As we bid farewell to Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact we were able to make this year, thanks to each and every one of you. Our involvement in Hispanic Heritage Month marked a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting the Hispanic community and advancing financial wellness. Let's take a closer look at the highlights of this year's celebration:

Viva La Fiesta Stage Sponsorship

This year, we proudly served as the stage sponsor for Viva La Fiesta, Jacksonville's premier Hispanic Heritage Festival. Our prominent presence at this event showcased our dedication to the community, and it allowed us to connect with a diverse and engaged audience.

Our booth at the festival served as a hub for connecting with attendees and spreading financial literacy. We engaged the audience, answered questions, and provided valuable resources to those seeking financial wellness.

Latina Radio 92.1 Interview

As a result of our stage sponsorship, we were invited to Latina Radio 92.1 for a brief interview on their morning show. This opportunity helped us share our mission and values with a broader audience, strengthening our position as financial educators.

Juntos Avanzamos Cultural Inclusion Challenge

I am delighted to share that several of our coworkers took up the Juntos Avanzamos Cultural Inclusion Challenge and succeeded. Their efforts exemplify our dedication to inclusivity and cultural awareness.

Achieving the Dream Scholarship

Once again, Alive sponsored the Achieving the Dream scholarship, a vital initiative aimed at helping LatinX students overcome financial obstacles in their pursuit of education through the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Graduation rates for LatinX students at both 2-year and 4-year colleges have faced challenges, primarily due to financial constraints. By providing this scholarship, we are truly inspiring financial wellness and making a significant impact on these students' lives.

As we move forward, let's carry the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month with us every day. The positive outcomes of our involvement in these events are a testament to our collective dedication to financial wellness and community development. I am immensely proud of the work we do and the impact we create.

In a world where financial stability and literacy are crucial skills, Alive Credit Union has taken up the mantel to make a tangible difference. Community Development & Financial Wellness Coaches, the driving force behind the financial literacy initiatives at Alive Credit Union, have been transforming lives and shaping futures throughout the year. As we pass the halfway-marker to a remarkable year, it's time to reflect on the incredible strides made in spreading financial knowledge and empowerment.

High School 9:12 Financial Literacy Bootcamp

The year started with a resounding success as we continued our partnership with High School 9:12 to deliver an intensive 6-week financial literacy bootcamp. The impact of this initiative is simple, equipping young minds with essential life skills that go beyond the classroom. From budgeting basics to understanding the nuances of credit, participants emerged from the program with newfound confidence and financial clarity.

We will be continuing this initiative with our fall series featuring all new materials and even more engagement with our invaluable resources from Banzai beginning September 18th. Please see upcoming events for more information!

Deepening Relationships through education

Throughout the year we have provided short seminars and get-to-know-us events for some of our existing partners such as Chad & Sandy Realty, Consor Moving, and Lutheran Social Services. If you have a business or foundation that may be interested in getting to know our credit union, reach out to Hali or Christian to set up an interactive and meaningful seminar.

Nurturing Financial Literacy in Local Schools

Summer became a season of outreach as we embarked on a journey to local high schools, including Terry Parker, Riverside, Andrew Jackson, and Westside, through the Communities in School Summer Camps. We also visited Lutheran Social Services After School Program, NLP Logix Coding Summer Camp, and the ARC’s High School High Tech Summer Camps. These sessions were bite-sized yet impactful, covering the fundamental aspects of opening bank accounts, cultivating a savings mindset, and laying the foundation for building a strong credit history. These efforts ensured that financial education reached young minds during a time when they were most receptive.

Monthly Financial Wellness Webinars

One of the cornerstones of Alive's initiatives was the launch of the monthly financial wellness webinars. This virtual platform allowed members to engage with financial experts and gain insights from the comfort of their homes. The inclusivity of this approach meant that geographical barriers were shattered, enabling a broader audience to access valuable financial guidance. Whether attending live or catching up on the replays, participants were armed with practical knowledge to make informed decisions.

Stay tuned to the free webinars that come out on the second Wednesday of each month. Our members can register to join live on the Alive website, or catch the replay on Youtube!

#FinancialFreedomFridays: A Social Media Movement

Alive has also demonstrated a keen understanding of the digital age by embracing social media as a tool for change. The inception of #FinancialFreedomFridays showcases our commitment to making financial literacy bite-sized and accessible. Through engaging and educational reels, members were treated to succinct yet impactful tips, transforming their Fridays into stepping stones toward financial empowerment.

A Special Gift on the Horizon: Spreading Holiday Cheer

As the year approaches its grand finale, Alive has created a special team of merry elves including Mark, Dylan, Christian, and Hali to prepare a special educational gift for all Alive Credit Union members. This December promises to be a season of giving, as members can look forward to a resource that encapsulates the essence of financial empowerment. The anticipation builds as Alives dedication to transforming lives continues to shine.

From intensive boot camps to virtual webinars, the initiatives undertaken in 2023 have redefined the landscape of financial education. Through collaboration, innovation, and a genuine desire to make a difference, Alive has taken strides toward a more financially empowered society.

As we eagerly await the December surprise, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of empowering financial literacy. The impact has been immense, and the future holds the promise of even greater strides toward a world where financial knowledge is a cornerstone of success.

Written by Hali