PORTLAND — From Greater Portland to Lewiston and points beyond and between, Maine’s immigrants and refugees have received guidance on building more fulfilling and rewarding lives in their new home thanks to ProsperityME.
“Many immigrants come from cash-based societies and are unfamiliar with how money and credit work in America, our banking system, and how to save for the future. By providing basic money management understanding and skillsets, ProsperityME helps them to attain financial stability, which is the first step to fully integrating and participating in our communities, joining our workforce, and planning for the future,” said Claude Rwaganje.
Rwaganje, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, founded ProsperityME in 2008. As the executive director, he has overseen the offering of nearly 400 financial courses and workshops that have benefited more than 10,000 immigrants, refugees, and asylees who learn more about managing their finances to enable better futures.
“We’re grateful to the many volunteers who donate their valuable time and expertise to our programs and students, and our work is made possible by corporate partnerships and sponsorships, private donations, and grants,” said Rwaganje.
Norway Savings Bank is proud to be counted in that number. A longtime supporter of ProsperityME, NSB contributed $5,000 to the organization in July to serve as a Gold Sponsor of the organization’s Community Block Party at the University of New England’s Portland campus on Thursday, Oct. 10. The annual event provides networking opportunities, entertainment by immigrant-owned small businesses and organizations, and much more.
“This year’s theme is ‘Stability Starts with Housing.’ ProsperityME has grown over the years from offering financial literacy courses, workforce development, supporting small businesses, and helping immigrants achieve their savings and higher education goals. However, the first step in any immigrant journey to Maine starts with safe and affordable housing. We’ll be highlighting our new housing development initiative while recognizing the milestones in our current housing navigation program,” said Sarah Petrin, director of development for ProsperityME. “Together, we are preventing homelessness and evictions, and stabilizing the lives of newcomers in Maine.”
“Starting over in a new country can be daunting and frightening. Since its inception, ProsperityME has been committed to helping Maine’s refugees, immigrants, and their families improve their quality of life in so many ways,” said Janice de Lima, community reinvestment act officer VP at Norway Savings Bank. “Their programs build trust, increase accessibility, and help newcomers in their daily lives.”
“The life-changing impact and guidance of ProsperityME cannot be overstated,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Financial education, career counseling and development, resume building, housing assistance, college scholarships, the list goes on and on. NSB is honored to support the amazing work of this organization and truly grateful for the difference they are making in many lives.”
“Norway Savings Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to building community and fostering a healthy quality of life for everyone through its support,” said Rwaganje. “Together, we are strengthening the social fabric of our Maine communities.”
ProsperityME has offices in Portland (175 Lancaster Street, Suite 216A) and Lewiston (37 Park Street, 4th Floor). To learn about becoming a staff member or volunteer, visit www.prosperityme.org/joinus or call 207-797-7890. To learn the many ways in which you can financially support the organization, head to www.prosperityme.org/donate.
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of March 30, Norway Savings Bank had $1.866 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
