"Not only do I live and work here, but I raise my five children here—I am deeply motivated to help in any way I can." - Umpqua Bank Store Manager Denise Chisley
Umpqua Bank proudly displays a sign in their lobby that promotes their affiliation with SparkPoint American Canyon, their neighbor just a few store fronts away. The partnership between SparkPoint and Umpqua Bank has come out of necessity and circumstance.
Located in southern Napa County, the small city of American Canyon (population 16,000) has been hit hard by the economic downturn. Its population soared 69% between 2000 and 2010, while the recent combination of job losses and home foreclosures has created the perfect economic storm.
“When SparkPoint opened their doors over a year ago in American Canyon, they helped many families in stabilize the financial hemorrhaging they were experiencing,” explains Umpqua Bank Store Manager Denise Chisley. “For families with mounting financial obligations, the value of SparkPoint is tremendous - the family-friendly center has a playroom for children, enabling parents to attend financial coaching workshops, conduct employment searches or receive career counseling, knowing that their children will be in safe environment.”
Supported by United Way, SparkPoint American Canyon Center is a one-stop, financial education center that brings together multiple services aimed at helping struggling families achieve lasting financial stability.
Bringing together community resources and partnering in creative and impactful ways throughout the year are the reasons this partnership has been so successful. For example, during tax season, Umpqua staff volunteer for SparkPoint’s free tax preparation service, saving low-wage taxpayers upwards of $200 in fees and ensuring they claim the maximum refunds for which they qualify.
And, when the weather is warmer and days are longer, Umpqua regularly loans their ice cream mobile to SparkPoint to bring sweets, treats and smiles to the community, while spreading the message that SparkPoint is here to help.
“The partnership between Umpqua and SparkPoint is good business,” Denise says. “If families don’t have steady income to spend at local companies, the entire community hurts. Not only do I live and work here, but I raise my five children here—I am deeply motivated to help in any way I can.”
Sherry Tennyson, director of SparkPoint American Canyon Center, says “We hope to establish many business partnerships like the one we have with Umpqua Bank, building trust with other local companies, so that we have an army of champions supporting our community and helping to spread the word about SparkPoint.”
Learn more about SparkPoint Centers throughout the Bay Area at www.sparkpointcenters.org.
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