The Kyle Correctional Center, in Kyle, Texas, offers a financial literacy class for the incarcerated men to help them prepare for life after release. Irene Melendez, a vice president at Broadway Community Bank, was asked to come to the facility and make a presentation.

“Ms. Irene gave us information on how to re-establish our credit,” said Jeffery Hudspeth. He described the discussion on credit cards and personal financial no-no’s like never getting a payday loan. “Because banks don’t work with people who have them,” he explained.

Irene met Deanna Branham, Kyle’s warden, about two years ago at a Rotary Club meeting. Irene was immediately impressed with “the wonderful programs that are held within the facility for the betterment of the individuals that will be released from the Kyle facility.”  She expressed a desire to help out where she could.  The recent presentation at the financial literacy class is just the beginning.

“I absolutely enjoyed sharing my love of banking with these men. It gave me a sense of worth knowing that I could play a small part in providing these men with hope for their future and giving them some additional knowledge in order to help make their transition a successful one.”

In addition to expressing his gratitude for Irene volunteering her time to give the presentation, Jeffery thanked the facility as well.

“It’s because of presentations and classes like these that make Kyle Correctional Center one of the best facilities I’ve encountered. I’ve been incarcerated for ten years, and the Kyle Correctional Center really goes above and beyond. Thank you Warden Branham and MTC Kyle for being BIONIC (believe it or not I care).”