Terry Megli, New Life Program Administrator, explains, “Finances can be very intimidating for anyone.  Our Money Management Course II for clients helps alleviate that so they can prepare for their financial futures with confidence.  Naturally we are always looking for ways to improve what we do.  So when Sheree Yoder Vice President and Portfolio Manager Director, Portfolio Advisory Services with M&I Investment Management Corp. contacted me about wanting to get involved, we were thrilled.”

You can find out more about City Union Mission's programs by clicking here.

New Life Program Clients had two sessions at M & I Bank.

In the first session they covered:

Reading your credit report, importance of credit score, how to improve/maintain good score, what lenders look for in borrowers, and Get Checking: Second Chance (A workshop that can help you to access checking account services, a program through the University of Missouri Extension office)

In the second session they covered:

Finance Management--savings (paying yourself first), retirement, 401K
Investment 101--what are stocks, bonds, money market, CD's, savings account--comparing and contrasting best options. 

“This was especially valuable for our folks, allowing them time to think things through.  As we continue with Money Management II in case management, they are required to implement some of what they learned--in particular paying themselves first for saving,” said Melanie Griffith. 
 
“We were hosted by the folks on the Plaza at 800 West 87th Street, where Brender Benson is branch manager.  They were very good to us. At both sessions they treated us to lunch, gave us three full hours of their time and were generous enough to start our folks saving plans with a $10 bill in their M & I piggy banks!  Clients loved it!  The presenters were good and anxious to meet everyone where they were.  They were given helpful information when looking to set up a new household and implement the life skills they have been learning in our classes.”

Terry is looking forward to an ongoing relationship with M & I Bank.  “This is definitely a relationship that will help our clients achieve their goals.  We can’t thank them enough!” 
 
Perhaps this story has given you some ideas about how your business or corporation could make a difference in the community by partnering with City Union Mission.  Please, click here to find out how.

And if you would like more information about volunteer opportunities, please click here.