From Representation to Results: Charlestien Harris & Southern Bancorp

Learn how the AFC® enabled a financial institution to introduce community-focused, culturally relevant financial education transforming access and changing lives.

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Challenge at a Glance

  • Minority and underserved communities lacked bank representation
  • Limited access to financial education and credit resources
  • Trust deficit following major bank departures from the region


Results at a Glance

  • AFC certification became a hiring requirement for financial counselors
  • Teacher eliminated two payday loans through bootcamp lessons
  • Veteran inherited his mother’s home via HUD documentation
Group Making Notes Whilst Attending Neighborhood Meeting In Community Center

The Challenge: Building trust in underserved communities

As a HUD Certified Housing Counselor with Southern Bancorp Community Partners (Southern Bancorp), Charlestien Harris worked to build trust with minority and underserved communities in the Mississippi Delta after major banks left the region. Limited access to financial education and credit resources remained a significant challenge.

The Solution: A culturally relevant financial bootcamp

Southern Bancorp partnered with the Mississippi Community Financial Access Coalition (MCFAC) to launch a 5-week financial bootcamp led by Charlestien at community venues like churches and HUD offices. Recognizing the importance of visibility in minority communities, she used role play, gamification, and interactive workshops to teach financial strategies in a supportive, empathic environment.

“When you can give someone hope, when you can help people feel comfortable and build trust with them, you can change lives. It’s wonderful to give people a purpose with their money. I believe the AFC certification has helped me do these things and more.”
headshot of black woman with short brown hair smiling amid a gray backdrop
Charlestien Harris, AFC®

The Results: Real change for the local community

  • Southern Bancorp established a Financial Counseling division and made AFC certification a requirement for all new counselors.
  • Bootcamp participants saw tangible progress: a local teacher eliminated two payday loans, and a veteran successfully transferred his late mother’s home using HUD documentation facilitated through the program.
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