Justice Exposed

In January 2018, the Bank partnered with the DC Department of Corrections providing financial empowerment sessions to over 80 incarcerated men and women. The first session began with groups in both medium and maximum-security levels and later included men ages 18 – 25 in a specialized group called Young Men Emerging (YME). Our financial empowerment program was not only well received by the residents of DC Jail and the YME group, but the surrounding community of non-profits dedicated to supporting returning citizens has also been extremely supportive of the Bank’s efforts.

Curriculum

• Session 1 – Bank Overview, Program Structure and Banking Basics
• Session 2 – The Importance of Saving and Budgeting
• Session 3 – Understanding and Managing Credit
• Session 4 – Effective Communication
• Session 5 – Understanding Insurance and Investments
• Session 6 – Entrepreneurship, Homeownership or Power of Attorney
• Session 7 – Graduation Ceremony/Presentation of Certificates by Bank President/CEO

Impact

Industrial Bank has gleaned publicity nationwide for its innovative program, the impact and several new relationships have been established solely due to our programming within the jail. Over 20 former DC Jail residents that completed the program have since been released and have established their first ever banking relationship with Industrial Bank. The Bank has participated in supporting the returning citizens as they encounter freedom, in most cases for the first time in over two decades.

• We maintain relationships with several non-profits and government entities that serve the justice exposed and we offer a uniquely designed suite of products for these populations.
• Industrial Bank is committed to serving as a recidivism interrupter and several bank employees have been certified as Re-entry Navigators, which will assist in coaching returning citizens towards a life of renewal, optimism, and service.
• Industrial Bank offers a unique “Community Banking” relationship designed for the justice exposed. Our Community Relationship accepts non-traditional ID, prevents the accumulation of overdraft fees and waives certain monthly service charges. This relationship includes a Checking, Savings, Steady Saver Certificate of Deposit (CD), and Individual Retirement Account (IRA) which are all part of the suite of products to support the financial goals of those needing a new financial beginning.

Read Articles Written About Our Program

• Next City IB Beyond Banking: This Black-Owned Bank Is Disrupting Recidivism With Financial Education in Prisons
• Industrial Bank Empowers D.C. Inmates with Financial Literacy Program
• Industrial Bank: Planting the seeds of financial success
• Industrial Bank Teaches Financial Literacy at D.C. Jail
• Press Release: Industrial Bank Financial Empowerment Program with the DC Department of Corrections Serves Incarcerated Individuals