12 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 First Federal Savings Bank, Huntington With a goal to build relationships that will last for years, First Federal Savings Bank provides financial support and volunteerism to community organizations. Needs are evaluated by individually reviewing each request received from nonprofits. Initiatives include the Battle of the Businesses for the Parkview Huntington Family YMCA. The bank also is a Pacesetter for the annual United Way Huntington County Campaign. The bank helps local fundraisers by either donating or attending in order to provide support. In 2019 it donated $50,000 to the Parkview Huntington Foundation and $10,000 to the scholarship granting organization of Huntington Catholic School, as well as contributions to the Boy Scouts and other organizations. More than 95% of staff contribute to the United Way. Associates additionally contribute through a donation program that is tied to wearing jeans on Fridays, and staff lend leadership talent to board service for Junior Achievement, United Way and other community groups. First Vincennes Savings Bank Last spring, First Vincennes Savings Bank created a new staff position – assistant CRA officer – to address Community Reinvestment Act outreach and community service by dedicating at least three business days per month volunteering in the community and coordinating staff volunteer opportunities. As a result, the bank has formed partnerships with Pace Community Action Agency Inc. in Vincennes, which operates a Head Start program for low-income preschool children and their families, and with KCARC, which provides support in Knox County for individuals and families with special needs. Additionally, the assistant CRA officer has coordinated events such as a concert benefiting Helping His Hands Food Pantry, PACE, KCARC and YMCA, as well as opportunities for staff to assist with food pantries, Nutrition on Weekends, the lunch buddy mentor program, academic school boards, Habitat for Humanity, educational foundations, leadership programs, clothing centers, Lions Club, Children and Family Services, Kiwanis, United Way, Backpack Blessings and chambers of commerce. Home Bank, Martinsville Fostering a company culture of giving and serving, Home Bank has been committing 10% of net earnings since 2012 to improving the quality of life in its community. In 2019 more than $164,000 was provided to nonprofits in Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties. A bank gifting committee determines where needs exist, with a focus on poverty, education, mental and physical health, youth in crisis and community sustainability. Recipient organizations of the bank’s gifting program are evaluated by the standard, “Are we making lives better?” Outcomes of the Home Bank gifting program include job training for local residents, improved reading performance for elementary students, counseling programs for at-risk youth, access to healthcare for under-resourced individuals, and influence in the formation of two new nonprofit organizations. Employees are involved, with the bank providing paid release time for community activities during the work day. An annual bank award recognizes outstanding servant leadership in the community. Kentland Bank Kentland Bank is supportive of organizations including Junior Achievement, chambers of commerce, Rotary Club, the Newton County Fair Board, CDC Resources Inc., Shriners Hospital, Goodland Lions Club, Aubrey’s Angels, Earl Park Fall Festival Committee, Iroquois County Genealogy Society, Iroquois County Historical Society, Iroquois-Ford County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois County, Kiwanis Club, Juvenile Justice Council and Masonic Lodge. The bank also supports local events, including Kentland Halloween Carnival, South Newton Interact Club, Benton County Food Pantry and Kentland Food Pantry. Additionally, Kentland Bank offers monetary donations to facilities such as the Newton County 4-H building and the Kentland Fire Department’s firehouse, as well as Iroquois Hospital. Staff are supported in their participation so they can find their own passion for causes. Kentland Bank examines its reFirst Federal Savings Bank supports scholarships to families of students at Huntington Catholic School. First Vincennes Savings Bank sponsored a fundraiser concert for United Way of Knox and Crawford counties. Home Bank personnel lend a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity, one of many causes supported by the bank.
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