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Eden United Church of Christ, Building Community Wealth

Written by Gabriela Alemán on .

In the heart of Hayward, CA, Eden United Church of Christ stands tall as a beacon of hope and support. While they’re rooted in faith, their mission stretches far beyond Sunday services—especially in the unincorporated areas of Alameda County like Ashland, Cherryland, and San Lorenzo.

Eden Church is more than a place of worship. It’s a hub for vital community services—offering food pantries, health referrals, and financial education—all in an inclusive, welcoming space. No matter who you are or where you come from, Eden Church is there to lend a hand.

Building Community and Trust

One shining example? Their “no-questions-asked” food pantry, Comida para Cherryland. It doesn’t matter what zip code you’re from—if you need food, you’re welcome. This simple yet powerful approach has built deep trust and community bonds. But Eden’s impact goes far beyond providing meals.

A Holistic Approach to Service

Eden Church recognizes that true support surpasses addressing immediate needs. Their approach is deeply holistic so support isn’t limited to providing a bag of food or a vaccination appointment; it means connecting community members with a network of resources to foster long-term well-being. Lending Circles have similarly become instrumental in clients building credit, which sometimes results in secure housing and long-term cases, achieving stability. 

Meet Johnny—He’s Been There; Now He Leads the Way

At the heart of this initiative is Jonathan Victorio, affectionately known by many as Johnny, the Project Manager for the Economic & Financial Empowerment Program. Johnny himself started his credit journey in 2019 through a Lending Circle at Eden Church. His personal experience with financial education has shaped his passion and has made him a trusted voice in the community. He emphasizes that the church is on a mission to uplift local communities through holistic services and this includes achieving financial stability. This is where Lending Circles has become instrumental — in supporting Eden Church community members to build credit. 

Lending Circles: A tool for visibility

In partnership with MAF, Eden Church offers the Lending Circles program as a cornerstone of their financial mobility efforts, coupled with financial education workshops. Within their first year, they have successfully served 72 clients and counting, demonstrating Eden Church’s dedication to helping their community build credit and achieve their financial goals.

MAF’s Lending Circles have been so much more than a financial product; they serve as a stepping stone to financial stability. The program, in partnership with organizations like Eden Church, has provided participants with:

  • A structured way to save
  • Credit-building opportunities at 0% interest and $0 fees
  • An opportunity to build community and connect with who share similar goals

The impact of Lending Circles extends beyond finances. As Johnny describes, participants have created a sense of community power, with participants uplifting one another beyond the workshops. More often than not, one family member joins, and soon, friends and relatives follow. This organic growth highlights the power of word-of-mouth, quintessential to local communities, shared cultures, and community trust. 

The Power of Partnerships

The partnership between MAF and Eden Church, formalized in 2023, is the culmination of years of planning and a shared vision. Initial discussions began in 2019 under the leadership of a former Associate Pastor and the dream of bringing financial education to the church finally came to life. 

MAF provides community-driven financial expertise, while Eden Church offers deep community connections, essential for successful program implementation. As Johnny explained, “Community wealth is measured through communication and the buzz created around programs. Word-of-mouth and trust are crucial.”

Community Impact

Success isn’t just about metrics; it’s about the ripple effect within communities. While attendance and participation numbers are important, the true measure of success lies in the personal stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted. As Marcia Lopez, a Lending Circle participant, shared, “Eden Church has helped me be in community, and we’ve been able to help others access essential services…After learning how to navigate my credit through MAF, I introduced the process to my husband and my daughter, who now has good credit.”

After attending financial education workshops, participants often share what they’ve learned with friends and family, creating a cycle of empowerment and self-determination. As Marcia emphasized, “Everyone can achieve financial security and peace.”

Advice for Potential Partners

When asked what advice Johnny had for future partners, he offered invaluable advice, “Trust your community, build on existing connections, and believe in your program. If you genuinely believe in the mission, your community will too.” He shared this partnership has provided Eden Church with the tools and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact beyond this partnership. 

Want to learn more about becoming a Lending Circles provider? Visit our partner page to explore partnership opportunities.