The incredible work of the Central Florida Urban League's Center for Working Families was acknowledged recently by Fifth Third Bank when the CFUL was awarded a "Strengthening Our Communities" grant in the amount of $25,000.

Fifth Third Bank recognized the impactful Meet the Bankers program, an ongoing initiative that the bank piloted with the CFUL in 2016. These funds will be used to expand the Meet the Bankers program and continue to support financial stability initiatives in the community. 

The Meet the Bankers program pairs unbanked individuals with representatives from the banking industry. Through one-on-one meetings, hosted by the CFUL, these individuals have the opportunity to address their financial questions and concerns with industry professionals as well as establish a financial plan for their future. Meet the Bankers is a cornerstone in the CFUL's Center for Working Families, which also encompasses homebuyer education and financial workshops to assist with financial planning and move individuals towards the dream of homeownership.

The grant was presented to President and C.E.O., Glenton Gilzean Jr. and Khori Whittaker, C.E.O. of Lighthouse Academies, Inc. and CFUL Board Member, from Gregory L. Dryden, City President, Orlando, Esther Marshall, Vice President, Community & Economic Development and David Call, Regional President, Florida.

The Fifth Third Bank fund awards grants to designated nonprofit programs that support homeownership, affordable housing, small business development and financial stability for individuals and families. Programs in these areas strengthen and stabilize our communities and make them a better place to live, work and thrive.