A new Community Center branch has opened up in West Philadelphia, and it is the first of its kind in the city.

After opening its doors in early December, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Feb. 23, at its location in celebration of its already wide impact.

The West Philadelphia Community Center, located at 15 S. 52nd Street, aims to expand access to banking, tools, and advice that helps customers get on a path to financial health and resilience. 

“I am focused on bringing access to resources,” said Chandra Williams, community manager at the new branch.

Community managers are responsible for helping customers and clients with a wide range of services, providing help on topics such as budgeting, saving, building credit, financial literacy, home buying and homeownership, and capital for small businesses. 

In less than three months, the new community branch has held 16 workshops touching on many of those very topics, bringing in several hundred members of the community. 

All Community Center branch services and programming are free and open to Chase customers and non-customers alike. 

In addition to the workshops, other offerings include one-on-one mentorship support for local entrepreneurs to grow, start or expand their business; a community “living room” area that serves as an event space for partner nonprofits; and available wi-fi for community groups and individuals to utilize for remote learning and work. 

Marcus White, branch manager at JPMorgan Chase, noted that he and the team are committed to creating the change they want to see in their communities.

“I am so proud of the team,” said White. 

Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, said: “Our branches allow us to be there for our customers to help them not only with their financial needs, but their hopes and dreams.”

In order to really make a difference in these communities, being active in these communities is paramount. 

The community branches are all part of JPMorgan Chase’s $30 billion racial equity commitment. 

JPMorgan Chase has announced an accelerated expansion into the Philadelphia market, with a plan to bring 80 to the region by 2024. 

In correlation to the commitment, 30% of the community branches will be located in low-to-moderate income communities. 

“We’re bringing the best of our business to support more households and businesses, and strengthen the local economy,” said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase.

These new community branches will open 800 new positions in the area.