Prison reentry program hits milestone with nearly 1,000 graduates

July 17 marked the one-year anniversary of Financial Beginnings' partnership with the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) to bring financial education to incarcerated residents preparing for reentry. Columbia Bank has supported this work through its ongoing partnership with Financial Beginnings, helping expand access to practical financial education for people preparing for a fresh start.

"At Financial Beginnings, we believe everyone deserves the tools to build a stable financial future, no matter where they're starting from," said Ronecca Norvell, Financial Beginnings CEO. "This partnership with IDOC and Columbia Bank shows what's possible when organizations come together around that belief. We're grateful to Buck and the entire IDOC team for welcoming us into this work, and to Columbia Bank for the time, talent, and support their associates bring to every cohort."

Through the Strategies to Achieve Financial Empowerment (SAFE) curriculum, Financial Beginnings and Columbia Bank volunteers help residents build money management skills they can use as they return to their communities. In its first year, the program has reached an important milestone: fourteen cohorts have completed the financial education programming, serving nearly 1,000 residents preparing for reentry, with a graduation rate of nearly 90%.

David "Buck" Fry, facilitator and coordinator of the Immersion Pre-Release program at Idaho State Correctional Center, has been a key partner in bringing the work to life, connecting residents with education, career development, and other resources that support reentry.

"Since our partnership began with Financial Beginnings, presented by Columbia Bank, we have seen a tremendous uptick in participation by residents enrolled in our Immersion Pre-Release program," said Fry. "This curriculum is perfectly aligned with the most important elements for our residents' success — financial protection, understanding credit and debt, and having goals and tools for life back in the community. My thanks to everyone at Financial Beginnings for their willingness to work with our program for the betterment of individuals seeking a second chance."

Residents who complete the pre-release cohort receive a certificate at graduation, and Fry encourages them to reach out after release if they need help or simply want to share how they're doing.

"Our partnership with Financial Beginnings and the Idaho Department of Correction has been incredibly rewarding for our facilitators and volunteers," said Amanda Avery, EVP, Executive Credit Officer at Columbia Bank. "Participants are eager to learn, and for many, this is their first opportunity to receive meaningful financial education. We're proud to support a program that equips individuals with practical life skills and has demonstrated a positive impact on reducing recidivism."

As the program enters its second year, Columbia Bank associates interested in volunteering can sign up for an upcoming webinar orientation on July 23 to learn more about Financial Beginnings and how to become an educator.