Our support for our customers goes beyond traditional banking services and support and into the communities we call home. For the last three years, our St. Louis office has partnered with three local organizations to help enrich and build the community it serves.
Safe and stable homes
In 2019, former MLB pitcher and World Series Champion Kyle McClellan approached UMB to discuss a partnership with his organization, Brace for IMPACT 46‡, an organization that partners with Tabernacle Community Development Corporation‡ (TCDC) to purchase and renovate homes in the north St. Louis area and employs local contractors to conduct the work. At this meeting, Kyle shared that the groups provide safe, stable homes for families in need, and in turn the families pay rent, attend quarterly seminars that focus on the needs of their family, and volunteer in the community 2-4 hours per month.
Many of us take for granted the stability provided by having a place to call home, so it was truly inspiring to learn more about the steps IMPACT and TCDC had taken to provide a house to those in need. By the end of Kyle’s presentation, we knew these were two organizations we wanted to partner and grow with.
Since then, UMB Bank has lent more than $1 million and donated more than $60,000 to support the mission of IMPACT and TCDC. With UMB’s financial assistance, six homes have been renovated, 22 family members have been impacted and 96 local jobs have been created. The families who reside in the homes have also experienced positive effects on their personal lives including improved student attendance, student GPA, employment retention and more.
Helping youth thrive
Housing plays a critical role in a person’s success and stability, and the relationships and lessons learned as a young adult are just as important. Elevate St. Louis‡, is a local organization that builds long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth by equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.
When we were introduced to the Elevate team, we were quickly drawn to the work they are doing with the youth in our schools. Not only are they addressing developmental assets needed for healthy growth, but they’re also teaching life skills needed to create long-term success and with that, financial stability.
According to dosomething.org‡, every year more than 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics stated getting students to complete high school raises the average weekly incomes by $9,400 a year. Over the course of their lifetimes, a high school dropout will earn an average of $375,000 less than high school graduates, and roughly $1 million less than college graduates. As a result of Elevate’s programs, 100% of their 2021 graduates are enrolled in college, military or trade school and are on their way to achieving long-term success.
Through the partnership with Elevate St. Louis, UMB has provided both financial support and education through volunteerism. I recently spoke with a group of students to discuss my journey to my role at UMB and the benefits of financial education – and more UMB associates are scheduled to speak in the future.
We aim to support programs, events and activities that promote and lead to self-sufficiency in ways that build and sustain vibrant communities and these three organizations do just that. We’re excited to continue to support their endeavors and see their impact for years to come.
Stay informed on industry trends and noteworthy company news by visiting our Industry News section on umb.com. Follow UMB on LinkedIn‡ and Facebook‡ to see regular updates about our company, people and timely financial perspectives.
When you click links marked with the “‡” symbol, you will leave UMB’s website and go to websites that are not controlled by or affiliated with UMB. We have provided these links for your convenience. However, we do not endorse or guarantee any products or services you may view on other sites. Other websites may not follow the same privacy policies and security procedures that UMB does, so please review their policies and procedures carefully.
