PROVISO TOWNSHIP "BANK DAY" AT PNC A SUCCESS! UNBANKED LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS PROVIDED A "SECOND CHANCE" Over 40 low-income households in Proviso Township registered to participate in the March 26th "Bank Day” at PNC Bank, Westchester in Proviso Township. Facilitated by the Monroe Foundation, in partnership with the Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action, based in Maywood, this is the first in a series of "Bank Day” events that will be held in the coming months. Proviso Township, Bronzeville and Chatham, are part of an ongoing campaign led by the F.L.E.D. Project (Financial Literacy Equals Deposits), that encourages unbanked low-income households to "flee’ from currency exchange "check cashing services”, and participate i financial education and money management workshops being held across the Chicago-land area in targeted communities where PNC Bank has a branch/market presence. After completion of the workshop, participants are eligible to open a PNC Bank ~ Foundation Checking or "Second Chance" account......for only $25, and NO FEES! Otis C. Monroe, III, CEO of the Monroe Foundation and coordinating partner for the FLE.D. Project, stated, "Almost two dozens low-income families opened accounts at "Bank Day" in Proviso Township. Over 40 low-income households from Proviso Township and Chicago's Austin community participated in money management workshops facilitated by PLCCA (Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action), the Westside Ministers Coalition and Nobel Neighbors Community Organization. Because of such an overwhelming response, the F.LE.D. Project will hold several more by the end of the year, including an upcoming "Bank Day” in Chicago's Bronzeville community”. ‘The F.LE.D Project was launched in September, 2010 as a campaign to provide alternatives to rising bank account fees that disproportionately impact low- income households, low-wage earners, youth and senior citizens. ‘The F.LE.D. Project is supported by a grant from PNC Bank. To schedule a Foundation of Money Management Workshop at your site, a minimum of 15-20 participants are required. Recruitment of all participants will be done by you, the partner. Contact Athena Williams, project manager, at (773) 914- 1534.