HARRISBURG, Penn.–The Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation, working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania Department Banking & Securities, and the Harrisburg Community Corrections Center held a Financial Reality Fair. The fair was the first of its kind, specifically geared towards individuals reentering society after spending time in a corrections facility. The event was modeled after the popular Financial Reality Fair program that is typically held in high schools, community colleges, and occasionally middle schools around the state by credit unions, the organizations said.
The Harrisburg Fair was specifically tailored to the needs of reentrants, including entry level wages; expenses such as fines and child support; as well as government assistance, where appropriate. Approximately 50 residents of HCCC attended the program. Financial Reality Fairs are hands-on learning programs designed to give attendees a real-life experience in money-management and budgeting. Attendees begin the Fair with a salary, credit score, and, if applicable, debt before being tasked to build a balanced budget, including housing, transportation, food, and many other essential and non-essential expenses.
The Fair received strong support throughout the state, boasting volunteers from several area credit unions and state departments, including:
- Belco Community CU
- Capital Region Ex-Offender Coalition
- Hershey FCU
- Members 1st FCU
- New Cumberland FCU
- Pennsylvania CareerLink Capitol Region
- Pennsylvania Credit Union Association
- Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation
- Pennsylvania Department of Aging
- Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
- Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
- Pennsylvania Department of Insurance
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
- PSECU
- Vizo Financial Corporate CU