Annual Report
2024
OUR SERVICES
Personal Finance Classes
Our classes provide an understanding of common financial topics, equipping attendees to build a strong foundation and boost their confidence. Once per quarter, via Zoom, we offer a core set of classes that focus on budgeting, understanding the many aspects of credit, and home buying.
unique class attendees
attendance rate
Credit Report Reviews
During this short, one-time appointment, participants receive a ‘soft pull’ copy of their credit report and FICO credit score. They also receive a detailed review of their credit report, complete with personalized recommendations for improving their credit and resources to help jumpstart the journey.
people served
average credit score increase
After participating…
95% said they felt welcomed in this credit review
90% said the credit reviewer helped them to better understand their credit situation
Financial Coaching
Our best-in-class coaching program provides in-depth, longer-term support for individuals pursuing specific financial goals. Initial sessions focus on assessing the client’s current financial landscape, setting achievable goals, and creating a custom action plan. Many clients begin by creating a personal budget, then advance to credit building or purchasing an asset.
unique individuals served
average credit score increase
assets purchased – 9 homes & 9 vehicles
collectively added to savings by clients
“I’m not so stressed out about my finances anymore. It’s that simple. But you have to be willing to humble yourself and be honest with yourself.”
– Jenn Orr, coaching client
Our Impact
At Prosperity Connection, we believe financial empowerment is built on three pillars: confidence, knowledge, and skills. These qualities don’t appear overnight, they grow through guidance, practice, and persistence. Every coaching session, class, and resource we provide is designed to help our clients build the confidence to take action, the knowledge to make informed decisions, and the skills to create lasting change.
The journeys of Jasmine, Tara, and DeAiris reflect these pillars in action. Their stories show that no matter where you start, with the right tools, support, and determination, it’s possible to reshape your financial future!
Confidence
Jasmine Summers
Jasmine Summers’s journey shows how building financial confidence can transform fear into action, and action into lasting change.
When Jasmine first walked into Prosperity Connection, she wanted to feel confident and in control of her finances. She was tired of the knot in her stomach every time she checked her bank account. Her goals were simple but powerful: tackle debt, increase her credit score, build savings, and develop a working budget.
Still, opening up about her finances wasn’t easy. “It was very humbling,” she admits. But in that very first meeting with her coach, Ashlee, something clicked. She realized she didn’t have to do it alone, and that shift made all the difference.
Together, they built a plan. Jasmine paid off more than $13,000 in debt, addressed collections, opened credit-building products, and even earned a $100 incentive through a First Bank class. Her income grew, her savings took root, and her credit score soared by 146 points.
But the biggest change? Jasmine found her confidence. Today, she’s not just managing her money, she’s shaping a future filled with security, choice, and pride.
After Participating in a Credit Report Review…
said they feel confident in their ability to read their credit report
said it improved their confidence in building their credit
Knowledge
Tara Price
Tara Price’s path to homeownership proves that gaining the right knowledge can turn a dream into a practical, sustainable reality.
Tara’s path to homeownership began during a period of housing instability. Unsure how to change her circumstances after being denied a mortgage, she found Prosperity Connection and, with it, the knowledge to chart a new course.
Meeting her coach, Veronica, opened a door she didn’t know existed. Tara discovered resources that could help her understand credit, budgeting, and the housing market – knowledge she had never had access to before. And with that knowledge came the confidence to put it into practice.
Together, she and Veronica built a plan to pay down debt, improve her credit, and save for the future. By tracking spending patterns and making intentional choices, Tara paid off $12,000 in debt, raised her credit score by 105 points, and positioned herself to qualify for a mortgage.
Nearly a year later, Tara closed on a duplex, living on one side while renting the other to help cover expenses. The knowledge she gained opened the door to homeownership and equipped her to thrive in it.
of class attendees reported an increase in knowledge after completing a class
of credit review participants said they had the knowledge and tools needed to build their credit score
Skills
DeAiris Montgomery
DeAiris Montgomery’s success illustrates how mastering essential financial skills can create stability, security, and a legacy for the next generation.
When DeAiris started her coaching journey with Veronica, homeownership wasn’t even on her radar. She didn’t think it was something meant for her. Instead, she focused on learning practical money management skills; specifically, building a budget and saving consistently.
Then, life happened, as it so often does. Issues with her rental forced DeAiris to look at her options. With her coach, Veronica, she built the skills to make it happen: paying off thousands in debt, raising her credit score by more than 75 points, and preparing for the long-term realities of owning a home.
One of her proudest achievements was creating a dedicated bill-pay account with a full year’s worth of expenses – a safety net she continues to grow. She also connected with community partners like LifeWise StL, St. Joseph Housing Initiative, Carrollton Bank, and Home Sweet Home to strengthen her path forward.
In April 2024, DeAiris and her two children closed on their first home, making her the first homeowner in her family. The skills she developed didn’t just help her buy a house, they gave her the foundation to protect it, grow her resources, and inspire others to follow her lead.
of class attendees report being able to apply what they learned in class
“I had an absolutely amazing experience. I was well informed about what my next steps should be and I was praised for my efforts that I have already put in. I went in nervous and left with confidence that I am on the right path. Thank you all for your time and expertise.”
– Anonymous credit report review participant
Financial Data
Total: $1,216,888
2024 Funders
Individual Donors & Volunteers
Volunteers
We’re so grateful for the time and talent our incredible volunteers contribute throughout the year! In 2024 alone, volunteers provided 52.5 hours of service – WOW!!! Thank you, volunteers!
1-4 Hours
5-9 Hours
10-14 Hours
25+ Hours
Donors
We know there is NO shortage of nonprofits doing incredible work in St. Louis, so we are especially honored that these amazing humans chose to support Prosperity Connection with a monetary donation this year!
Our Board and Committee members
Finally, we couldn’t do our critically important work without our wonderful board and committee members. Thank you for your guidance, support, trust, and enthusiasm throughout the year!
Edward Davis – Chairperson
Global Vice President of Transformation and Data & Analytics – Marshall ADG
Tony Janssen – Vice Chair
Senior Vice President – U.S. Bank
Joyce Kampwerth – Treasurer
Senior Vice President – Parkside Financial
Felicia Pulliam – Director
Principal – Create Community LLC
Nikki Woelfel – Director
Vice President of Community Development – Carrollton Bank
External Committee:
Internal Committee:
About Us
Mission
We strive to promote economic success for everyone in the St. Louis region by providing financial education and access to reliable financial products and services.
Vision
We dream of an equitable community where everyone can conveniently access the resources and knowledge needed to confidently pursue their financial goals.
Values
Integrity
We are reliable, true to our mission, and committed to transparency and accountability.
Respect
We relate to individuals with dignity across all social and economic identities.
Community
We strive to build connections and a culture of openness and belonging among our staff, neighbors, and partners.
Equity
We cultivate relationships that overcome systemic barriers of oppression and bias.
Empathy
We are dedicated to walking with everyone on their unique journey in life.
Staff
Remy Edwards
Financial Educator
Pablo Giraldo
Financial Coach
Veronica Guerrero
Senior Financial Coach
Carol Harris
Executive Project Manager
Heather Jaconis
Director of Finance & Operations
Sasha Moore
Senior Financial Coach
Ashlee Morgan
Senior Financial Coach
Robert Nelson V
Director of Coaching
Julianna Nikodym
Marketing & Program Operations Coordinator
Heather Schindewolf
Financial Educator
Kathy Siddens
Executive Director
Sara (Middendorf) Sigman
Director of St. Louis Builds Credit
Nikki Whetsell
Director of Communications & Advancement
Cassie
Director of Safety and Wellbeing
“I love the ease of the class, it breaks things down where I understand everything. I have been to classes before and left more confused than when I came, so thank you.”
– Anonymous class attendee
connect with us
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Myers (She/Her)
YaNan Bledsoe (She/Her)
Allison Cook (She/Her)
Joyce Kampwerth (She/Her)
Carrie Driscoll (She/Her)
Anniece Robinson (She/Her)
Andrea Stewart-Douglas (She/Her)
Nikol Theberge (She/Her)
Aaron Tucker Jr. (He/Him)
Regina Fowler (She/Her)
