WS Chronicle

Capital Bank, the fourth largest bank headquartered in the Southeast following its merger with First Tennessee Bank, and global financial dignity nonprofit Operation HOPE, Inc. opened a HOPE Inside center at the bank’s branch at 225 E. Hanes Mill Road on Aug. 10.

The opening marks the fifth HOPE Inside center in North Carolina and the 20th financial education center for the banking group across its markets.

Capital Bank HOPE Inside centers will provide free financial education to anyone in the community, not just bank customers. Individuals, families, and small businesses all are welcome. The locations are a partnership of the Bank with Operation HOPE, which has been helping promote financial literacy and economic empowerment across the United States since 1992. 

Full-time, certified bank counselors will lead monthly on-site introductory workshops, as well as provide one-on-one counseling on how to improve money management skills and create a more secure financial future. Individuals and families can get consumer rights information and coaching on how to improve credit scores, save money and pay off debt, and properly budget money. HOPE counselors can also provide workshops through community groups and employers.

Capital Bank believes that the HOPE Inside initiative can be transformational for participants, helping provide the tools for a strong financial foundation that leads to the ultimate goal of becoming a homeowner, starting a business, or living debt free.

The first HOPE Inside at a First Tennessee Bank/Capital Bank location opened in Nov. 2014 in Memphis, Tennessee. Since the start of the Bank’s partnership with Operation Hope, more than 10,000 people have benefited from the program.