Omaha, NE--(HISPANIC PR WIRE – PR NEWSWIRE)--January 10, 2008--More than 3,900 people have participated in free bilingual financial and academic education classes since Centro Latino de Educacion Financiera opened its doors in 2005, according to Deborah Keating, vice president and director of community development. The center operated by First National Bank in South Omaha has also processed more than 225 home loans for low to moderate income borrowers, Keating reported.
"The Centro Latino makes the process comfortable for immigrants to learn the American banking system and the importance of establishing healthy financial habits," Keating noted. "We walk through every component of the banking relationship so the entire process is understood."
First National Bank's Centro Latino offers Spanish language financial education classes that cover the essentials of savings and checking accounts, budgeting, online banking, borrowing, home loans and small business loans. High school equivalency (GED) and college preparatory classes are available through a partnership with Creighton University. In partnership with Omaha Public Schools, The Centro Latino provides academic English instruction at no cost.
"Many immigrant customers need help identifying the elements needed to establish credit and get approved for a home loan," said Keating. "We offer banking materials in Spanish and English and help people through the financial process so that they feel comfortable with home ownership and banking in general."
"The Centro Latino walked me through the mortgage process and helped me buy my first home," said Antonio Jimenez, a 27-year-old Omaha resident who purchased his home last October. "They teach you how to gather the right forms and information needed to apply for a mortgage and work with you to get the best rate. I wouldn't be in my home today if it were not for their support."
In addition to financial services, the Centro Latino is highly involved in the community, offering meeting space to non-profits and partnerships with the Latino Chamber of Commerce, Latino Center of the Midlands, Guadalupe Festival, Juan Diego Center, St. Vincent de Paul Church and others.
"Being involved in the Omaha community helps First National Bank identify the needs of our customers," added Keating. "The Centro Latino has become a welcoming place to congregate, learn and be a part of the community as a whole."
For more information on First National Bank's Centro Latino de Educacion Financiera, contact (402) 633-3541 or log on to http://www.firstnational.com.
About First National Bank
First National Bank is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, Inc. First National of Nebraska, Inc., has grown into the largest private banking company in the United States. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have nearly $20 billion in managed assets and more than 7,500 employee associates located in 35 states. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.