There is a lot of good news to celebrate at Buffalo Promise Neighborhood!
Please take a moment to check out this story.
Kenya Peoples is the Financial Wellness Specialist/Coach for Buffalo Promise Neighborhood. In this role he helps his clients create healthy financial habits and goals through support, sharing financial information and guidance as they set, work towards, and ultimately accomplish their goals. He assists primary and extended family members who have children attending our education centers in the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood. Kenya works one-on-one helping clients set goals and an action plan for their financial future. He provides accountability, encouragement and support helping his clients stick to their financial plan.
Financial stability (or independence) means different things to different people…one such story is Ms. Ieshi Solomon. While her children were actively enrolled at Westminster Community Charter School and the BPN Children’s Academy, Ms. Solomon was able to take advantage of Two-Generation wrap around programming such as budgeting, credit building and savings that ultimately allowed her to purchase a home of her own. In her own words “I had so many questions about home ownership and Mr. Peoples was able to help me navigate the process and took the time to help me understand what it means to be a homeowner.” Additionally, we were able to encourage Ms. Solomon to seek more stable employment and she now works at the Department of Social Services where she has an upwardly mobile career path.
Statistically, we know that it’s never too early to start down the path to financial health…Buffalo Promise Neighborhood is piloting a financial literacy program at Westminster Community Charter School. This six-week program, offered to eighth grade students, is an opportunity to learn about the basics of budgeting, requirements to open a checking or savings account, the ins, and outs of inflation and what it means to use credit responsibly. At the conclusion of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion and parents have the opportunity to open a custodian account which M&T Bank will match up to $50.
Buffalo Promise Neighborhood is a long-term collaboration between M&T Bank and its community to empower schools, students, and families. We understand that learning and opportunity are intrinsically connected, and that success is most meaningful when its shared by everyone.