Tell us about your company/organization.
U.S. Bancorp, with 74,000 employees and $495 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2019, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank a 2019 World’s Most Ethical Company. Visit U.S. Bank at usbank.com or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.
Our unified giving and engagement strategy, Community Possible, focuses on closing gaps between people and possibility in the areas of Work, Home and Play. We believe the building blocks of all thriving communities where all things are possible include: stable employment opportunities, a home to call your own, and a community connected through culture, arts, recreation and play.
How did you hear about Hands4Hope?
I (Pamela Maxwell) learned about Hands4Hope when I met Jennifer Bassett opening the bank account for Hands4Hope. She shared her story about how she started with her children and a small group from her church and at that time she was launching a nonprofit. In particular, she shared with me the toiletry drive that they were going to be having. At the time I had an infant but thought what a great way to get my daughter involved in the future.
What is the reason(s) for sponsoring Hands4Hope?
At U.S. Bank, we view financial education as an investment for the future. It is the key to helping our customers and their families have the confidence and stability necessary to build on their successes and make their futures possible. That is why we support programs and organizations like Hands4Hope that focus on achieving financial wellness for all stages of life.
For example, funding from US Bank will finance a Budget & Financial Literacy Workshop for the Hands4Hope youth leadership, teaching our teens the financial basics to manage their project finances with confidence. The workshop includes basic financial terms, planning, setting goals, developing and managing a budget, and managing credit.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
It was a pleasure being a board member in the early years of Hands4Hope, then moving into Vice Chair and also Chair for a couple of years. I enjoyed the outreach that I participated in Sacramento, providing bag lunches, serving at the Park in Placerville years ago, Blanket Making with my girls and husband and attending Benefit Dinners, and still being a part of Hands4Hope today with being on the Placerville Steering Committee. Hands4Hope is a great organization to inspire and empower youth to be leaders, while acting at the same time, through giving back to their community, and along the way learning life skills such as budgeting and financial management. I am glad to see the expansion of Hands4Hope into Placerville and look forward to more growth for Hands4Hope to other Communities inside and outside El Dorado County.