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Left to Right: Julie Orenstein, Cammy McCluskey, and
Guillermo Sandoval |
Cammy McCluskey, Branch Manager for the Spokane - Market Street Branch, was presented with the 2008 1st Quarter award for “Doing the Right Thing” as a result of her involvement with the YWCA Hope & Power program.
The Hope & Power program is part of the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program. Through Hope & Power, women transitioning from abusive situations are given help to build financial independence. As a personal banker and a survivor of domestic violence, Cammy felt she was in the perfect to help other survivors put their lives back together.
After leaving a domestic violence situation, women often have poor credit due to their partner’s controlling what they do. The Hope & Power program partners with financial experts throughout the Spokane community, such as Tax Aid and Campus Kitchen, to offer workshops that focus on financial skills, connection with resources, and safety planning for people in transition from abusive relationships. Classes cover topics from how to set up a checking account, using a credit card, how to protect yourself from identity theft, and how to save.
After contacting the YWCA to see how she could help, Cammy learned that they were looking for a partner bank to help teach basic banking classes. After that, “everything fell into place perfectly” says Cammy. “When any of the participants are able to open an account and maintain it in a satisfactory manner, I know that I’ve helped someone start over.”
Through a new secured credit card program, Hope & Power is helping women rebuild their credit. This program allows women to apply for a secured credit card, with the security deposit funded by a partner agency, which they can use for up to one year to rebuild their credit. After that year, they are encouraged to reapply for an unsecured credit card.
As a result of her involvement with the YWCA, Cammy has also become involved with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, and the Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program.
For anyone interested in giving back to their community, Cammy recommends that you think about what you are passionate about, or what moves you on a personal lever. “Volunteering your time and blood, sweat and tears involves caring about what you are doing and who it affects” she says.
In recognition of Cammy’s community involvement, Banner Bank has presented her with a plaque, a day off with pay and a $1,000 donation to the charity of her choice. Cammy chose to give her donation to the YWCA Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program.