Ulster Savings Bank Launches New Financial Literacy Program

KINGSTON – Ulster Savings Bank launched its first community-based Financial Literacy Program in collaboration with the Center for Creative Education and their SPICE program. The bank’s Financial Literacy Program is designed to equip members of the community with the critical knowledge and skills needed to make strong financial decisions.

On February 22, 2024, 22 women graduated the inaugural class with a celebration honoring their individual successes which was held at the bank’s main location in Kingston. The program offered six weeks of in-person financial workshops. Topics covered included banking basics, budgeting, debt management, homeownership, and retirement. The course was taught in English and Spanish by Diana Flores-Reyes, Community Liaison/Business Development, Ulster Savings Bank.

“Thank you to Ulster Savings for your generosity and for believing in the women of SPICE. Your Financial Literacy program was designed so beautifully and effectively. Our group has come a long way in our financial literacy journey, which is a major steppingstone for personal empowerment,” said Robin Hayes, SPICE Women’s Program Coordinator.

The SPICE (Sisters Persevere in Conscious Evolution) program, offered by the Center for Creative Education focuses on empowering women and particularly women in under-resourced communities, by providing education, opportunities, and experiences that create a more level playing field from which to reach their goals. SPICE programs are provided at no cost to group members. The program helps to close the gap caused by historic economic, educational, and health inequities, all of which have a profound impact on quality of life.

“We’re excited to partner with Ulster Savings Bank for their first Financial Literacy Program, which perfectly aligns with our mission to empower under-resourced communities through art, wellness, and education. This collaboration shows how education and access to resources can transform lives and create a more equitable future for everyone,” explained Bryant Drew Andrews, Executive Director, Center for Creative Education.

“Ulster Savings Bank understands the value of caring about the communities we serve. We congratulate this class on their dedication and hard work,” expressed Crystal Jacob, AVP Training Officer, Ulster Savings Bank.

For more information about Ulster Savings Bank’s Financial Literacy program, please call Crystal Jacob at 845-338-6322.

About Ulster Savings Bank:
Headquartered in Kingston, New York, Ulster Savings Bank is a Mutual Savings Bank with assets of $1.3 billion. Ulster Savings Bank has 15 branches in Kingston, Lake Katrine, Gardiner, Hyde Park, New Paltz, Newburgh, Phoenicia, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, Saugerties, Stone Ridge, Wappingers Falls, and Woodstock. Additional mortgage lending offices are in Orange and Dutchess counties.