'Spilling the trust' on financial empowerment

SANDUSKY — Those at the United Way of Erie County and Directions Credit Union are partnering together on a new podcast initiative, titled "Spilling the Trust – A Community Chat on Financial Wellness," focused on financial empowerment, community conversations and youth engagement throughout Erie County. The podcast series builds upon a strong year of financial empowerment initiatives connected to the United for ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained employed) movement, including tax preparation services and United Way's Financial Literacy Workshop Series. United For ALICE is a national initiative that highlights working individuals and families who earn above the poverty line but still struggle to afford basic needs like housing, food, transportation and health care. Each effort has intentionally focused on incorporating youth into meaningful leadership opportunities and real-world community engagement. "Spilling the Trust" will create space for authentic conversations surrounding finances, financial wellness, community challenges, opportunity and collaboration. The initiative will also serve as an opportunity to introduce Directions Credit Union to the Sandusky and Erie County community in a meaningful and relationship-centered way as the organization continues expanding its presence within the region. The podcast also represents the second podcast initiative launched through United Way of Erie County, following the organization's "Healing Connections" podcast series focused on mental health, addiction recovery, resilience and community healing. The United Way of Erie County has incorporated several young leaders into the series, including: • Alexandria Huffer of Huron High School • Elijah Murri of Sandusky High School • Garrett Jackson, a young professional • Members of the Directions Credit Union team Speaking up Several people involved with the podcast spoke about its significance: "I believe being part of the process builds leadership and helps us absorb information better," said E.J. Brinson, executive director of United Way of Erie County. "This podcast gives us an opportunity to bring together multiple perspectives and generations to have honest conversations surrounding finances and community," Brinson said. "At the same time, it creates an authentic opportunity for the community to get to know Directions Credit Union beyond banking through conversations, relationships and shared investment in people. When youth are included in the work, they begin to see themselves as leaders capable of creating impact." Added Jenni Paramore, the community impact manager at Directions Credit Union: "Addressing financial health requires more than products: It requires partnership, understanding and community voice. Together with United Way, we're helping (many) households move from survival to stability." Huffer shared the following: "It's important to give back to the community because it's our youth, elderly and everyone in between. Giving back and helping the community helps people in need and makes our city a better place. Watching my father interact with the community and help make a difference really inspires me to want to give back and help. For teenagers, the opportunities are out there. You just have to leave your comfort zone and ask questions. Giving back not only helps the community, (but) it also helps you build your future as well." Want to listen? Initial episodes of "Spilling the Trust" will include: • Episode 1: Introducing Directions Credit Union and the Partnership • Episode 2: Building a Financial Foundation • Episode 3: Why Credit Unions Matter • Episode 4: Tools and Resources That Help People Move Forward The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening community relationships, increasing access to financial empowerment conversations, and creating opportunities for emerging leaders to engage directly in meaningful work. The podcast series will be filmed over the next few weeks and released across the United Way's website and YouTube channel, Directions Credit Union platforms along with other media platforms. Full episodes will be available for viewing in late June.