Folsom and Granite Bay, Calif. – (March 24, 2026 ) – SAFE Credit Union held its Grand Opening Celebration Friday for its newest branch in Granite Bay that bridges mobile and in-person banking.

SAFE’s new Granite Bay branch invites members to bank at their own pace, greeting them with transaction stations and comfortable seating in lieu of traditional teller lines. The branch includes a Hospitality Bar with charging stations for members to connect their digital devices.

“From the earliest days of my career, I learned that making personal connections with members creates trust and opens the door to opportunities to truly help them make the most of their finances,” said SAFE Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Faye Nabhani.

“In much of the same way, we’re trying something new at this branch and reshaping the way we serve our members,” Nabhani continued. “We are embracing a consultative model where members are invited to conduct daily transactions, sit with us and discuss their future plans, or reach out to us for assistance with digital and mobile banking.”

With a sleek new modern interior design, the 4,800-square-foot branch is located in the Sierra Oaks Plaza Center anchored by a new Nugget Market, with tenants including Chick fil-A, Habit Burger, La Bou and an incoming Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

A testament to SAFE’s support of the community, the branch boasts a first of its kind for SAFE: a 40-seat in-branch community room. The Financial Freedom Hub will host SAFE financial education workshops and SAFE also plans to make it available by reservation to business and community organizations to host meetings and events. Through a partnership between SAFE and Sierra College, artwork from Sierra College Art Department students will be displayed in the Financial Freedom Hub and will change on a rotating basis.

"Grand openings like this represent more than a new location. They represent confidence in community and investment in that community," Placer County Supervisor Suzanne Jones of District 4 said at the celebration. "Organizations like SAFE Credit Union help form the economic backbone of Placer County by providing trusted financial services to families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. You help people plan for life's important milestones."

In attendance with Nabhani and Jones were SAFE Credit Union Board Chair Rick Blumenfeld with board members Sonbol Aliabadi, Sonia Lewis, Robert Logue, and Terrance Tremelling; SAFE Credit Union's Chief Operating Officer Tiffani Vargas, Chief Technology Officer Mike McCarthy, Vice President Retail Branches Janine Southwick, and Granite Bay Branch Manager Marcus Webb; Senator Roger Niello District Representative Magnolia West; Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Services Coordinator Valerie Luedke with Ambassadors Jovan Samonte and ilene Martzen, and The Gathering Inn's Director of Philanthropy, Communications and Marketing Meredith Adams.

“We are so excited to celebrate our new Granite Bay branch where we are taking banking to the next level by directly pairing additional opportunities for the use of personal technology alongside much-needed human connection,” said SAFE Credit Union Chief Operating Officer Tiffani Vargas.

In addition to increased connectivity, the branch offers complimentary coffee and water along with four ATMS – two inside the branch – coin machines and safe deposit boxes.

Aímée Nakasu visited the branch during the grand opening to open an account for her daughter Keiko Nakasu, 17. 

"We've been waiting for this branch to open," Aímée Nakasu said. "It makes it a lot closer and convenient for us as a family." 

Mark Luhdorff visited the branch with his mother, Marjorie J. Long, to open up a new credit card at the new branch. Both were glad to be caught up in the excitement. 

"Everybody we've met here today has been great," Luhdorff said. Long commented on the aesthetics of the new branch. "It looks like it's open and welcoming," she said, adding she likes the blue color scheme. 

The grand opening celebration aligned with the kickoff of SAFE’s “For Fresh Starts: Personal Care Items Drive for The Gathering Inn.” SAFE is accepting the following new and unopened items for the drive: body wash, conditioner, lip balm, deodorant, razors (3-blade disposable), shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen. Donations can be dropped off at the SAFE Granite Bay and West Roseville branches and at its corporate office in Folsom through Monday, April 27.

Donations will be used at The Gathering Inn’s South Placer Emergency Shelter on Berkeley Avenue in Roseville. The location provides shelter and supportive services to men, women and families experiencing homelessness in Placer County.

For more information email [email protected].