ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar announced last week that the agency will be participating in the White House Conference of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives on February 18 in San Diego. "Faith-based credit unions are extending economic empowerment and affordable financial services to their members and communities across America," Dollar said. "This is an excellent opportunity for faith and community-based organizations to learn more about the opportunities available through NCUA and other federal resources." NCUA Director of Credit Union Development Anthony LaCreta will represent the agency at the conference and serve as a resource to participants interested in the chartering and expansion of faith-based credit unions. Currently, there are over 400 federally chartered, faith-based credit unions with aggregate assets exceeding $2 billion. The White House, in coordination with federal agencies has scheduled a series of free, daylong conferences to help faith-based and community organizations learn more about President George W. Bush's initiative.