EASTON, Pa. — Easton Area Neighborhood Center soon will house a new financial education spot in an effort to provide residents with easy access to financial education.
First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union will move into the Neighborhood Center following the introduction last week of an Easton City Council resolution allowing for a sub-lease.
“The idea is to open a door in events that they host up there, that the Community Center hosts, to make sure there's staff there."Easton City Administrator Luis Campos
As the city serves as the master lessor for the property, council had to approve of the five-year sublease, which will cost First Commonwealth $166.67 per month, or $2,000.04 per year.
The location won't house any banking services, but staff will be on hand during community events to present educational financial materials for residents.
“The idea is to open a door in events that they host up there, that the Community Center hosts, to make sure there's staff there," City Administrator Luis Campos said.
"Secondly, that location will be supported by their four branches locally — Phillipsburg [and] the several Palmer locations.”
'A place that people contact'
The Neighborhood Center has been part of the community since 1967, when it was incorporated to assist low-income residents throughout the city.
“We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place where everyone is made to feel welcome and treated with dignity and respect."The Neighborhood Center website
“We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place where everyone is made to feel welcome and treated with dignity and respect,” The Neighborhood Center’s website reads.
“Because of that reputation, we are a place that people contact when they do not know where else to go for help.
"Staff stay current on services available to the community and make appropriate referrals so residents do not feel they are being sent from agency to agency.”
The center's 902 Philadelphia Road location offers information, referrals, and advocacy services, on top of access to transitional housing programs, utility assistance, Social Security representative payee services, a Senior Day Hub, a food pantry and the Easton Urban Farm.
Even without direct access to financial products, city officials said they hope the educational materials and advice provided by staff at the location will help local residents build a better understanding of their money, and how to make it work for them.
The Neighborhood Center location also could help direct new customers to other local First Commonwealth spots in the area.
“When I was a young lad, many, many decades ago — Mr. [Frank] Pintabone, if you're going to say it, I'll say it before you say it — The Neighborhood Center always had a credit union there," Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said.
"So this is bringing it back to help people manage their money and get a better education about what their money can do for them, and hopefully get loans and mortgages.”
