BRIDGE

Banking Resources for Independence, Dignity, Growth, and Empowerment

United Way of Acadiana is proud to coordinate the Lafayette Reentry Coalition, bringing together partners across sectors to support individuals returning to the community and strengthen public safety. Through collaboration with state, local, and community organizations, the Coalition works to ensure a more seamless and supportive reentry process from incarceration through long-term stability by aligning resources, fostering partnerships, and addressing barriers to successful reentry.

A key component of successful reentry is financial stability. Through United Way of Acadiana’s Bank On Acadiana, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, local financial institutions, and the Lafayette District Reentry Coalition, justice-involved individuals are connected to safe, affordable banking services and personalized financial education before and after release. Our goal is for every returning citizen to reenter the community with a safe, affordable bank account, the practical skills to manage their money confidently, and a strong foundation for long-term financial stability and economic success.

Banking Partners

Fresh Start Banking Opportunities

Accounts with low or no fees
Minimal balance requirements
Limited or no overdraft charges

Other Offerings at Bank On Partners

Financial education
Credit-building tools
Personalized support
Mobile Banking
Early direct deposit

What You Need:

To open a bank account at a participating Bank On Partner, you may need to provide at least one primary government-issued photo ID, Social Security number and proof of address.

Necessary Items to Bring:

Valid form of government ID
Social Security Number
Proof of Address

Other Resources with Bank On Partners

UWA Resources

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance:

VITA offers free tax preparation services provided by volunteers that are certified and trained by the IRS.

My Free Taxes:

My Free Taxes is free tax assistance for all state and federal returns for individuals or households earning less than $89,000 last year.

Learn more here.

Chase Money Skills

Chase offers interactive workshops that provide practical tips and step-by-step guidance on a range of topics to help consumers begin improving their financial health and feeling confident in their money skills. The workshops are tailored to support kids, adults and the elderly along their financial journeys.

There’s no cost to attend the sessions, which each last approximately 45 minutes, including time for Q&A.

Learn more here.

First Horizon Bank (Operation Hope)

Operation HOPE in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a
financial empowerment nonprofit dedicated to
closing the wealth gap by providing free economic education and coaching to local residents. Through its signature “HOPE Inside” program—often partnered with local banks—the organization offers one-on-one counseling to help individuals improve their credit scores, reduce debt, build savings, and successfully navigate the path to homeownership or small business development.

Learn more here.

Jessie L. Taylor Center

The Jessie L. Taylor Center serves as Lafayette
Consolidated Government’s primary community hub for housing support, financial empowerment, and neighborhood stability. Additionally, they manage vital housing rehabilitation programs that offer grants for home repairs, accessibility ramp installations, and sewer assistance to help low-income residents maintain safe and stable housing.