“Awareness is often the first step toward empowerment.”
That was the thought Paige Lasyone had when she first came up with the idea of a Regions Community Day. Laysone, a branch manager for Regions Bank in Bossier City, La., first hosted the event in 2023 when she worked in nearby Minden.
It began during a town hall meeting where many nonprofits said their main issue was the community not knowing that help was out there. She worked with Trevor Parrish, branch manager for Regions Bank in Minden, to create a solution then. And she worked with branch managers in the Shreveport-Bossier area to do it again.
We started this event to help close the gap between essential services and the people who need them.
Paige Lasyone, Regions Bank Bossier City branch manager
“We started this event to help close the gap between essential services and the people who need them,” said Lasyone. “Whether it’s helping someone open their first savings account or connecting a family with local support, we’re committed to showing up for our community.”
The Shreveport-Bossier Open House and Community Day brought dozens of people to a neighborhood-powered effort to bring essential resources directly to the people who need them most. From financial education and job training opportunities to food assistance connections and community advocacy – if it could help people move forward, it was available. And it will be again next time, because Paige Lasyone takes Regions’ mission to Make Life Better personally.
As do her colleagues. Regions team members were on hand providing no-cost financial checkups, answering questions about everything from savings accounts to mortgage support. Regions Digital Experience Researcher Kay Goke, who was recently named winner of the bank’s 2025 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, also provided support.
“My two worlds collided in the best way,” said Goke, who is also a volunteer firefighter and launched the Regions Military Support Community in the Shreveport area. “Seeing the organizations out there, especially the Shreveport Fire Department, was a big deal for me. Not only could we give back to community there but that week we also teamed up with associates to offer Regions Next Step® education to my public safety youth camp at the fire department.”
Community partners United Way of Northwest Louisiana and Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center were among nonprofits, small businesses and service providers offering information and connections to critical programs.
We are proud to work with community partners like Regions Bank to create outsized impact.
Shekinah Robberson, interim director of donor relations at United Way of Northwest Louisiana
“We are proud to work with community partners like Regions Bank to create outsized impact,” said Shekinah Robberson, interim director of donor relations at United Way of Northwest Louisiana “We came together across sectors to connect people with vital resources — many of whom didn’t even realize help was within reach. When businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors unite, we propel people forward and promote prosperity for all.”
Community Day ended with a raffle winner riding off with a Regions green bike!
By the way, the Community Day is still alive and well in Minden, too. In May, that Regions location held its third annual Community Day, which was covered by the Minden Press-Herald. One attendee—who walked to the event no means of transportation—won the Regions bicycle giveaway. Not only did he leave with a much-needed ride, he also opened a new Regions account, taking another step toward long-term financial health.
