Episode 19: How Community and Data Come Together to Drive Change

Episode 19: How Community and Data Come Together to Drive Change

Featured Guests

Coretta Hill

Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Northeast Florida

Coretta Hill is Chief Operating Officer of United Way of Northeast Florida, where she provides executive leadership for philanthropy, corporate engagement, marketing and communications, and the regional Center supporting 211 and 988 services. Coretta has more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, and she is known for building partnerships, developing leaders, and advancing strategies that strengthen communities and expand access to resources.

Jonathan Hanson

SVP of Marketing Strategy and Member Engagement, VyStar Credit Union

Jonathan Hanson is Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Member Engagement at VyStar Credit Union. In this role, he leads efforts focused on strengthening member relationships and advancing marketing strategies that support financial well‑being across the communities VyStar serves. He is based at VyStar’s headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.

Highlights

  • VyStar Credit Union and TransUnion partnered to conduct a comprehensive study on the state of financial stability in the Southeast, focusing on regions such as Jacksonville, Orlando, and Atlanta, revealing the significant impact of financial stress on families.

  • The ALICE report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), provided by United Way, highlights that 40% of Northeast Florida residents—many of whom are working, sometimes more than one job—still struggle to meet basic living expenses.

  • Financial stress is not limited to a particular demographic; both seniors and young adults face significant difficulties, even if they have income from retirement or entry-level jobs.

  • Over 60% of study respondents spend as much or more than their current income, with fewer than half able to pay their bills on time, leading to increased debt concerns and little room for savings.

  • Essential workers like healthcare professionals, retail employees, and teachers are among those most affected by financial insecurity, disputing the myth that only non-working individuals struggle financially.

  • Wages have not kept pace with the cost of living, and as a result, even small unexpected expenses (like car repairs) can push families into deeper financial hardship.

  • United Way’s 211 and 988 call centers report that 40% of weekly assistance requests are for rental or utility help, with rising housing costs outpacing wage growth.

  • VyStar’s Savings Challenge invited over 30,000 participants to build emergency savings, underscoring the widespread need and interest in practical financial solutions.

  • The current Debt Payoff Challenge offers free access to educational tools, a supportive online community, and a chance for five participants to win $5,000 to pay off debt, targeting the core issues identified in the study.

  • VyStar provides over 60 free financial management tools and resources—including calculators and educational videos—available to both members and non-members, supporting financial education for individuals and families.

  • United Way partners with nonprofits to provide rental, utility, food, and mental health assistance; their coordinated efforts aim to stabilize families and prevent reliance on predatory solutions like payday loans.

  • Free IRS-trained tax preparation support is available through United Way during tax season, helping ALICE families avoid costly fees and keep more of their returns.

  • The “Meet ALICE” simulation offered by United Way educates community members and partners on the real-life obstacles families face, increasing empathy and understanding about financial struggles.

  • The overarching message: financial stress is widespread, help is available, and community collaboration is essential in providing support and long-term solutions.

 Download the audio version of this episode on Buzzsprout.

The content provided in this podcast consists of the opinions and ideas of the creators alone and should be used for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice, and are not meant to replace such advice. VyStar Credit Union is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from decisions you make based on the information provided. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and not VyStar Credit Union or its management.