First Independent Bank Donates $10,000 to The Empowerment Center

RENO - First Independent Bank is proud to announce its support of The Empowerment Center, which provides resources and support to women seeking freedom from substance abuse and a pathway to a better life.

Clients often come to The Empowerment Center with many challenges and few resources. The $10,000 donation from First Independent Bank will be used to pay for a wide range of essentials such as clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and general financial support to help maintain and operate the facility. Additionally, bankers with First Independent Bank will work directly with clients to provide financial literacy education.

“The Empowerment Center is a precious resource for our community, whose program offers four months of services and treatment to at-risk women who want to improve their lives through sobriety,” said Jim DeVolld, managing director of commercial banking, First Independent Bank. “On behalf of First Independent Bank, we are thrilled to support The Empowerment Center’s important work which has helped hundreds of women.”

The Empowerment Center is Northern Nevada’s only 120-day substance abuse program specifically for women. The center can house up to 34 clients in its live-in facility.

The effort to improve women’s lives at The Empowerment Center goes beyond substance abuse. In addition to one-on-one and group therapy, clients also learn a range of life skills that include budgeting, resume writing, educational resources including attaining GEDs and workforce development. The center also works directly with employers in Northern Nevada to help place clients in jobs that will support their independence in the future.

“Addressing a client’s substance abuse issue is vital, but we also work hard to prepare women for their life after the program and that means giving them the tools and resources that will allow them to succeed on their own,” said Roxanne DeCarlo, Executive Director, The Empowerment Center. “First Independent Bank’s generous donation helps to support all our efforts.”

Founded in 2005, The Empowerment Center assists approximately 160 women each year. Recently, the center announced the opening of an affordable sober living apartment complex called the Marvel Apartments, which will house 42 residents. All utilities, on-site support services and 12-step meetings happen on-site. The long-term housing is open to men, women and families. An expansion at the Marvel Apartments is expected next year.