ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA has set January 26, 2004 for the next Partnering and Leadership Successes (PALS) workshop on how credit unions can provide alternatives to predatory lending practices. "This important workshop will share credit unions' affordable loan programs, special savings programs and innovative services to save consumers who are most vulnerable to financial predators," said NCUA Board Member Deborah Matz in announcing the workshop. "These credit union programs provide much-needed alternatives to triple-digit interest rates and exorbitant fees charged by predatory lenders, rent-to-own stores, check-cashers and pawnshops." Specific topics include payday loan alternatives, affordable homeownership financing, risk-based lending and innovative financial education, individual development accounts (IDAs), international remittances, volunteer income tax assistance (VITA), partnerships with community organizations, and mobile and in-store branches. The workshop is also sponsored by NAFCU and by the Texas Credit Union League and the Texas Credit Union Foundation.