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Your story is our story.

Good Neighbors Credit Union is a people-first financial institution, which means we see ourselves as financial partners and good neighbors to every one of our member-owners. We share our knowledge and resources with individuals and our community to support our collective future.

Our Story

Good Neighbors Credit Union started with a simple idea: to serve and uplift our community through personalized, judgment-free financial services. It all began when Mary Luciarello founded the Lancaster Central Federal Credit Union to support the employees of the Lancaster School District. Back then, it was a small, close-knit group where everyone knew each other from passing in the hallways and sharing conversations in the break room. The Credit Union was fully volunteer-run, driven by the dedication of school employees who believed in creating a financial resource for their community. Rooted in care, connection, and community, this organization quickly became more than just a place to bank.

As our credit union evolved, so did the community around us. We wanted to bring this idea to more people, so in the years that followed, our charter designation changed, allowing us to welcome members from neighboring school districts, local businesses, and Buffalo’s refugee community.

Leaders like Ann Sweeney, Dick Gessert and Emma Smalley helped shape that vision, reminding us that “exemplary service” means going beyond transactions to consider the true impact of our actions. Or, as Emma said, “Being a good neighbor means having a sense of pride in your community and feeling that all of these little things that we do really matter.”

Every step forward has been about expanding access and deepening our commitment to the communities we serve. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to bringing this spirit of cooperation to more people, building new connections, and ensuring that everyone has a place to grow and thrive with us. Because being a good neighbor isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

Timeline

1957

Lancaster Central Federal Credit Union was formed in by Mary Luciarello to service the employees of the Lancaster School District.

1957-1996

Managed by Richard Gessert.

1996-2015

Managed by Anne Sweeney. “It is not enough to provide good service. We strive to provide exemplary service and are not satisfied until our member has received our best effort. Therefore, we will go beyond the simple processing of transactions and consider the impact of our actions on our members. The service delivery, from beginning to end, is as important as the result at the end.”- Ann Sweeney

2005

Merger with the Depew Teachers Federal Credit Union. Served the Depew Union Free School District.

2012

Merger with the Scott A.T.O. Federal Credit Union Aka Avox Systems aka Safran.

2013

Good Neighbors receives initial approval to serve Buffalo’s refugee community.

2015

Emma Smalley is hired as the new GNCU manager + opens membership to all who live, work, worship and/or go to school in Erie Country. “Being a good neighbor means having a sense of pride in your community and feeling that all of these little things that we do really matter.”- Emma Smalley

2017

Good Neighbors opens our first Buffalo branch in the Horsefeathers Building on Connecticut St on the West Side of Buffalo.

2019

GNCU’s Grant Street branch is opened to the public.

2020

Good Neighbors merges with Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union Served the member owners of Lexington Cooperative Markets.

2023

GNCU merges with Iroquois Central Schools Federal Credit Union.

2024

Served the Iroquois Central School District: GNCU Broadway branch opens.

Our Mission

Connecting people through the power of cooperative banking.

 

Our Vision

A future where everyone contributes to — and shares in — the collective success of our community.

 

Join the neighborhood

You’re invited! Become a member of Good Neighbors Credit Union today. As a member community, we support each other every step of the way.

 

Become a member.