A Connecticut credit union has begun work on a new full-service branch location and hopes it will be finished next spring.
The Ellafi Federal Credit Union said it is developing a new full-service branch at 562 South Main St., Middletown, with a goal of “further strengthening its roots and long-term commitment to the Middletown community.”
“The new 1,800-square-foot branch is being developed in partnership with John DeSena of JDS Holdings (property owner), Dominick DeMartino of DFC of Middletown LLC (developer), and NES Group (branch design),” according to the credit union.
“Once complete, the new branch will consolidate all of Ellafi’s Middletown-based transactional services under one roof, enhancing convenience and service for members,” according to the credit union.
The credit union’s current location, at 524 South Main Street, is next door to the new one, and will remain open and be “repurposed into administrative offices and community space, optimizing the credit union’s local footprint for both members and staff,” according to the credit union.
Ellafi said it would close its drive-thru location at 635d South Main Street in June 2026, with all drive-up services moving to the new branch. There will be no changes to Ellafi’s branch on East Main Street in Meriden, according to the credit union.
“Having our branch services all back under one roof will increase the convenience for our members,” Robyn Swanson, senior vice president at Ellafi Federal Credit Union said, in a statement. “It will also increase efficiency for our employees while giving our members a higher level of service.”
The business said its goal is “modern features for enhanced member experience, and that means the new branch at 562 South Main St. will have traditional drive-up service, a drive-up Interactive Teller Machine (ITM), which also functions as a 24-hour ATM, three interior ITMs, a universal service representative pod for personalized service, and dedicated office space
“We’re excited about expanding our campus on South Main Street and cementing Ellafi’s long-term commitment to doing business in the Middletown community,” Betsy Sommers, senior vice president at Ellafi Federal Credit Union said, also in the statement.
“The partnership with JDS Holdings and the ability to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds towards this project will further allow us to move our mission of empowering, leading, and lifting women and their allies toward financial independence.”
Ellafi Federal Credit Union officials said that is a not-for-profit financial institution “dedicated to enriching the lives of its members and communities, with an emphasis on economic resilience and financial independence for women+.”
It was “the first credit union in Connecticut with this mission,” and works to offer “innovative banking solutions and personalized support to help individuals and families achieve financial success.”
Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, volunteers, or worships in Middlesex County and select nearby areas. For more information, visit www.ellafifcu.org.
