This week, Rize Credit Union announced the expansion of its partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (LA Y) through the unveiling of the Amigo Lounge. This new community workspace is designed to support both personal and professional growth. Located at the Mid Valley Family YMCA, the Amigo Lounge offers essential resources in a safe, inclusive space with a special focus on empowering foster youth.
The Lounge provides a welcoming environment where community members can attend educational workshops hosted by Rize Credit Union, receive support with schoolwork or job searches, or simply enjoy a quiet place to focus. The initiative reflects Rize’s commitment to removing barriers and increasing access to physical and digital tools that create new opportunities for the community.
The idea for the Amigo Lounge was first introduced during The PITCH at REACH 2022, an annual credit union innovation competition hosted by the California Credit Union League and Nevada’s Credit Unions. Javier Velasquez, director of branches at Rize, earned first place and a $10,000 prize for his concept of a space that could be replicated by credit unions across the country to serve their communities in meaningful ways.
Velasquez envisioned a new use for underutilized credit union spaces that had shifted after the COVID-19 pandemic. While credit unions remained essential in delivering financial services, many were no longer using their branch or office space to its full potential. His idea was to turn those spaces into places where people could connect, learn, and grow.
That vision has now been brought to life.
“We are excited to see how The PITCH helped Rize Credit Union bring their innovative idea to life,” said Larry Palochik, executive vice president and executive director of Fuel Solutions. “Through Javier’s vision, The PITCH supported the creation of a space where financial empowerment can grow.”
Each year, The PITCH offers a platform for credit union employees to turn their innovative ideas into real-world solutions that benefit communities. The in-person event at the REACH conference allows professionals to present concepts that focus on financial education, wellness, and social impact. Judges offer feedback and encouragement, creating momentum around ideas that align with the credit union mission.
The Amigo Lounge is the first of its kind and represents a larger vision from Rize to provide equitable access to financial services and resources that help individuals and families thrive. The goal is to bring similar safe and supportive spaces to more communities across the region.
“We look forward to The PITCH continuing to inspire more opportunities like the one between Rize and its community partners,” said Palochik.
The Amigo Lounge is now open to all Mid Valley Family YMCA members. Rize is inviting the community to participate in upcoming financial empowerment workshops and special events designed to foster growth, confidence, and long-term success. They can book a visit by visiting here.
