NSB Donates $5,000 to ProsperityME; NSB Serving as Sponsor of 17th Annual Community Block Party
PORTLAND—Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who have arrived in Maine receive guidance on building more fulfilling and rewarding lives in their new home thanks to ProsperityME.
“Many immigrants come from cash-based societies and are unfamiliar with how money and credit work in America, our banking system, and how to save for the future. By providing basic money management understanding and skillsets, ProsperityME helps them to attain financial stability, which is the first step to fully integrating and participating in our communities, joining our workforce, and planning for the future,” said Claude Rwaganje, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who founded ProsperityME in 2008.
Rwaganje has overseen the offering of nearly 400 financial courses and workshops that have benefited more than 10,000 immigrants, refugees, and asylees who learn more about managing their finances to enable better futures.
“We’re grateful to the many volunteers who donate their valuable time and expertise to our programs and students, and our work is made possible by corporate partnerships and sponsorships, private donations, and grants,” said Rwaganje.
A longtime supporter of ProsperityME, NSB recently contributed $5,000 and will serve as a Gold Sponsor of the organization’s 17th Annual Community Block Party at Innovation Hall on the University of New England’s Portland campus on Thursday, October 9. The annual event provides networking opportunities, food, live entertainment like Inganzo Gakondo (a traditional Rwandan dance troupe), and much more.
“NSB’s support is critical to our organization,” said Rwaganje. “It supports a talented, multi-cultural staff working to deliver impactful programs who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients. It is appreciated and allows us the fiscal flexibility to respond to unexpected challenges.”
ProsperityME’s dedication to building trust, increasing accessibility, and helping newcomers in their daily lives cannot be overstated.
“Financial education, career counseling and development, resume building, housing assistance, college scholarships, the list goes on and on. NSB is honored to support the amazing work of this organization and truly grateful for the difference they are making in many lives,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of NSB.
“Our work would not be possible without the generosity of friends and neighbors like Norway Savings Bank,” said Rwaganje. “Together, we are inspiring positive change and a collective pride in a diverse Maine.”
ProsperityME offers many opportunities to lend a helping hand. To learn about becoming a staff member or volunteer, call 207-797-7890 or visit www.prosperityme.org/joinus. To explore a financial commitment, head to www.prosperityme.org/donate.
