VeteransPlus Awards Citi Salutes Financial Institutions Supporting Heroes (F.I.S.H.) Award
Houston, Texas – National Financial Literacy month is recognized in the United States in April in an effort to highlight the importance of financial literacy and to teach Americans how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. In recognition of Financial Literacy month, VeteransPlus, a 501 (c)(3) financial literacy organization serving military members and Veterans since 2008 has named Citi the winner of the inaugural 2013 Financial Institutions Supporting Heroes (F.I.S.H.) Award. The Award will be presented on April 23, to recognize Citi Salutes for helping to foster financial literacy among military personnel and veterans. The name of the award takes its inspiration from the Chinese proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” reflecting the VeteransPlus mission to teach financial literacy to provide a lifetime of financial wellness.
Citi is being recognized for the development of the Citi Salutes™ initiative, which consolidates all of Citi’s programs, products and partnerships that support the greater veterans’ community. Building on a proud tradition of best-in-class service to military veterans and their families, Citi Salutes comprises Citi’s long-term commitment to create career opportunities at Citi and within the broader financial services industry; design Citi banking products and services tailored to military customers; develop money management tools and resources to build financial capability; and forge effective partnerships, led by Citi Community Development, with veteran service organizations. For more information, visit www.CitiSalutes.com.
“A key component of the selection process for this award was to evaluate financial institutions from the perspective of the heroes we serve,” said VeteransPlus Executive Director John Pickens. “This selection validates that Citi not only supports the efforts of nonprofits serving the military and veteran community, but the institution has distinguished itself by recognizing the value of veterans as employees and community members.”
With support from Citi, last year VeteransPlus implemented the Operation Homefront Financial Education program, facilitating eight no-cost financial literacy workshops, seminars and events around the United States for the benefit of nearly 2,200 military and veteran families. VeteransPlus also participated in the 2012 Citi Military Road to Recovery Tour which featured five homeowner-support events near military bases around the country for current and former members of the Armed Forces. “We are honored to receive this recognition for the work of Citi Salutes, which has formalized Citi’s longtime support for veterans and military families,” said Natalie Abatemarco, Managing Director at Citi Community Development. “The challenging economic conditions together with persistently high unemployment among post-9/11 veterans mean that many military families that are struggling with debt need accessible and effective financial counseling. We’re pleased to work with VeteransPlus to make sure our men and women in uniform, Veterans, and their families have the support they need and deserve.”