Collaboration with Center for Creative Education Enhances Community Financial Knowledge
KINGSTON – Ulster Savings Bank has rolled out a new Financial Literacy Program in partnership with the Center for Creative Education and their SPICE initiative. This initiative aims to equip community members with essential financial skills and knowledge, empowering them to make sound financial decisions.
On February 22, 2024, 22 women graduated from the inaugural class, celebrated at Ulster Savings Bank’s main Kingston branch. The program consisted of six weeks of in-person workshops covering topics such as banking fundamentals, budgeting, debt management, homeownership, and retirement planning. Workshops were conducted in both English and Spanish by Diana Flores-Reyes, the bank’s Community Liaison and Business Development officer.
“Ulster Savings Bank’s dedication and support have been invaluable to the SPICE program. Their Financial Literacy Program was well-structured and highly impactful. The participants have made remarkable progress in their financial journeys, marking a significant step towards their personal empowerment,” said Robin Hayes, SPICE Women’s Program Coordinator.
SPICE Initiative Focuses on Empowering Under-Resourced Women
The SPICE (Sisters Persevere in Conscious Evolution) program by the Center for Creative Education is dedicated to uplifting women, especially those in under-resourced communities, through education and opportunities. The program is provided at no cost and addresses economic, educational, and health disparities that significantly affect quality of life.
“We are excited to partner with Ulster Savings Bank on this Financial Literacy Program, which aligns perfectly with our mission to empower communities through education, art, and wellness. This collaboration illustrates the transformative power of education and access to resources in creating a more equitable future,” said Bryant Drew Andrews, Executive Director of the Center for Creative Education.
Ulster Savings Bank’s Commitment to Community Engagement
“Ulster Savings Bank is committed to the communities we serve,” expressed Crystal Jacob, AVP Training Officer at Ulster Savings Bank. “We congratulate this class on their dedication and hard work.”
For more information about Ulster Savings Bank’s Financial Literacy Program, please contact Crystal Jacob at 845-338-6322.
About Ulster Savings Bank
Based in Kingston, New York, Ulster Savings Bank is a Mutual Savings Bank with assets totaling $1.3 billion. The bank operates 15 branches in locations including Kingston, Lake Katrine, Gardiner, Hyde Park, New Paltz, Newburgh, Phoenicia, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, Saugerties, Stone Ridge, Wappingers Falls, and Woodstock, along with additional mortgage lending offices in Orange and Dutchess counties.