Port Washington State Bank (PWSB) is proud to announce that it has received a $5,000 Housing and Economic Development Grant from the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) to support housing, economic development, community investment, and financial, cyber, and housing literacy initiatives throughout Wisconsin.

To maximize the impact of the grant, PWSB is matching the award with a $5,000 donation of its own, bringing the total investment to $10,000 to launch a new financial education program in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul of Ozaukee County.

The funding will support the implementation of the Getting Ahead workshop, a structured 16-session program designed to help individuals and families achieve greater financial stability and long-term economic independence.

Throughout the course, participants will work to identify barriers that may be preventing them from reaching their financial goals, develop practical financial tools, establish achievable objectives, and create personalized plans for long-term success. The program's ultimate goal is to help participants move beyond the need for short-term assistance by providing the knowledge and resources necessary to build lasting financial security.

To encourage participation and help remove barriers to attendance, the program will also offer small stipends to participants.

“Financial literacy and housing assistance give individuals and families in our state the foundation they need to succeed,” said Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “We are proud to provide this grant opportunity that allows banks and nonprofit organizations to strengthen their programs. Together we can empower Wisconsin’s citizens toward homeownership and brighter financial futures.”

For PWSB, the partnership represents a meaningful investment in the long-term well-being of the community.

“This program is a strong representation of our values in that financial literacy brings about financial independence,” said James Schowalter, President and CEO of Port Washington State Bank. “St. Vincent de Paul is an important community partner in helping individuals and families in Ozaukee County to not just get back on their feet, but to get ahead and feel confident in their future. We are proud to partner with St. Vincent de Paul to help them achieve that mission.”

By combining the expertise and community focus of PWSB and St. Vincent de Paul, the Getting Ahead Program will provide participants with practical skills, confidence, and a roadmap toward a more secure financial future, strengthening families and the broader Ozaukee County community along the way.

For more information on St. Vincent De Paul’s Getting Ahead Program, visit svdpozaukee.org/getting-ahead.