, simplifying financial services, and creating pathways to greater financial stability and opportunity throughout the region.

Delivering Meaningful Member Value
Continued growth in both membership and loan origination has enabled First Harvest to continue returning meaningful value to its members. Through the third quarter of 2026, the credit union returned more than $4 million in dividends to members, helping them maximize their savings while benefiting from the cooperative credit union model.

As a member-owned financial institution, First Harvest reinvests the benefits of its success in competitive products, enhanced member benefits, financial education resources, and community-focused initiatives that directly benefit the people it serves.

Employees Driving Community Impact
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of First Harvest’s mission. Through September 2026, employees completed a record 500 volunteer service hours, supporting local organizations including Unforgotten Haven, Pitman Manor, Funny Farm Animal Rescue, and the Camden Education Fund. By investing both financial resources and volunteer time into community partnerships, First Harvest continues to strengthen its role as a trusted community partner throughout Southern New Jersey.

National Recognition for Marketing Excellence
First Harvest also received national recognition from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC), earning two prestigious MAC Awards. The credit union received a Gold MAC Award in the Public Relations category for its 85 Acts of Kindness initiative and a Silver MAC Award for excellence in social media content and engagement. The awards recognize First Harvest’s ongoing efforts to connect with members, promote financial wellness, and celebrate the credit union philosophy of People Helping People.

“When we were founded more than 85 years ago, our mission was to serve the hardworking shipbuilders of Camden. Today, we are honored to serve nearly 52,000 members across New Jersey who have placed their trust in First Harvest and helped us achieve this $500 million milestone,” said First Harvest President and CEO Mike Dinneen. “While we are proud of our continued growth, our focus remains unchanged: delivering exceptional value to our members, providing accessible financial solutions, and reinvesting in the communities we serve. This achievement reflects the dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our members, and the strength of the partnerships that help us make a meaningful impact every day.”