During the school year, students learn the three Rs.
Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic – the cornerstones of a solid education.
This summer, Regions was the fourth R as associates worked to teach financial literacy.
“School may be out for the summer, but the learning continues,” said Earnest Wilks, market executive for Regions Bank in Fort Myers and surrounding areas. “We collaborated with various departments, including Mortgage, Commercial, Retail and Wealth, and Community Affairs, to bring financial education events to the region. Together, we help share the importance of balances and budgets.”
Steve Pickett, Senior Vice President and Florida Mortgage Regional Manager, and Channing Thornton, Executive Vice President and Community Market Sales Process Executive, joined other Regions associates to volunteer at the Quality Life Center (QLC) in Fort Myers. The QLC works, through the development of programs and services, to provide underserved youth with academic enrichment, performing arts, leadership and cultural awareness. Together, they presented a Regions Reality Check to more than 60 students over two visits.
I am proud of the work done, which can last a lifetime. This helps lead to greater financial stability, well-being and success in both their future professional and personal lives.
Cynthia Valenti Smith, market executive for Naples and neighboring communities
“This work is about helping empower young people to make informed financial decisions,” said Cynthia Valenti Smith, market executive for Naples and neighboring communities. She also serves on the board of the QLC. “I am proud of the work done, which can last a lifetime. This helps lead to greater financial stability, well-being and success in both their future professional and personal lives.”
In the Regions Next Step sessions, Regions associates guided students through several real-life scenarios of managing monthly financial obligations. These include categories like Housing, Utilities, Transportation, Food, Savings, Charitable Contributions, Entertainment, Loans, and the concept of taking on a second job.
Regions volunteers also worked to teach financial wellness at Charlotte Technical College. 70 students ages 15 and over received helped to be successfully prepared for the workforce.
“To thrive, students need to understand bills, balances, and wages. These are the tools to manage their finances, save money, and remain financially independent,” said Stephanie Rusch, career specialist at Charlotte Technical College. “As a result of this collaboration with Regions, students have a better idea about career opportunities and how to make and manage higher wages.”
Regions associates also volunteered at more than five other financial literacy events across Southwest Florida and Sarasota to help educate more than 50 additional participants. Reality Checks were presented at Newtown Connection, Guadelupe Center, and Pace Center for Girls. At Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, an additional 40 attendees were presented a Money Basics For Life seminar. It provides people with disabilities the guidance, tools and ability to bank independently and on their own terms.
Regions support shows unity and collaboration for a stronger, healthier community, especially within financial wellness.
Angie Matthiessen, executive director for United Way of Charlotte County
In addition, Regions Bank hosted three virtual workshops for the United Way of Carlotte County. The financial literacy presentations helped participants gain basic knowledge and skills to empower people to take control of their money, create a budget, and learn the importance of a credit score.
“Financial Literacy is valuable to make everyday decisions about money. From basic financial knowledge of creating a budget to saving for retirement,” said Angie Matthiessen, executive director for United Way of Charlotte County. “Regions support shows unity and collaboration for a stronger, healthier community, especially within financial wellness.”