Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Part 1
September 23, 2022 | By: Sandra Olivas, First Federal Bank of Kansas City, Community Development Officer
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich Latino culture, vibrant art, deep family values and positive contributions of Hispanics living in the United States. This includes indulging in the delicious cuisine offered by countless family-owned restaurants scattered across the nation. Who doesn’t love tasting a savory street taco made on a homemade corn tortilla with fresh cilantro, diced onions and spicy salsa while listening to sultry Latin rhythms? Hispanic Heritage Day was first initiated by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and the observance was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15. It’s a time to reflect on the many contributions and sacrifices Hispanics have made in the U.S. Military and in all walks of life.
I love to reflect and share my family’s journey to America, which is similar to the plight of countless immigrant families who leave their homeland in search of a better life. In 1973, 6 months after I was born, my parents said goodbye to their families and everything familiar to come to America. They travelled from a small town in Torreon, Mexico to Kansas in search of work and boundless opportunities. They spoke no English and were lucky to find support in another family from their small town. I can’t imagine how they felt; the fear of not knowing how they would feed and care for me and my 2-year-old brother. Both of my parents were hard workers and they quickly found jobs and saved enough money to rent their own place. In time, they bought their first home and then years later, a second larger home for their growing family of 4 children. I still remember the pride we felt having our 3-bedroom home in Kansas City, Kansas and painting each room our favorite bright color. That is why I love working at First Federal Bank of Kansas City as their Community Development Officer. At First Federal Bank, we envision prosperity and a home for all. I believe all families should have an opportunity to make their homeownership dreams come true, just like my parents were able to do with hard work, a savings plan and perseverance.
I joined First Federal Bank in January of 2021, and I remember feeling so inspired by our bank president and his commitment to leading a values-based company and team. I was excited to step into this new role of Community Development Officer and have the opportunity to help families from all socioeconomic backgrounds to build a better financial future. In my 14 years reporting for KCTV-5 News, I met so many hardworking families struggling to make ends meet, yet they always welcomed me into their homes and shared their most personal stories. I feel a connection to the people of KC because it has been a great place to work and to raise my family. I knew First Federal was the place where I could make a difference in the community in which I had built so many deep connections. I’m so lucky to work with a great team of lenders and nonprofit partners like Community Services League to grow the bank’s community lending programs so we can help more families achieve their financial goals, like buying their first home. We meet clients where they are and help them plan for the homebuying process. Some may be ready to apply while others may need to repair credit, build savings or develop an employment history first, but no matter the obstacle, we’re by their side at every step. First Federal Bank relies on strong partnerships with nonprofits like CSL to provide essential services and budgeting counseling to support our clients on this journey.
It has been truly rewarding and inspiring to watch our FFBKC employees volunteer with CSL throughout the years. I remember when our team, wearing their bright blue volunteer T-shirts, worked through a Saturday rainstorm to distribute hundreds of food boxes into one car after another. Our Bank President and CEO, J.R. Buckner, said he was so proud of our team who paid no mind to a little rain because of their hearts to serve. And our team is proud to have a leader like him who takes time to serve our community at various events just like the Drive Through Food Pantry.
We’ve also participated in CSL’s Back to School Fair and Christmas Store for families, which has been a wonderful experience. During the Back to School Fair, our FFBKC volunteers helped children pick out a new pair of shoes and a Chiefs Backpack filled with all their supplies. We hope the new shoes and backpacks empower students to walk proudly through the hallways, ready for a great year.
During CSL’s Christmas Store, parents were so grateful to be able to select the perfect toy for their child. We can’t thank CSL and their donors enough for making sure these families have something wonderful to open on Christmas day no matter their financial circumstances. And these are just three CSL programs we’ve seen in action making a difference in our community.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, First Federal Bank of Kansas City says “Muchas Gracias, CSL!“ for your great work with Latino families and all families who need the organization’s love, support and services to achieve the American Dream.
