Working Credit is being spotlighted on the Sherri Takiff Zirlin Community Art Wall located in the lobby of First Bank Chicago. The new exhibit highlights their vision to help people in any financial situation overcome the obstacles to good credit and reap the benefits that come with it.
Working Credit was founded on the principle that good credit is not just a number, but a gateway to socio-economic opportunities that enable individuals and communities to thrive. For many, structural barriers and "credit invisibility" create significant hurdles to renting an apartment, purchasing a home, or starting a small business.
Working Credit partners with individuals to navigate these complexities, providing the tools and knowledge necessary to build and sustain prime credit scores. Their mission is rooted in the belief that financial health is a critical component of personal stability and long-term growth.
Working Credit offers personalized programming designed to interrupt cycles of financial instability through a combination of education and direct support:
- Credit Building Workshops: Engaging sessions that demystify how the credit system works and provide actionable strategies for improvement.
- One-on-One Counseling: Specialized, ongoing coaching that helps participants set goals, manage debt, and establish a prime credit profile tailored to their unique financial situation.
- Economic Advocacy: Raising awareness about the importance of credit access as a tool for narrowing the racial wealth gap and fostering inclusive economic growth.
By providing expert guidance and credit-building tools, Working Credit empowers people to achieve their financial goals and secure their futures. Their participants establish and sustain prime credit scores to achieve a wide array of goals, including saving money, renting housing, starting small businesses, and purchasing homes. Data demonstrates that the program not only helps people build credit profiles, but it can also interrupt the effects of structural racism: dramatically improving credit scores in Black and Brown communities and helping to narrow the racial wealth gap.
The Working Credit exhibit is located in the bank lobby and will be open to the public during regular business hours throughout the month of January. For more information about Working Credit or to sign-up for their newsletter, visit https://www.workingcredit.org/ or follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
ABOUT SHERRI TAKIFF ZIRLIN COMMUNITY ART WALL
The Community Art Wall was created in 2019 and is dedicated in memory of Director, Sherri Takiff Zirlin. The Community Art Wall showcases novice artwork from local non-profit organizations and provides visibility to the various resources and services offered throughout the community. For more information call 847-432-7800 or visit www.firstbankchicago.com.
ABOUT FIRST BANK CHICAGO
The Bank Chicago provides full-service banking solutions for commercial and consumer clients throughout Chicagoland. With over 65 years of banking history, First Bank ranks as one of the five largest privately held banks in Chicago. Our experienced bankers utilize our personal service model to provide customized banking solutions without the bureaucracy of the megabanks. First Bank’s deep culture of caring includes giving time, talent, and resources to all corners of our community. Our bank has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business for 8 consecutive years (2018-2025). In 2024, First Bank was recognized by American Banker as the #1 “Best Bank to Work For”. To learn more about the First Bank Chicago, visit www.firstbankchicago.com