Foothills United Way is proud to announce FirstBank, Colorado’s second largest bank and one of the nation’s largest privately held banks, as our collaborative partner to continue building financial independence with the Personal Investment Enterprise (PIE) program. FirstBank will join Foothills United Way in hosting asset-building matched savings accounts directly serving low-income residents in Boulder and Broomfield Counties.
The PIE program is an upstream investment in the community; teaching participants how to plan for their future, save money, open a bank account, set financial goals, purchase a home, start their own business or continue their education. The program works to put participants on the road to success through hard work, financial coaching and hands on saving experience. Bhola Katuwal, an employee at FirstBank and PIE participant says, “I went from homeless to homeowner, and I’m very proud to say that.” Katuwal now advocates on behalf of PIE, working to encourage and guide other individuals utilizing the program. “One of the happiest moments of my life was telling people that my family no longer needed public assistance.”
“We want financial success for everyone,” said Kevin Classen, FirstBank Market President - Boulder. “It’s our No. 1 priority to ensure we’re doing what’s right for our customers, employees and the communities we serve. This partnership enables us to do just that, and support a program that educates individuals on how to fulfill their longtime dream, whether that’s starting a business or buying a home. We’re thrilled to be Foothills United Way’s financial partner and hope we can help them create more stories like Bhola’s.”
“We look forward to adding to the ranks of nearly 300 successful participants in the PIE program” says Doug Yeiser, President of Foothills United Way. “We know that our community achieves more when we work together, and FirstBank will be a great partner for our neighbors whose lives are changed by this program.”
FirstBank hosted a reception for PIE participants at their Boulder branch at 6500 Lookout Road to learn about saving with PIE at FirstBank on June 28th. Many thanks to Kevin Classen and Jamie Struble who made the event possible for participants to make their first FirstBank deposit with PIE. Eighteen participants attended with family members and enjoyed snacks while being inspired by learning about graduates accomplishments in the program.
FirstBank also promotes saving through their “Smart Cents” blog and "Saving is in Style" promotions. Currently, Saving is in Style Saturdays encourage community members to visit branches for fun activities and food at select locations.
For general savings tips visit: https://efirstbankblog.com/category/savings-tips/
Other focused tips include:
Business: https://efirstbankblog.com/category/business-success/
Homeownership: https://efirstbankblog.com/category/home-ownership/
Education: https://efirstbankblog.com/five-ways-to-take-control-of-your-student-loans/
The PIE program currently has openings for savers in homeownership, business and education! To learn more contact Nino Gallo at Boulder County Community Action Programs, 303-441-3998 or at [email protected]. For more information click here or here!
