Pub. 10 2019 Issue 3

www.wvbankers.org 6 West Virginia Banker F inding the right CRA compliance opportunity for your bank can be challenging. However, there may be a simple solution to your bank’s CRA needs. CRA Partners helps hundreds of banks across the country earn CRA credit for ensuring safe, secure senior living environments through the Senior Crimestoppers program. Their program is funded exclusively by the banking industry. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of U.S. citizens age 65 and older is estimated to be 84 million by the year 2050, almost double what it was in 2012. In light of our aging pop- ulation, protecting vulnerable senior housing residents becomes even more imperative. While the issue of theft and abuse in senior living facilities can seem overwhelming, CRA Partners under- stands that banks are in a unique posi- tion to make a real difference. Currently, their Senior Crimestoppers program operates in 47 states and protects more than 100,000 seniors in nursing homes, HUD facilities and state veterans homes. They have reduced crime in their mem- ber facilities by 95 percent, thanks to bank partners’ funding and support. For the past 19 years, CRA Partners has helped banks obtain the credit they deserve for safeguarding seniors, all without overhead or administrative hassles. Banks get involved through a community development loan, commu- nity development investment or a grant. Their flexible, low-risk funding options also help tailor the program to your bank’s CRA needs. Unlike some CRA opportunities, banks that participate in this program see the impact of their funds first- hand. By developing a relationship with the facilities they sponsor, most banks are able to build a stronger foundation in their community. Many banks in the program have also re- ceived service test credit for showing CRA Partners’ Preventing Elder Fi- nancial Abuse video toolkit to low- to moderate-income audiences in order to proactively educate their commu- nities about the problem of financial abuse involving the elderly.  A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE By Sally Cline CRA Partners: Meaningful CRA Credit Might Be Closer Than You Think “As a community bank, we make various investments into our community. I believe there is no better investment than the opportunity to provide a safe and secure environment for the very ones that made our community what it is today; and we take great pride in our partnership to protect seniors to this end.” – Bill Loving , President & CEO, Pendleton Community Bank