The Northern Indiana Bank On Alliance and Centier Bank have partnered to provide access to financial education and no- to low-cost banking services geared to help the working poor.
This population group, also referred to as the ALICE segment, (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is the term used by United Way to describe cash-strapped households that earn more than the federal poverty level but not enough to cover all their expenses. These households have to make tough choices to survive, such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent, filling a needed prescription or fixing the car.
The Northern Indiana Bank On Alliance network connects families to free financial education workshops, no- to low-cost banking services, tax preparation services, emergency support services and more.
“These households struggle to provide for their most basic needs,” said Kim Olesker, president & CEO of United Way of Porter County. “The financial stability services provided through the Alliance help families rise above the struggles to improve their financial situation. We could not accomplish this work without the help of great supporters like Centier Bank.”
The alliance serves Elkhart, Lake, LaPorte, Porter and St. Joseph counties. In that five-county region the United Way estimates about 24 percent or 108,942 households are ALICE.
“For over a decade, Centier has been intimately involved in this important work,” said Dian Reyome, community relations and financial capabilities officer at Centier Bank. “The success of a community is directly related to the education, health and financial stability of its residents. We want residents to know we’re here to help them succeed.”
Reyome is retiring from Centire and will be succeeded by Lauren Zurbriggen, who will continue Centier Bank’s work with the alliance. The alliance is supported by Centier Bank and the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund.
