Press
SECU’s financial education workshops benefit inmates at Elizabeth City Correctional Facility
Raleigh, NC (December 5, 2013) – State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) is reaching out to its local community in the Elizabeth City area, bringing a series of financial education sessions to inmates at the Pasquotank Correctional Institute. Credit Union staff members at the Elizabeth City-17 North branch teamed up with the Correctional facility to develop a financial program for inmates who are working in the community and due to be released soon, providing three workshops covering the fundamentals of money management, including an overview of account types, budgeting and understanding credit reports.
“The program has been well received by the inmates,” commented Cindy Emory, SECU Vice President of the Elizabeth City-17 North branch. “Participants were very interested in learning the basics of managing, saving and borrowing money. Hands on exercises and references to real life stories helped encourage questions and discussions about their future plans.”
SECU’s investment in delivering adult financial education programs within communities across North Carolina is foundational to its belief of helping others. By proactively seeking partnerships with local state agencies and non-profit organizations, SECU helps to use its financial expertise as a resource for those in need of guidance during difficult times.
Emory added, “Before being released, these inmates are out in the community working at animal shelters, food banks and with other local programs. Our financial workshop coincides perfectly with their community involvement, offering support and helping them recognize the importance of planning and successfully managing their money to improve their financial future. Many of the inmates even spoke about the possibility of starting their own small business such as a car washing service. As a financial cooperative with a strong focus on education, our sessions offer a unique opportunity to help make a positive impact in the financial lives of these individuals and their families.”
About SECU
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 76 years. With more than 1.8 million members, SECU provides services through 252 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.