Branches: Empowering Generations

Branches is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Their mission is to serve, educate, and inspire individuals through student, family, and financial wellness services. This is achieved by offering opportunities for better education, financial stability, and positive life choices. Branches focuses on three pillars: student achievement, family services, and financial wellness.

The organization provides life-changing opportunities to hardworking families and their children, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate life's challenges. The success stories emerging from Branches are numerous, providing a powerful testament to their profound impact on the community.

For over five years, Richard Alfonso has been a vital part of Branches’ board. Before joining the board, Richard dedicated 3 years volunteering for the organization. His unwavering commitment to helping underserved areas is reflected in his words: "Branches is an incredible organization that helps kids and communities within our underserved areas."

Richard emphasizes the significant difference Branches makes, recalling his rewarding experiences on campus with the children. "The college kids are just sponges trying to ask you questions on what life is like, and the little ones are just so happy that you're there to talk to them. Really, it's being there," he says, highlighting the essence of his involvement.

U.S. Century Bank is proud to support Branches, particularly their Micro-Business Incubator, E-Lab & BE ONE program. This program equips micro-entrepreneurs with the crucial knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to excel in today's ever-changing business landscape, focusing on entrepreneurship, business intelligence, digital transformation, business systems, and development. As part of its support, the Bank aims to issue 100 micro-grants to local businesses over 12 months.

Richard explains why U.S. Century Bank chose to partner with Branches: "You really see how they touch these lives. And when you see that the parents are happy, you know they're touching the whole family."

Here's an excerpt from Richard’s interview with Miami's Community Newspapers, where he discusses Branches’ impactful work and U.S. Century Bank’s partnership. Visit the Community Newspapers YouTube channel to watch the full interview.

Anything you want to share about your work with Branches?
"As a donor and as a board member, you know the children sell it, but the staff's enthusiasm seals that this is a place where your money is going to be used right and it's going to help families."

Would you like to share a moment you had while working with Branches?
"[During] a visit to the campus, I had this young man come up to me and, for whatever reason, he decided that he wanted to talk to me.... he was about 8 or 9 years old. He just started asking me about everything. I think it was really touching to have this little person be interested and just want to be able to talk to someone. Things like that make [Branches] really special."

Richard Alfonso’s remarkable journey with Branches and U.S. Century Bank's continued support underline the significance of community involvement. By leveraging our resources and passion, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of those around us. At U.S. Century Bank, we are committed to empowering our communities, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for future generations.