Hannaford, Infinity Federal Credit Union recognized for their work with immigrants

Photo / Hannaford and Mainebiz archives Sherri Stevens, left, is Hannaford’s consumer affairs manager, and Elizabeth Hayes, is president and CEO of Infinity Federal Credit Union. Hannaford and Infinity will be recognized May 7 by ProsperityME for their work with Maine's immigrants.

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By Staff

ProsperityME’s mission is based on the understanding that our broader society benefits from a flourishing and economically independent Maine refugee and immigrant community.
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Hannaford Supermarkets and Infinity Federal Credit Union will be recognized for their work with Maine’s immigrant communities by ProsperityME: The Center for Financial Education.

Hannaford will receive the “Commitment to Service” award and Infinity Federal Credit Union the “Outstanding Community Partner” award at ProsperityME’s annual event on May 7. The awards are granted yearly to organizations that demonstrate their commitment to Maine’s immigrant communities through volunteerism and support of ProsperityME’s financial education programs.

Hannaford Supermarkets is the lead sponsor of this year’s event, the 11th Annual Community Block Party, and has donated over $60,000 in support of ProsperityMe’s financial education programs over three years

“We all share in the responsibility to keep our communities healthy, and when they are thriving, we all benefit,” said Sherri Stevens, Hannaford’s consumer affairs manager. “We’re honored to support the great work of ProsperityME. We thank them for sharing their skills that allow new neighbors that come from near and far to flourish in this great state.”

Infinity Federal Credit Union is a key partner in ProsperityME’s “Supporting Immigrant Tenants” or SIT housing program. The program grants an interest-free note to qualified asylum seekers to cover the security deposit on their first apartment. Infinity Federal Credit Union granted 11 bank notes to asylum seekers in 2018 under the SIT program.

“The people we’ve worked with have been gracious, grateful and committed to being a good partner,” says Elizabeth Hayes, Infinity’s president and CEO. “We are pleased to partner with ProsperityME in helping individuals and families learn the banking system and help them to lay the foundation for a strong and successful future. It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

A “Volunteer of the Year” award will be granted to community leader Sue Rudalevige for her longtime commitment to ProsperityME’s SIT housing note and education program.

At the May 7 event, ProsperityME also will announce the winners of the 2019-2020 PROSPER scholarship, a ProsperityME program designed to help asylum-seeking college students earn an associate’s degree at a Maine college or university.

Financial education students also will participate in a roundtable discussion on the positive impact that ProsperityME financial education classes have on the immigrant community.

The 11th Annual Community Block Party will be held May 7, at Portland Ocean Gateway from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite. Admission is $40 until May 1 and $45 at the door. The block party will feature music by Pichintu Choir and food from Asmara Restaurant, Isuken Co-Op and Ameera Bread.

About ProsperityME

ProsperityME’s mission is based on the understanding that our broader society benefits from a flourishing and economically independent Maine refugee and immigrant community. By providing the opportunity for financial literacy, ProsperityME fosters integration and stability, promoting a strong economy. ProsperityME assists in transitioning individuals and families out of poverty and into self-sufficiency by teaching them how to make sound decisions as they manage their personal finances.