FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Stacy Clay, Director of Community Affairs
o: (314) 692-6345
e: [email protected]
ST. LOUIS (July 20, 2020) — First Bank is pleased to partner with The Amer-I-Can Program to enable financial education, success, and opportunity in underserved communities. Founded by Pro Football Hall of Fame legend Jim Brown, Amer-I-Can empowers individuals through accountability, and inspires them to change their circumstances through self-responsibility.
Joe Cagno, Senior Vice President with First Bank Mortgage, commented, “We’re very happy to partner with this outstanding organization to help individuals reach their full potential. Although we’re launching our partnership in Southern California, we hope to expand it throughout the nation in the coming months and years.” Cagno has volunteered his support with Jim Brown and his organization for more than 20 years.
Amer-I-Can’s CEO Monique Brown added, “JAmer_I_Canim and I always say that economic empowerment is the key to long-term success. Teaming with First Bank will give Amer-I-Can graduates speed-to-action as they translate the financial management skills they have learned into real-life tools like checking and savings accounts, credit building and repairing products, and home and business loans.”
Rick Banda, Vice President with First Bank Mortgage in Southern California, has provided first-time homebuyers with guidance and direction on obtaining the dream of home ownership for over 21 years. Banda commented, “I’m excited and humbled to be part of this great organization. Providing guidance and education to help people achieve financial independence in underserved communities is our goal.”
A national program and movement, Amer-I-Can equips participants with eight critical life management skills, including problem-solving and decision-making, financial stability and job search and retention. “The aim of this program,” Cagno added, “is to help people take charge of their lives and, therefore, their futures. We’re honored to be part of this national movement as we work toward social and economic revitalization.”
For more information on First Bank and its partnership with The Amer-I-Can Program, contact Joe Cagno by calling (650) 581-2118 or via email at [email protected] or Rick Banda, by calling (714) 600-3458 or via email at [email protected]. For more information on The Amer-I-Can Program, contact Rita Mort by calling (214) 604-9058 or via email at [email protected].
About First Bank
First Bank, a subsidiary of FB Corporation, is one of the largest privately owned banks in the country. As a family-owned business with four generations of independent, single-family ownership, First Bank offers the stability and experience with long-term planning that helps businesses and the communities in which they operate grow and thrive. With more than $6 billion in assets and nearly 90 locations throughout California, Missouri, and Illinois, First Bank has developed a relationship-driven approach to offer comprehensive solutions for clients in commercial and consumer banking, wealth management, mortgage banking and more. For information, visit first.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
About The Amer-I-Can Program
Founded in 1988 by Pro Football Hall of Fame legend Jim Brown, The Amer-I-Can Program’s motto is “Empowerment though Accountability. Change through Self-Determination.” By learning eight essential life skills, Program participants change their mindsets from “I Can’t to I-Can,” and begin a lifelong journey to realizing their full potential, and sharing their gifts with society. For more information, visit Amer-I-Can’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/American32.
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