Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment

Why did you become involved with this organization?

“After a few years working in this industry, I realized that we were missing out on an opportunity to educate more people who could eventually participate in the investment world. In 2003, I co-founded Literacy for Financial Enrichment for two reasons. First, I wanted to focus on education as opposed to trying to sell a product. Most organizations doing any type of education are tied to the goal of product sale. Second, I wanted to focus on young people, to plant the seeds while they’re still young and impressionable, so they can make good decisions and avoid the bad ones.”

What is the grant for and how will it benefit the community?

The mission of LIFE is to provide educational programs and resources to individuals, families and communities that enable them to: expand their financial knowledge on credit, credit cards, credit scores; avoid and reduce excessive debt; develop self-sufficiency; and create, preserve and transfer wealth. With additional resource and technology support, LIFE can enhance its impact and reach throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, and expand to other parts of the United States via online webinars and workshops. About 95% of our financial seminars and programs have been for Black and minority audiences. We have also worked with specialized populations, including at-risk youth, returning citizens (formerly incarcerated), rural populations and victims of domestic abuse.

We’re looking forward to serving the community all over the country by investing in the technology and tools that will allow us to do that.