From 2003 to early 2008, U.S. Bank allowed HAP programs to use the top floor of its 1000 Payne Avenue branch at no cost.  Thanks to U.S. Bank’s generosity, HAP was able to provide services to the community without interruption until every part of the building at 1075 Arcade Street was move-in ready.   HAP truly appreciates U.S. Bank’s in-kind donation of space for our community needs.

Our excellent relationship with U.S. Bank continues today, thanks to the creativity and generosity of spirit exhibited by Bank President/Manager José A. Martinez and his staff.  José Martinez has always valued our East Side communities, from newcomers to long-time residents.  He pays particular attention to the approximately 30% of his customers who speak Hmong and has made multiple efforts to reach out to them.  He has hired and trained HAP participants to work as tellers, and calls HAP’s Job Development Team with word of job openings at his branch and other U.S. Bank locations.  Additionally, the bank has helped community members to start bank accounts and access other financial products and services. These accounts and financial products and services have been a great resource for many of our newly-arrived refugee/immigrant participants, most of whom have little or no knowledge of formal banking systems.

Several times each year, U.S. Bank staff members, such as Personal Banker Casey Dewalt, have been kind enough to give bank tours, presentations about bank-related careers, and basic financial literacy presentations to HAP’s English and Employment Readiness classes.  Casey Dewalt and Customer Service Manager Jessica De La Cruz led the most recent tour on April 30, 2009.  The students from HAP’s Employment Readiness class appreciated these bankers’ time, careful attention to their questions, and thoughtful answers.