On Tuesday, April 8, CACRC had the opportunity to join the April Louisiana Jump Start Coalition meeting, where community leaders from local banks, the mayor’s office, and nonprofit organizations gathered to celebrate Financial Literacy Month.
Representing CACRC were Director of Resources Nicole Fitzgerald and Outreach Coordinator Robyn Rizzi. As the conversation unfolded, one theme became especially clear: financial literacy is about more than knowledge. It is also about access, opportunity, and the relationships that help people move forward.
Guest speaker Crystal Ward, Community Impact Senior Operations Director at Capital Area United Way, shared about the Bank On program and how it aligns with their childcare sponsorship efforts. Her message was both practical and powerful. She reminded the room that financial literacy is not just about education. It is also about opening doors to opportunity. She also shared an important truth that stayed with us: financial stability begins with relationships.
That message strongly resonated with our team because it reflects so much of what CACRC sees every day. While our work does not directly center on financial literacy, we know that access to technology can be a critical part of helping people move forward. A computer is more than a device. It can be a tool for applying for jobs, pursuing education, accessing telehealth, managing finances online, and staying connected to essential opportunities.
As CACRC continues its work this year, we are especially focused on supporting reentry efforts, workforce development, youth-serving organizations, and ALICE families, households that are working hard but still navigating the realities of limited income.
We are always grateful for opportunities to be in rooms like this one, where ideas are shared, relationships are strengthened, and new connections are made. It was an encouraging reminder that many organizations across our community are working toward the same goal: creating greater access and opportunity for the people we serve.
