Mr. and Mrs. Huang emigrated from China and were not able to open utilities accounts or rent
housing because they did not have any credit scores. NECFCU assisted them by directing them
to the credit union’s Fresh Start Program. After participation in this program, they were able to
establish a credit score and received multiple offers of credit from conventional banks.

Juan had a poor credit score when he came to the NECFCU for help. He opened a $500
Fresh Start Loan and was able to make regular monthly payments of $50. The payments
accumulated in the account as savings and at the end of the loan term, he received the entire
amount of $500 and dividends earned. The credit union in turn reported the timely payments
to credit bureaus to help him establish a better credit score.