Redwood Credit Union Opens New Location in Ukiah
Ukiah, CA, May 9, 2026 — On April 20, the Redwood Credit Union in Ukiah moved to a new location at Pear Tree Center. The updated facility includes an extra safe, two drive-up and two walk-up ATMs, better lighting, and a more spacious layout.
Additionally, there’s upgraded consulting space available for five Certified Financial Coaches.
In early 2025, this community-focused credit union started providing free financial coaching to both members and non-members. The coaches are certified through the Financial Counseling Certification Program. In total, there are 110 financial coaches across Northern California Credit Union’s 22 branches, all trained in-house and certified through this program.
“Members often come in seeking assistance. They might mention something like, ‘My credit score is below 500, and I’m not sure how to improve it,'” noted José Alvarez, the regional vice president. “We are dedicated to offering that kind of support.”
Alvarez recognizes that many people don’t typically visit their credit union’s website for answers. Some seek advice on mortgages, car loans, and various other needs. “For instance, someone might say, ‘I want to buy a house in the next two years, but I don’t know where to begin,'” he explained. If they express interest, they are referred to a financial coach.
Community outreach is another approach to make people aware of their services. The credit union conducts financial wellness seminars at local high schools. During one session, a young man expressed his desire to go to college but was uncertain about financing it.
“Our financial coach arranged a meeting with him and his parents,” said Alvarez. “Once they were enrolled, the coaches could discuss average costs for tuition, housing, and even trade schools of interest.”
The coach assisted the student in applying for a credit card to help establish a credit history for future student loans. Eventually, the student found a vocational school but realized he needed a car. The coach facilitated an early credit score assessment so he could qualify for a car loan.
“This all began about a year and a half ago,” said Alvarez. “He has since graduated and is now looking into buying real estate. It all started after we met at the school seminar.”
Preparing for the Future
To support students, the credit union runs a seminar for juniors and seniors called “Bite of Reality.” Alvarez explained what happens: “They receive a sheet that simulates a job, like that of a nurse, along with a projected monthly salary.” Participants then visit tables representing essential expenses like housing and food, which reduces their imaginary income as they go along. It provides a glimpse into the reality that awaits them after graduation.
He recalled a moment at one event when a student sat alone, clearly distressed. “He was almost in tears, saying, ‘I know this isn’t real, but I’m out of money and don’t know what to do.'”
This reflects the kinds of challenges that Redwood Credit Union and its coaches frequently address. In coaching sessions, individuals collaborate with their coaches to build a roadmap to tackle issues such as credit card debt and mortgage payments through a four-step process: Save, Borrow, Spend, Plan. Some participants might meet for just a few sessions, while others opt for quarterly reviews to track their progress against goals set with their coach.
Clients often discover options they previously weren’t aware of. “Many don’t know about student loans, how to access them, or assistance with down payments. Budgeting and savings techniques are also crucial,” Alvarez shared.
“We believe our financial coaching programs should be accessible and beneficial for everyone,” he added. “That’s why we offer them to both members and non-members; it’s simply the right thing to do.”
For more information, the Ukiah branch can be contacted at (707) 545-4000 or through their website.
