Key Bank Works With Family Shelter to Help Women Cope with Financial Issues

Rockland Family Shelter recently hosted a program on issues of credit and budgeting at its Women's Center in New City.

KeyBank's Fran Reinstein, vice president of community relations, and Grace Moyano, vice president of branch operations, presented a free "Learn and Earn" session designed to help the average citizen navigate their way through the credit system and learn how to make their money work for them.

Responding to Rocklad Family Shelter clients' concerns about their financial needs, KeyBank agreed to design a customized program.

"KeyBank's generosity in designing this program to simplify otherwise complex financial matters demonstrates a true commitment to preventing economic victimization of citizens and shows a true support of our work to end violence and all forms of oppression," said Rockland Family Shelter Executive Director Carolyn Fish.

 Participants were able to ask questions such as: "How do I make the best use of my credit? How can I get credit? How do I find my credit score? Can I repair my credit?" They also received budgeting advice on how to manage your money so it does not manage you. 

Fish said that people who attended agreed that the information provided was extremely helpful and were very grateful for the opportunity to "ask the experts," face-to-face, numerous questions and clarify many of their individual concerns.

"At Key, we understand that financial knowledge is important for all members of the community and is critical for making many decisions in life," said Michael Orsino, president, Hudson Valley/Metro NY District, KeyBank. "We are proud to offer programs such as 'Learn and Earn" that give community members the information they need to make sound and secure financial decisions."

Rockland Family Shelter's free confidential, multi-lingual, culturally sensitive services both residential and non-residential including a 24 hour hotline at 845-634 3391.

Additionally, Rockland Family Shelter offers crisis housing, advocacy and accompaniment, support and empowerment groups, sexual trauma counseling and services, children's' services and free education to all schools, social and private organizations as well as technical training for private businesses of all disciplines.

In August, Rockland Family Shelter will hold training for high school students at  Palisades Center mall in West Nyack as part of its Student Activists Ending Dating Abuse program. For further information contact Alma Reyes Evans at aevan@rocklandfamilyshelter.org

For more information on any of the programs or services or for additional information on upcoming events, call 845-634-3391.