Old National Bank, Evansville, Ind., was honored by Wolters Kluwers for its “12 Steps to Financial Success” program, which provides much-needed financial education and financial literacy resources to members of the communities the bank serves, with a particular focus on the most at-risk members. The program began in 2014 to help incarcerated female inmates in Western Kentucky re-enter society as more educated and financially responsible citizens. Since then, the “12 Steps to Financial Success” program has steadily evolved and expanded into Indiana and Michigan. Today, the program also includes courses geared toward the financial education needs of homeless veterans.
“Our ‘12 Steps to Financial Success’ program considers the importance of financial education as an integral part of rehabilitating the whole person,” said Gary Roan, Community Development Banking Manager at Old National Bank. “We hope to reverse the downward cycle among vulnerable groups by empowering them and creating hope. Individuals who complete our program return to society better equipped to open a bank account, save for college, create an emergency fund, start a business and purchase a home.”