#USA #Fort Lauderdale #financial literacy #Community Empowerment #Consolidated Credit

Consolidated Credit’s Financial Literacy Month Breakfast

On April 9, 2026, the Consolidated Credit organization held its Annual Financial Literacy Month Breakfast, recognizing the importance of financial education in empowering communities and strengthening local economies. The event took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and brought together financial institutions, local leaders, business owners, and nonprofit partners to discuss the theme for this year, "The Business of Community."

The Importance of Financial Education

Sandra Tobon, the Director of Community Outreach at Consolidated Credit, emphasized that financial education is not just about learning; it forms the very backbone of economic infrastructure. "When families achieve financial stability, businesses can grow. And when entrepreneurs understand credit, communities can accumulate wealth. That's the essence of community business."

This year's breakfast showcased several key initiatives from the past year, which included participation in the proclamation celebration for the Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative, workshops aimed at helping small business owners transition from personal to commercial credit, collaborations with community foundations to broaden access to financial education, and partnerships with Miami University and SCORE Broward to support Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Acknowledging Community Partners

The event also took time to recognize essential partners and sponsors whose support has made these initiatives possible. Notable mentions included City National Bank, Valley Bank, Third Federal Savings and Loan, Wells Fargo, Truist Bank, Comerica, First Bank, Optimum Bank, Citi Bank, and United Way of Broward County. Their ongoing commitment is crucial in aiding individuals and families to achieve greater financial independence and stability.

April Lewis-Parks, the Financial Education Director at Consolidated Credit, stated, "Financial education becomes powerful when it is collaborative. Together, we are not just imparting financial knowledge; we are constructing economic resilience."

Introduction of KOFE

The organization also launched KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education), a scalable financial wellness platform designed to provide financial coaching, digital tools, webinars, and assessments on demand. Ana María Ceballos, KOFE's relationship manager, explained, "KOFE allows institutions to offer year-round financial education with measurable impacts. It enhances workforce stability, deepens member engagement, and supports significant reinvestment in the community."

Scholarships and New Initiatives

Additionally, Consolidated Credit proudly awarded the Barry Rothman Financial Education Scholarship to two high school seniors from Broward County, made possible through partnerships with City National Bank and United Way of Broward County, along with other supportive organizations committed to promoting early financial education.

A new initiative introduced this year is the 2026 Money Trust Roadmap – a practical guide developed to assist individuals and families. This roadmap provides structured strategies to cultivate savings, manage debts, strengthen credit, and enhance financial confidence.

About Consolidated Credit

Consolidated Credit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome financial challenges through education, counseling, and community partnerships. For over three decades, the organization has offered financial literacy programs, housing counseling, debt management services, and workplace financial wellness solutions across the country.

For more information about Consolidated Credit and its programs, visit their YouTube channel or check their official website.

This successful gathering underscores the critical need for financial education in establishing sustainable community efforts and supporting local economies—as well as fostering a culture of empowerment through financial understanding and literacy. Going forward, Consolidated Credit remains committed to enhancing the financial well-being of all through collaborative community engagement and continued focus on educational initiatives.