Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. The first credit union in the United States was founded in 1909. by the group of Franco-American Catholics in Manchester, New Hampshire, and was called "Cooperative Credit Association of St. Mary. " International cooperation has been particularly felt since the days when Alphonse Desjardins began the activity on development of credit union movement in North America. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.).