University FCU Partners with Listen Center

​This Grand Forks credit union is bringing financial literacy to people in the community with special needs in a “spectacular” way! 

In an effort to bring financial literacy to people with special needs, University Federal Credit Union has partnered with the L.I.S.T.E.N. Center of Grand Forks, ND for a very unique and creative outreach initiative!
 
Nanci Wilson, Marketing & Community Engagement for University FCU, had attended a tour at the Listen Center when they held an open house for their new building. While she was there, her mind began to spin with all the things their credit union could do to enrich the center’s financial well-being education.
 
“First, I learned that many of the clients love to be pampered, to experience hands-on interaction, and that caused me to come up with Nanci's Nail Salon,” Wilson shared.
 
The idea was to offer a mock nail salon to clients receiving services through the Listen Center, using a menu of services, as well as play money and a cash register to pay for their choice. After receiving approval from her credit union, Nanci reached out on social media, asking for donations of nail polish. She received a rainbow of amazing colors the Listen Center clients could choose from. Wilson was even able to provide small pocketbooks so each person could have their own “wallet” to pay with. The exchange is enhanced with a warm and personal interaction with Wilson herself, creating a positive educational experience for the clients.
 
The first event was held earlier this month, and Wilson was met by a line of people all waiting to get into Nanci’s Nail Salon! “I am not sure that my heart has ever felt fuller,” she stated. “Not only were they excited to be pampered, but they were equally excited to ‘pay’ for the fun.”
 
For the time being, Nanci’s Nail Salon will be open one day per month. Down the road, she may add other opportunities, and is considering an art studio, or possibly a hair salon.
 
“People with what I like to call ‘spectacular needs’ deserve the financial literacy that we provide elsewhere, and I am so honored to be helping the Listen Center with this project,” Wilson added.

​About the Listen Center
L.I.S.T.E.N. is a 501 (c) 3 private non-profit licensed in the State of North Dakota. The new L.I.S.T.E.N Center building was a dream project of their CEO, Christina Potts, and was funded by local gaming. L.I.S.T.E.N. Recreational Gaming underwrites and supports the programs, activities, and education training programs, which provide quality services for people with intellectual disabilities to help them live as independently as possible. Learn more by visiting their website.