Enhancing Financial Literacy: Regions Bank’s Community Initiatives Reach Across Southeastern U.S.
Regions Bank has announced the commencement of its 15th annual Share the Good® initiative, a collective volunteer effort aimed at benefiting communities served by Regions across the Southeast, the Midwest, and Texas. Coinciding with the bank’s activities for Financial Literacy Month in April, the 2024 Share the Good theme, "Helping Students Build Financial Confidence," emphasizes the importance of empowering students with financial knowledge.
Associates from Regions will collaborate with community organizations, youth programs, and schools to implement the Regions Next Step® financial wellness curriculum, facilitate financial education workshops, and more. Gina Sian, who heads the Regions Making Life Better Institute® program, highlighted the integration of Share the Good initiatives with Financial Literacy Month as a strategic move to combine volunteerism with Regions Bank's commitment to financial wellness within communities.
"We recognize the significance of instilling positive financial habits from an early age," Sian explained. "Middle and high school students represent the future of financial management. By educating them about the impact of their financial decisions early on, our associates aim to kick-start their journey toward financial well-being and success."
The Share the Good program underscores Regions' ongoing dedication to community outreach. In 2023, Regions associates volunteered a total of 104,000 hours in their local communities, with over 1,300 associates recognized as Regions Community Champions for contributing at least 16 hours of service—a 54% increase from the previous year.
Brett Shaffer, head of Community Relations at Regions, emphasized how the Share the Good program extends the bank's expertise and financial insights beyond its premises, making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. Share the Good activities will run until April 30 and will include various initiatives such as financial wellness events and educational workshops.
For instance, in Birmingham, Ala., Regions teams in Jefferson and Shelby counties are organizing several financial wellness events throughout April. These events include Banking Basics for Students sessions and the Regions Next Step Reality Check budget simulation at GEAR UP Jefferson County. Additionally, associates will conduct Money Basics for Life workshops for students with disabilities at Tarrant High School and offer financial education courses at the Birmingham Housing Authority and Pinson Valley High School Cosmetology Program. Moreover, Regions volunteers will participate in Junior Achievement's "JA in a Day" at Grantswood Community School.
In Shreveport, Louisiana, Regions associates are enthusiastic about conducting Reality Check budget simulations multiple times throughout April:
Associates from Regions will collaborate with community organizations, youth programs, and schools to implement the Regions Next Step® financial wellness curriculum, facilitate financial education workshops, and more. Gina Sian, who heads the Regions Making Life Better Institute® program, highlighted the integration of Share the Good initiatives with Financial Literacy Month as a strategic move to combine volunteerism with Regions Bank's commitment to financial wellness within communities.
"We recognize the significance of instilling positive financial habits from an early age," Sian explained. "Middle and high school students represent the future of financial management. By educating them about the impact of their financial decisions early on, our associates aim to kick-start their journey toward financial well-being and success."
The Share the Good program underscores Regions' ongoing dedication to community outreach. In 2023, Regions associates volunteered a total of 104,000 hours in their local communities, with over 1,300 associates recognized as Regions Community Champions for contributing at least 16 hours of service—a 54% increase from the previous year.
Brett Shaffer, head of Community Relations at Regions, emphasized how the Share the Good program extends the bank's expertise and financial insights beyond its premises, making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. Share the Good activities will run until April 30 and will include various initiatives such as financial wellness events and educational workshops.
For instance, in Birmingham, Ala., Regions teams in Jefferson and Shelby counties are organizing several financial wellness events throughout April. These events include Banking Basics for Students sessions and the Regions Next Step Reality Check budget simulation at GEAR UP Jefferson County. Additionally, associates will conduct Money Basics for Life workshops for students with disabilities at Tarrant High School and offer financial education courses at the Birmingham Housing Authority and Pinson Valley High School Cosmetology Program. Moreover, Regions volunteers will participate in Junior Achievement's "JA in a Day" at Grantswood Community School.
In Shreveport, Louisiana, Regions associates are enthusiastic about conducting Reality Check budget simulations multiple times throughout April:
- On April 9, 10, and 11, teams will collaborate with Volunteers of America North Louisiana and Broadmoor STEM Academy to organize these engaging and educational exercises for students in VOA’s Lighthouse after-school program.
- Another team will oversee Reality Check simulations, replicating real-world financial scenarios, at Booker T. Washington High School.
In Houston, Texas, Regions associates will partner with Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, including involvement in JA in a Day at League Elementary in Pasadena and support for JA Finance Park, a program focusing on personal financial planning and career exploration.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, Regions Market Executive Terry Hoey is leading by example, teaching financial literacy courses at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County, emphasizing the importance of Sharing the Good. "Helping more people understand the essentials of money management is one of the most powerful ways we can help our communities," Hoey stated. "Reaching students at an early age, especially those from families that may be unbanked or underbanked, helps build a foundation for future success."
Across Iowa, Regions associates are teaming up with Iowa Jobs For America’s Graduates (iJAG) to deliver virtual financial education classes to 155 schools statewide. These sessions will cover basic banking concepts, money management, saving, creditworthiness, and the importance of safeguarding financial information.
In Jackson, Tennessee, Kathy Lovell, Regions’ Disability Outreach and Services manager, will be conducting a Regions Next Step Money for Life course at the STAR Center in April. The STAR Center, a community organization supporting education, employment, and independence for people with disabilities in West Tennessee, will benefit from this initiative.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Regions' culture, facilitated through various ongoing programs. For instance, each year, Regions offers associates a paid day off to volunteer in their community. Additionally, through its Making Life Better Institute, the bank connects associates with diverse volunteer opportunities that match their skills and experience.
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