Rock Island Residents Celebrate Financial Empowerment Thanks to New Partnership
Participants of a new financial wellness program created by Rock Island’s West End Revitalization and Ascentra Credit Union will celebrate their growth at a graduation ceremony on Monday, May 5th, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
Over the past eight weeks, 16 participants have attended workshops on budgeting, building credit, avoiding predatory practices, creating generational wealth and more. Many also received one-on-one financial coaching from Ascentra professionals.
“You're not just helping people save money; you’re giving them information they can use to make meaningful changes,” said Alvaro Macias, Ascentra Credit Union VP of Community Development. “It’s especially impactful when it reaches someone who may have struggled with their finances in the past or may not have many people they can turn to for trustworthy financial guidance.”
Participants were selected through local partnerships, including the MLK afterschool and Family Advocacy programs, and other West End outreach efforts.
“This program is essential to building community, as it promotes individual potential and a sense of belonging while fostering trust through partnerships,” said Thurgood Brooks, West End Revitalization Coordinator. “By providing intentional, non-extractive financial resources and services to West End Rock Island residents, we can nurture unity, drive progress, and encourage collective growth, leading to a brighter future for the entire community.”
Ascentra was selected for its long-standing community involvement and commitment to financial empowerment.
“Ascentra’s proven track record, active engagement, and vision for fostering generational wealth make them an ideal partner in supporting our mission to drive sustainable community growth,” said Avery Pearl, West End Revitalization Coordinator.
Organizers say the program is one of many steps toward reversing systemic challenges facing the West End and lifting local families.
“When a positive investment is made in individuals within a community, the entire community is elevated,” said Linda Andry, Ascentra Credit Union CEO. “I also hope participants share what they have learned with members of their family, their friends and their community.”
“Poverty stems from both limited income and untaught financial habits,” added Pearl. “By empowering participants, we create a ripple effect… building a financially savvy community.”
The graduation not only marks a successful pilot of the program, but it also represents the start of a broader vision for the West End.
“We aim to equip youth and families with the knowledge to navigate financial systems before entering adulthood,” said Pearl. “This will build on our vision for creating a legacy of financial wellness for future generations.”
Monday’s graduation will feature participant reflections, program organizer remarks, completion certificates, financial incentives and refreshments.
For more information about the program or to learn how to get involved in future sessions, please contact Thurgood Brooks 309-732-2978 or Avery Pearl 309-732-2981 with the West End Revitalization organization and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
About Ascentra:
Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $556 million in assets and nine branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook, Instagram @ascentracu, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About West End Revitalization:
Founded in 2022, West End Revitalization, is a long-term community-driven effort focused on making the West End of Rock Island a preferred place to live, work, and thrive. Using the Collective Impact model, the initiative seeks to bring sustainable improvements to the area, enhance local amenities, support economic growth, and provide a vibrant, inclusive environment for all residents. For more details, visit mlkcenter.org/westend.
About The Martin Luther King Center:
Founded in 1975, The Martin Luther King Center, inspires greatness in the Quad Cities through community-building, education and service. Major programs currently include Substance Use Prevention; Teenage Pregnancy Prevention; Family Advocacy Center; free after-school and summer programs for children aged 6-14; a variety of clubs for people of all ages; free tax preparation assistance; four annual events for the community; and backbone support for the West End Revitalization.