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Community Reinvestment Act truly has come alive to an associate in Sioux City, Iowa. Community Bank Executive Monique Scarlett is elated to be a part of a National grant presentation awarding the Sanford Community Center located in Sioux City, Iowa. This center is in the exact location that it was when she first attended in the summer of 1972.

In 1972 there was still racial tension in Sioux City that separated children of color in some of the community centers. The Sanford Center was the community center that opened their doors regardless of your color. Sanford Center was recognized in 2008 by Lt. Governor Patty Judge for “breaking down barriers and creating a better future for our state of Iowa.” Although this community center has been challenged with government financial cuts, which has impacted the outreach programs being housed there, George Boykin, the Executive Director since 1972, continues to earnestly search for financial support through grants such as this.

Monique is an advocate for young people and hopes that this center will continue in existence to educate, support, and develop young people of all ages and colors just as it did for her and her siblings. Monique honestly believes that because of the mentorship and development programs the center has offered over the years, it truly was the turning point in her life to be successful in the community. “This grant gives more children, including mine, the opportunities I had and even more!”

A very special thank you to Scott Berghaus, Bank of America’s vice-president of Community grants, for believing in our city of Sioux City and allowing Monique to give back to the Sanford Center just some of what it gave to her.