PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

BANK ON SAVANNAH
2009 – 2010
stepupsavannah.org/bankonsavannah
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
AND STEP UP SAVANNAH BOARD CHAIR

In May 2009, we launched the Bank on Savannah program as the

first comprehensive program in Georgia to work collaboratively with
financial institutions, local government, financial regulators and
community-based organizations to bank the unbanked.

One year ago our research told us that there are an estimated
10,000 people who are unbanked in Savannah’s highest poverty
neighborhoods. Today, thanks to help from our local financial
institutions we are very proud to report that we have reached the goal
that we set one year ago—to open 1,000 bank accounts in Savannah.
In addition to banking hundreds of unbanked Savannahians, the
program has also taught financial education classes to over 3,000
people and developed alternative financial products that have
saved low-income hard working families thousands of dollars. More
importantly we have sparked a local grassroots movement to bring
low-income consumers into healthy financial products and increase
the economic stability of hundreds and ultimately thousands, of
families.

This brochure provides a review of the successful first year of Bank

On Savannah and, most importantly, an opportunity to recognize the
hard work of all of our program partners who have contributed so
much to this unique initiative.

Best Wishes,

Otis Johnson Sister Pat Baber

Mayor Chair
City of Savannah Step Up Savannah Board of Directors
BANK ON SAVANNAH BY THE NUMBERS
April 2009 - May 2010

Financial Insitutions Participating financial institutions 11

Participating branch/office locations 28

Accounts Total accounts opened 1,011

Alternative Refund Advance Loan 155

Financial Education Financial Education Clients 3,024

Marketing & Outreach Brochures Printed and Distributed* 22,000

Flyers Printed in Spanish 500

DVDs 100

Bus Signs (48 CAT Buses) 99

Car Decals 30

Financial Ed class schedule postcards printed 7,500

Speaking Engagements/Neighborhood Meetings 38

*Sponsored in part by FDIC

BANK ON SAVANNAH: CUSTOMER STORIES

Wachovia/Wells Fargo – downtown customer

Downtown Teller Pat Page served a customer who thought she wouldn’t be able to
qualify for a bank account because of past ChexSystems history. A single mother
who is self employed and raising three children, her past bank experience left a
terrible taste in her mouth. As a result, she avoided traditional banks for years. She
had been cashing her checks at a check cashing store and paying fees she really
couldn’t afford.

With assistance from Teller Pat Page and Angie Moore, financial specialist, the
customer qualified for a new Bank On Savannah account without any trouble. By
taking just a little extra time, Angie was able to explain how to balance a checkbook
and the responsibilities of maintaining an account. Angie provided the woman with
the Bank On Savannah checklist, education flyers and phone numbers for financial
education classes held at local libraries. She’s not only the proud holder of a bank
account now but is SAVING as well because of the time Pat and Angie invested.

Carver State Bank – Ms. Wiggins

Ms. Wiggins’ bank account had been closed for some time because of too many
overdrafts. She explained that it had been her first; she was young and immature
and didn’t understand how to manage a checking account at the time. Given the
opportunity to open an account again, Ms. Wiggins is now determined to handle her
finances responsibly.

When Ms. Wiggins opened her Bank On Savannah account, a Customer Service
Representative explained to her in detail how to balance her checkbook. Ms.
Wiggins said that having an account makes a difference now when paying her bills.
She realizes she gave away hundreds of dollars of her hard-earned money when
she used a check casher or purchased money orders at a store. Now, she’s able to
save for emergencies and even trips with her children. Ms. Wiggins said she was
thrilled about having the chance to create a new financial life.
BANK ON SAVANNAH: Media Coverage Excerpts

Savannah Magazine, March 2010 – Lending a Hand

A community organization enlists local banks in helping those less fortunate
Through ‘Bank On Savannah,’ participants can open a checking account with $100 or less with no monthly
minimum balance. Bank representatives also work with applicants with no credit or bad credit, helping
them access the best available financial options.

La Voz Latina, September 2009 – Step Up Savannah brings banking services to poor neighborhoods
Building wealth with the help of a bank account is an important first step away from poverty and financial
literacy is an important focus for Step Up Savannah.

Bank On Savannah is focused on moving poor families toward economic self-sufficiency by encouraging
them to utilize the services of their neighborhood bank.

Savannah Morning News, May 2009 – Rukmana: Helping the poor fight predators
Bringing unbanked residents to mainstream financial services will save them money, since they won’t have
to pay fees for predatory financial services. It will also provide new opportunities for unbanked families to
build their financial stability. That’s why Bank On Savannah is essential in our efforts to alleviate poverty in
Savannah.

Wall Street Journal, January 2008 – Beyond Payday Loans

Helping the ‘unbanked’ enter the financial mainstream by opening checking and savings accounts…
will put money in the pockets of individuals and grow the economy…Over a lifetime, the average full-time,
unbanked worker will spend more than $40,000 just to turn his or her salary into cash.

The William J. Clinton Foundation’s Economic Opportunity Initiative will help more people enter the financial
mainstream by supporting the work of California -- as well as that of mayors in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York, Providence, San Francisco, Savannah and Seattle, each of whom are spearheading their own
efforts.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
to our Community and Supporters

Step Up Savannah would like to thank the following partners and supporters for
their contributions to Bank On Savannah.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS

City of Savannah
FDIC
Federal Reserve
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
National League of Cities
William J. Clinton Foundation
Cities of Financial Empowerment
American Insurance Group (AIG)
Pew Charitable Trust
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
United Way of the Coastal Empire 2-1-1
Neighborhood Improvement Association
Live Oak Public Libraries
La Isla Magazine
La Voz Latina
Savannah Neighborhood Associations
VITA / Chatham -Savannah
Asset Development Coalition

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Atlantic Bank & Trust
BB&T
Capitol City Bank & Trust
Carver State Bank
First Chatham Bank
The Coastal Bank
The Savannah Bank
Sea Island Bank
SunTrust Bank
United Community Bank
Wachovia / Wells Fargo Bank
Georgia’s Own Credit Union
WORKING TO BANK THE
Unbanked Across the Nation

Areas engaged in Bank On Campaigns (as of March 2010) 67 total

Savannah was one of the eight Faculty Cities to Launch BANK ON

www.joinbankon.org

Contact Bank On Savannah

912 . 232 .6747
bankonsavannah@gmail.com
stepupsavannah.org/bankonsavannah
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS