ING and Operation HOPE Bring Banking on Our Future to Atlanta
On May 19, 2004, ING and Operation HOPE announced a partnership to bring Banking on Our Future into Atlanta. ING Foundation President and Head of Community Relations, Rhonda Mims, Georgia State Insurance and Industrial Loan Commissioner John Oxendine, and Special Projects Coordinator for Atlanta Public Schools Carolyn Hart, joined John Bryant at Austin T. Walden Middle School to announce the establishment of a new Banking on Our Future chapter in Atlanta.
“Future financial success begins with a sound financial education,” said Mims. “ING is committed to enhancing the opportunity for all people to build a more secure financial future, and Operation HOPE offers Atlanta’s children a solid foundation.”
The ING Foundation has provided funding to establish a Banking on Our Future chapter in Atlanta, where a program coordinator from Operation HOPE will work to recruit banking and corporate “HOPE Corps” members to teach financial literacy in Atlanta schools.
“One of the biggest social problems that faces our country is financial illiteracy,” said Commissioner Oxendine. “I have personally committed to doing something about this problem in Georgia by joining with Operation HOPE and ING to bring Banking on Our Future to Atlanta’s children.”
"In Atlanta, our comprehensive school reform initiative is improving student achievement, in part, by challenging our students and by providing them with engaging academic programs that broaden their educational experience,” said Dr. Beverly Hall, Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. "In that respect, Banking on Our Future is a quality enrichment program that serves as a perfect supplement to our curriculum."
"Financial literacy is one of the most powerful life skills that we can give to our children,” said Kwanza Hall, District 1 Representative for the Atlanta Board of Education. "I commend John Bryant, ING, Commissioner Oxendine and Superintendent Beverly Hall for making the Banking on Our Future program possible and I urge Atlanta's financial services industry to support a district wide rollout."
ING Groep N.V. (NYSE: ING) is one of the largest integrated financial services companies in the world, providing insurance, banking, and asset management products. The company strives to provide an innovative, client-focused approach to its financial products and services through strategic global distribution channels. In the U.S., ING offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include financial planning, mutual funds, retirement plans, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, life insurance, employee benefits, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. Globally, ING serves over 60 million private, corporate, and institutional clients throughout 50 countries.
Paul Quinn College Bestows Operation HOPE Founder with Honorary Doctorate at 2004 Commencement Ceremony
On May 08, 2004, John Bryant gave the 2004 commencement address at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, TX. Paul Quinn College and its Board of Trustees have bestowed upon Bryant an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, for his contributions to the educational community, which he also received at the ceremony.
Paul Quinn College awarded more than 120 Baccalaureate degrees this year in Arts & Sciences, Professional Studies and Education during the 132nd Commencement Ceremony. Joining John Bryant in receiving honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters was Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, A.M.E. Rev. Dr. Raymond Bryant, and Peggy E. Sterling, American Airlines’ Vice President of Safety, Security and Environmental.
“In the 21st century, education is the ultimate poverty eradication tool, and I am honored to share this exciting day with the distinguished graduates of Paul Quinn College. You are the future leaders of America, and this college has prepared you to lead our nation and to realize your dreams,” Bryant told the graduates. “Historical Black Colleges and Universities are responsible for educating more than 70% of all the African American professors today! You should be very proud of Paul Quinn College and your accomplishments. I encourage you all to look back, remembering those who helped you realize this dream, and as you look forward to your future endeavors, I encourage you to work toward helping others realize their dreams.”
Paul Quinn College, established in 1872, is an independent undergraduate, coeducational, residential institution that is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Paul Quinn College strives to be a learning and nurturing community committed to developing productive citizens. The aim of Paul Quinn College is to provide quality education in a Christian-Centered environment to traditional and adult students to produce servant-leaders who combine intellect and faith in their respective careers.
For More Information on Paul Quinn College, Please Visit: http://www.pqc.edu
Operation HOPE, Inc. and U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings Celebrate Banking on Our Future Success in Baltimore
On May 07, 2004, U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), Harbor Bank of Maryland Founder, Chairman and CEO Joseph Haskins and executives from Provident Bank and the Harbor Bank of Maryland joined John Bryant to congratulate 120 students who have successfully completed the Banking on Our Future program at Booker T. Washington Middle School.
In December of 2003, Operation HOPE’s Banking on Our Future program in Baltimore was launched at City Springs Elementary School, where Congressman Cummings and leaders in Baltimore's banking industry taught over 150 students the basics of financial literacy. Since then, 11 schools in Baltimore have signed up for the Banking on Our Future program, and over 1,000 youth have been educated by volunteers from more than six banks and the Urban Financial Services Coalition.
"As a Member of Congress, my number one priority is to empower my constituents. Whenever I learn of a program that is effectively helping people to live their best lives I will do everything within my power to make sure my constituents have access to it,” said Congressman Cummings. “Banking on Our Future gives young people the financial skills they need to gain economic success. Students learn the basics of spending and saving money so they can make responsible choices for the future. I am proud that students in my district are benefiting from this positive program."
Congressman Cummings made a commitment to help bring Banking on Our Future to Baltimore after learning about the success of the program in schools across the country. The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation is a national signature sponsor of Banking on Our Future and provided funding to establish a chapter in Baltimore, where a program coordinator from Operation HOPE is working with Congressman Cummings’ office to bring the program into Baltimore schools.
Operation HOPE, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Team Up to Teach Financial Literacy During Money Smart Week
On May 11, 2004, John Bryant and Alicia Williams, Vice President & Community Affairs Officer, joined to teach financial literacy to hundreds of students as part of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Money Smart Week.
Hundreds of children from Chicago public schools toured the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and then participated in a Banking on Our Future Session taught by Bryant, Williams, and executives from Banco Popular North America, Marquette Bank, LaSalle Bank and The Private Bank and Trust Company.
Money Smart Week was created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago along with members of its Money Smart Advisory Council, and is designed to help consumers better manage their finances and provide awareness of financial education programs available on topics such as budgeting and using credit wisely.
Money Smart Week was created during the first meeting of the Money Smart Advisory Council, and was held in Chicago for the first time in April 2002. Convened by Chicago Fed President Michael Moskow in July 2001, the council includes representatives from schools, libraries, community groups, banks, and city and state government agencies.
For More Information on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Smart Week, Please Visit:
NYBA, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Atkins, and Operation HOPE, Inc. Unite to Teach Banking on Our Future in New York
On May 12, 2004, President of the New York Bankers Association (NYBA) Michael P. Smith and Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO, John Bryant announced a partnership between Operation HOPE and the NYBA in the Banking on Our Future program. This announcement was made during a VIP banker-teacher session with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Paul S. Atkins at a lower east side elementary school.
"Financial literacy is critical to the youth of our nation,” said SEC Commissioner Atkins. “And I am happy to be working to help Operation HOPE with its important mission."
Under the partnership the NYBA will encourage their banking institution members to provide financial support and volunteers to teach Banking on Our Future in New York schools.
"The banking industry is firmly committed to financial education for youth because sound money management skills are critical to the future success of our youngsters,” said Michael Smith. “The New York Bankers Association is proud to partner with Operation Hope to bring these important life skills to our students in New York."
NYBA represents independent, community, regional and money center commercial banks throughout New York State with more than 280,000 employees and more than $1 trillion in assets.
Thanks to the guidance and direction of Ed Ingle, Sr. Director of Legislative Affairs at Microsoft, Operation HOPE is the recipient of $219,000 of in-kind donations in the form of software and licenses from Microsoft for use nationally within our corporate office, five HOPE Centers, and satellite offices. This grant signifies the launch of a national partnership with Microsoft, which we HOPE to extend and expand into programmatic areas in future years.
Microsoft's 20-year history of community engagement has fostered a variety of key community partnerships built on the mutual commitment to find sustainable technology solutions that make real and lasting differences in people's lives.
Last year alone, Microsoft contributed more than $40 million in cash and $224 million in software to nearly 5,000 nonprofit organizations.
Operation HOPE is proud to be powered by Microsoft and we are looking forward to assisting Microsoft in achieving their goals as it relates to community development and education utilizing technology.
Operation HOPE Honored by Urban Financial Services Coalition of Central Maryland
On May 10, the Urban Financial Services Coalition (UFSC) of Central Maryland presented Operation HOPE with an educational partner award at their annual breakfast at the Federal Reserve Bank building in Baltimore, Maryland. Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, Pat Tunstall and William Tignanelli of the Federal Reserve, and many senior executives from area banks attended the breakfast. Banking on Our Future was featured in UFSC’s presentation, informing everyone at the breakfast about Operation HOPE’s efforts in the city of Baltimore.
For More Information on the Urban Financial Services Coalition of Central Maryland, Please Visit: http://www.ufsccentralmd.org/
Operation HOPE Founder Attends U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission Meeting
On May 20, Operation HOPE founder John Bryant attended the second meeting of the U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission. The Commission promotes financial education in an effort to improve the financial literacy of all Americans. The Commission will work to encourage government and private sector efforts to promote financial literacy, and coordinate financial education efforts of the federal government, including the identification and promotion of best practices.
The first meeting of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission was held on Thursday, January 29, 2004. At the inaugural meeting, the members of the Commission discussed the establishment of subcommittees to fulfill two of the legislation’s charges: to establish and maintain a toll-free telephone number for financial education purposes; and establish and maintain a financial education website that will serve as a central clearinghouse for financial education information and programs.
The Commission is composed of the Secretary of the Treasury and the heads of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; the Office of Thrift Supervision; the Federal Reserve; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; the National Credit Union Administration; the Securities and Exchange Commission; the Departments Education, Agriculture, Defense, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Veterans Affairs; the Federal Trade Commission; the General Services Administration; the Small Business Administration; the Social Security Administration; the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and the Office of Personnel Management.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Financial Education is designated by Congress to lend its expertise and provide primary support to the Commission to assist it in fulfilling its functions and duties. The Office of Financial Education (OFE) was established in May 2002, as part of the Treasury Department’s long-term commitment to ensure that all Americans have access to financial education programs that will help them make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.
Union Bank of California, Nix Check Cashing and Operation HOPE Host Grand Opening for El Paseo Financial Services Center in South Gate
On May 27, 2004, George Ramirez, market president for Union Bank; John Bryant, and Tom Nix, president and CEO of Nix Check Cashing joined for the grand opening of the El Paseo Financial Services Center which offers traditional and non-traditional financial services and products to underserved areas.
Since the center opened for business in early March, low- to moderate- income residents of South Gate now have access to a full-service Union Bank branch, check-cashing services and access to financial education all in one convenient location.
“We recognize the potential for business and empowerment in a non-residential shopping center may seem unconventional. We are offering access to financial services to everyone regardless of where they live,” said Ramirez. “The El Paseo Financial Services Center brings all three partners together in a central location to provide vital financial services to residents of this city and nearby areas.”
At the new El Paseo Financial Services Center, Union Bank offers all the traditional services offered at their branches including, checking and savings accounts, consumer loans, mortgage lending, and small business lending. Nix Check Cashing provides access to a broad range of financial services, including money orders, small loans and money transfers, while Operation HOPE provides “soft banking” services including credit counseling, case management, economic education, loan preparation and outreach to the community. By leveraging Nix’s extensive network of store locations, banking services are now available to a community previously underserved by financial institutions.
“The fast, friendly and courteous services we’ve been providing to our customers for the last 37 years will be at the convenience of this community,” said Nix. “The partnership allows us to bring a wider range of services to a wider segment of the population.”
Carson-based Nix Check Cashing, founded in 1966 as a grocery business that cashed checks for low to moderate income customers, is one of the largest branded chains of check cashing facilities in California, serving more than 600,000 customers in 58 locations.
Along with check cashing, Nix provides a number of financial services and products including money orders and Western Union money transfers, postage stamps, phone cards, bus passes, pre-paid debit cards, EBT and payday advances. The company is a pioneer in the check cashing industry and helped found the National Check Cashers Association and the California Check Cashers Association.
Based in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a bank holding company with assets of $46.1 billion at March 31, 2004. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank of California, N.A., had 298 banking offices in California, 4 banking offices in Oregon and Washington and 21 international facilities, at March 31, 2004. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. owns approximately 63 percent of UnionBanCal Corporation.
For More Information on Union Bank of California, Please Visit: http://uboc.com
Operation HOPE now has a new satellite office at 3550 Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown. La Brea HOPE Center, Business Development Officer, Yoon Nam will work out of this office and provide technical assistance to small business owners and educate business owners through Operation HOPE’s entrepreneur classes. Local banks will also hold financial classes on loans and money management. This new office is a unique place for the community to access financial literacy and economic empowerment services and the services of local banks.
For his work in the Korean community, Yoon was recognized by the California State Assembly for his efforts to expand Small Business through a new loan program he developed in partnership with local banks. The State Assembly cited Operation HOPE’s efforts to further job growth and expansion within the Korean community and bring new opportunities for economic growth.
Oakland HOPE Center
The Oakland HOPE Center participated in the annual Oakland Cinco De Mayo Festival in the Fruitvale Area. The Celebration included 3 stages of live music, food, art, and educational information from local community groups like Operation HOPE. Civic Leaders from Oakland also attended the festival and remarked on the Bay Area’s commitment to diversity. The festival was a great way for the Oakland HOPE Center to introduce themselves to thousands of Oakland residents, the staff established many great relationships while handing out information and talking to festival attendees about the services that are available at Operation HOPE.
Washington, DC HOPE Center
May was a busy month for the DC HOPE Center, which continued to provide seminars in the Washington Metropolitan Area to Operation HOPE’s partner organizations, including:
May 3rd: First Baptist Church of Glenarden, SHABACH Aftercare May 7th: Prisoners Aid Association of Maryland May 13th: Prisoners Aid Association of Maryland May 17th: All Faith Consortium and Ballou STAY May 19th: Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation May 20th: Ballou STAY
To date, the DC HOPE Center has educated over 700 individuals on topics ranging from the Banking Basics, Savings Strategies, Credit and Homeownership.
The DC HOPE Center is pleased that the Office of DC Councilmember Vincent Orange (Ward 5), Howard University Small Business Development Center Network, the East Washington Heights Baptist Church, and Second Chance Project, Inc. have expressed support of our programs in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Councilmember Vincent Bernard Orange, Sr. (Ward 5) currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Government Operations. There are numerous agencies under the Committee on Government Operation's purview that play an integral role in developing the overall policy for the District of Columbia. He also sits on three standing committees: Public Services, Public Works and the Environment, and Labor, Voting Rights and Redistricting. Thank you Linda Perkins, Director, Constituent Services, for your continued support.
To Learn More About Councilmember Orange, and His Work to Encourage Economic Development in the District of Columbia, Please Visit:
The Howard University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is dedicated to promoting the growth, expansion, innovation, and increased productivity of small business owners in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The DC SBDC Network is available to provide free counseling and low cost training to assist businesses. Each year hundreds of small business owners and managers receive training through the DC SBDC Network and its partners. The DC HOPE Center will work with Howard SBDC Network to provide such training within our HOPE Center facility. We look forward to working with Mr. Henry Turner, Executive Director, Howard University SBDC Network, as we launch our Small Business program in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
For More Information on The Howard University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, Please Visit: http://www.dcsbdc.com
The DC HOPE Center has also entered into partnerships with some neighboring organizations in Ward 7 and 8. The DC HOPE Center recently met with Pastor Kip Banks of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church. Pastor Banks has been at East Washington Heights Baptist Church for two years and has already affected change in his surrounding community including bringing into coalition 20 churches in Southeast Washington as well as introducing Girl Scouting to young ladies in his congregation. The HOPE Center is excited about partnering with our new neighbor to work together to reach our similar missions. Happy Pastoral Anniversary Pastor Banks!
For More Information on the East Washington Heights Baptist Church, Please Visit: http://www.ewhbc.org
Operation HOPE also has a new partner in Baltimore, Second Chance Project, Inc, which is devoted to providing transition assistance to ex-offenders and to low-to-moderate income individuals in Baltimore, Maryland. The DC HOPE Center and M&T Bank will partner to provide a series of seminars to Second Chance Project, Inc. clients. Following the seminars, the DC HOPE Center will provide one-on-one case management to seminar attendees who are interested. Thank you Mr. Earl Salahuddin, Executive Director, for welcoming Operation HOPE’s programs to Second Chance Project, Inc.
Board of Directors Update
Murray Zoota
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Fremont Investment & Loan
Board Member since 1994
William A. Hanna
President
Cedars Bank
Board Member since 1995
William Hanna and Murray Zoota were honored as the 2003 Operation HOPE Co-Board Members of the Year. William Hanna, President of Cedars Bank, has in been instrumental in Operation HOPE’s success throughout the years, with Cedars Bank serving as Operation HOPE’s bank. Fremont Investment & Loan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Murray Zoota is the co-founder with John Bryant, of Banking on Our Future, which saw a phenomenal year in 2003, bringing U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, celebrities, bank CEO’s, Federal Reserve Bank Presidents, and even Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan into classrooms throughout the nation. Congratulations Directors Hanna and Zoota!
On April 30th, Operation HOPE Board Member Yolanda Brown, Senior Vice President at Union Bank of California gave a presentation at an international conference organized by the Colombian Banking Association (Asobancaria), the World Bank and the Colombian Ministry of Finance, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The theme of the conference was: "Access to Financial Services: Priority Tool for Development.”
The conference included a session on International Experiences in Broadening Access to Financial Services - Initiatives from the Public and Private Sector. Ms. Brown’s presentation focused on the success of Union Bank of California’s Cash and Save program in providing increased financial services to underserved communities. Ms. Brown’s presentation also included highlights of the Alliance Partnership with Operation HOPE, Union Bank and Nix Check Cashing. Way to go Yolanda!
Honorable Jack Kemp
Co-Director
Empower America
Board Member since 2002
Operation HOPE Board Member and Co-Director of Empower America Jack Kemp is a featured contributor to www.townhall.com. In May, Kemp gave is his thoughts on the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. the Board of Education.
On May 08, 2004, John Bryant gave the 2004 commencement address at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, TX. Paul Quinn College and its Board of Trustees have bestowed upon Bryant an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, for his contributions to the educational community, which he also received at the ceremony.
Paul Quinn College, established in 1872, is an independent undergraduate, coeducational, residential institution that is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Paul Quinn College strives to be a learning and nurturing community committed to developing productive citizens. The aim of Paul Quinn College is to provide quality education in a Christian-Centered environment to traditional and adult students to produce servant-leaders who combine intellect and faith in their respective careers.
ay 07, 2004, U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), Harbor Bank of Maryland Founder, Chairman and CEO Joseph Haskins and executives from Provident Bank and the Harbor Bank of Maryland joined John Bryant to congratulate 120 students who have successfully completed the Banking on Our Future program at Booker T. Washington Middle School. 
On May 11, 2004, John Bryant and Alicia Williams, Vice President & Community Affairs Officer, joined to teach financial literacy to hundreds of students as part of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Money Smart Week.
ust Company.
On May 27, 2004, George Ramirez, market president for Union Bank; John Bryant, and Tom Nix, president and CEO of Nix Check Cashing joined for the grand opening of the El Paseo Financial Services Center which offers traditional and non-traditional financial services and products to underserved areas. 
On April 30th, Operation HOPE Board Member Yolanda Brown, Senior Vice President at Union Bank of California gave a presentation at an international conference organized by the Colombian Banking Association (Asobancaria), the World Bank and the Colombian Ministry of Finance, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The theme of the conference was: "Access to Financial Services: Priority Tool for Development.”
