Reading, PA – Visions Federal Credit Union teamed up with the Berks Counseling Center for their BeWise Conference on November 1st. The conference was catered to human services professionals, with the goal of teaching them about utilities, consumer protections, and financial wellness.
Alongside the other presentations, a team of Visions employees hosted their Life is a Reality program for the more than 150 attendees. This program assigns attendees with a "salary" based on their assigned profession, then has them make tough financial choices to best budget their monthly income. For some attendees, it was an eye opener into the challenges their clients faced.
"When it comes to counseling their clients, it helps to put themselves in their shoes," said Colleen Barton, Visions' Financial Wellness Officer. "Overall, most left with a better understanding of the hard financial choices their clients must make."
Visions regularly hosts Life is a Reality programs throughout the regions it serves, typically to high school students. Recently, they have been expanding their reach to cater to business and organizational members.
"It's always satisfying to share my expertise," said Business Development Officer, Sarah Parton. "Connecting with community members and educating them on their financial choices can really make an impact in their lives."
About Berks Counseling Center
Berks Counseling Center (BCC) is a fully licensed, private non-profit behavioral health Agency operating in Berks County since 1977. Their clinical and counseling services have evolved over the years, demonstrating BCC's strong commitment to meeting the unique and growing mental health needs of the diverse community we serve. Their culturally competent and integrated services provide the needed care to individuals, children and adolescents, pregnant and parenting teens, and families, all whose lives are affected by mental illness and addiction. Their integrated behavioral and physical health home delivers a comprehensive and coordinated team-based approach to care for persons struggling with medical and mental health, and substance abuse disorders. They employ a multidisciplinary team of caring professionals working together to provide holistic, patient, and family-centered care.
About Visions
Visions Federal Credit Union is a nonprofit financial institution completely owned by its members. Established in 1966, Visions proudly serves over 200,000 members in communities throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Services include banking as well as auto, home, personal, and business loans.
Ref: Visions FCU Press Release