(PUEBLO, Colo.) United Way of Pueblo County has been awarded a grant for $25,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support three economic mobility and opportunity programs in Pueblo County.

The grant will benefit Bank on Pueblo County, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, and the Financial Empowerment Center. Bank on Pueblo County is a collaboration between financial institutions, including Wells Fargo, community-based organizations, and a local government to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be financially healthy by improving bank access.

All three programs provide individuals with “safe, affordable, and functional, certified banking accounts.” In addition to services and educational resources that improve capability, health, and independence.

The United Way of Pueblo County also established the Pueblo Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) in collaboration with Wells Fargo, the city of Pueblo, and the National Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund).

The FEC provides professional, one-on-one financial counseling and coaching as a free public service to area residents.