HOPE Matters: November-December 2017

Hope Enterprise Corporation, Hope Credit Union and Hope Policy Institute Newsletter

HOPE Expands into Alabama with Tri-Rivers Merger

Hope Federal Credit Union (HOPE) has taken a major step to expand its work in the Deep South by merging with Tri-Rivers Federal Credit Union in Montgomery, Alabama. The partnership with Tri-Rivers, established more than a half-century ago as the Montgomery Teachers Credit Union, paves the way for HOPE to begin offering a comprehensive menu of community strengthening financial services to families and communities across Alabama. “We are very excited about building on the strong foundation established by Tri-Rivers to help ensure that all Alabama residents have the opportunity to improve their lives, support their families and strengthen their communities,” said HOPE CEO Bill Bynum.

Hoffman Early Learning Center Cuts the Ribbon on an Expanded Facility

A New Orleans early learning center – designed to be diverse and inclusive – recently cut the ribbon on an expanded facility after receiving project financing from HOPE. Hoffman Early Learning Center serves children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K4, and is managed by New Orleans College Prep, an organization with a mission to expand opportunities for at-risk and underserved children in New Orleans. The center now serves over 100 families with plans to increase enrollment. The expansion included a new modular building, landscaping and sidewalks.

HOPE’s Innovative Partnership Leads to 1st Student-Run Credit Union in Jackson, MS

HOPE has made history in Jackson, MS, opening the city’s first student-run credit union at Provine High School. The pilot project advances HOPE’s investment in programs to ensure the financial future of youth in the Deep South. It also represents an innovative partnership among HOPE, Jackson Public Schools and Alignment Jackson. The ribbon cutting on the branch was held Oct. 10. The idea for the project emerged after a delegation of community leaders visited a similar program in Tennessee. “When we came back, we both decided that we’re going to get a credit union for our school and we knew who to go to, and that’s (HOPE CEO Bill Bynum),” United Way of the Capital Area President and CEO Carol Burger said. Bynum said HOPE was excited about the opportunity, recognizing the value in teaching money-management to youth at an early age as it increases the likelihood that students will enroll in college and ultimately graduate. View photos from the event.

HOPE’s Innovative Partnership Leads to 1st Student-Run Credit Union in Jackson, MS

The winners of the 13th Annual Davey Awards have been announced by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, and HOPE was a winner. The Silver Award was awarded for Hope Credit Union’s Better Banking—Better Lives integrated advertising campaign. With nearly 4,000 entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Davey Awards honors the finest creative work from the best small agencies, firms, and companies worldwide. The campaign was executed by Advantage Communications, Inc., a full service advertising agency based in Little Rock, AR. The Silver Award was in the Integrated Campaign category for the Non-profit Industry. The Davey Awards honors the best in Advertising, Mobile & Social Media from small agencies worldwide.

Yearend Giving Campaign

Because of the support of people like you, HOPE has been able to put more than 1 million people in our nation’s most persistently poor region on a path to a brighter future. For nearly a quarter century, in underbanked communities victimized by financial predators, HOPE has often been the only resource people have for checking and savings accounts, an affordable home mortgage, a business loan, or for an honest advisor to help them plan a sound financial future. Our mission is more critical than ever, which is why between now and the end of the year, we will be asking you to join us. With your partnership, we can continue to ensure that across the Deep South, families have access to the affordable, high-quality financial products and services that empower them to achieve financial security, build wealth and create a legacy for their children.

A Family Home in New Orleans, LA

The first time Krystal Scott saw the two-story house in the cul-de-sac, she knew it was the place she wanted to raise her sons. But she ran into obstacles whenever she applied for a loan at traditional financial institutions.

Hope Policy Institute has been actively weighing in on a number of issues that impact the lives of people in the Mid South states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Check out the newest research from Hope Policy Institute by clicking on the stories below.

Securing Food Access in the Mid South
Innovation and investments in food access programs create a stronger, healthier Mid South. The need for both is stark: with nearly 3 million residents (17.6%) experiencing inconsistent or undependable access to food, the Mid South region is one of the most food insecure areas in the entire United States. Read more.

Census Day: Poverty, Income and Health Insurance Access in the Mid South
New data on poverty, income, and health insurance coverage released by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals decreasing poverty rates in most states served by HOPE Credit Union. However, Mid South residents in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee continue to experience poverty at rates well above the national average. Read more.

Hope Policy Institute Releases Males of Color Reports
Hope Policy Institute released two new Males of Color reports during the 10th Annual Mississippi Black Leadership Summit held Oct. 5 in Jackson. The reports, “Closing the Education Equity Gap for Mississippi’s Black Males” and “Closing the Economic Security Equity Gap for Mississippi’s Black Males,” were authored by Policy Analyst Molly Bashay, who also moderated a discussion on the topics during the summit. Hope Policy Institute Vice President Jessica Shappley was an expert on a health policy panel. Visit the Series Portal: Closing the Equity Gap for Mississippi’s Black Males.