West Cook News

On May 5, 2025, the Town of Cicero and Self-Help Federal Credit Union held a rededication ceremony at the remodeled branch located at 4811 W. Cermak Road. The event coincided with Cinco de Mayo and gathered town officials, local leaders, community advocates, and residents to celebrate the credit union's ongoing commitment to serving Cicero families and small businesses.

Ismael Vargas, the Town’s Chaplain from the Department of Business Licenses, opened the event with a prayer. "God, we just want to thank you for this opportunity," Vargas stated. "This place has already been a blessing for years."

Jaime Hernandez, Area Manager of Self-Help Credit Union, spoke about transforming the branch into a more welcoming space. “This is about bringing awareness of what we do in the community,” he said. He noted that Self-Help continues to offer services like home loans and credit education for immigrant and minority families.

Hernandez expressed satisfaction in helping families achieve homeownership. “The satisfaction I get is seeing families call their house a home,” he mentioned.

Town Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias introduced key members of Self-Help's leadership team such as Daniel Martinez and Rodolfo Medina. She emphasized that the facility is open to all Cicero residents for various financial services.

Punzo-Arias also read a statement from Town President Larry Dominick: “Since 2005, we’ve seen a major reduction in gang activity and a rise in businesses relocating to Cicero.”

Rodolfo Medina highlighted the investment made in remodeling the branch: “We want our members to feel dignity when they walk in.” He honored Second Federal Savings' legacy which served as a trusted neighbor for decades.

Blanca Vargas, Town Trustee and president of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), spoke about the location's history as a site for U.S. citizenship classes over 35 years: “For 35 years, this location has been a place where people came to take U.S. citizenship classes.”

Hernandez concluded with an emotional speech on Self-Help’s mission being driven by teamwork: “We can’t do this alone. It takes our staff, our members, our partners—and most of all, our passion.”

The event ended with cultural performances celebrating Cinco de Mayo.