When Kelley Martin began bringing her nonprofit Steps of Strategy to life, she knew she’d need help from a financial institution to get there. But she had trouble finding the kind of support she wanted for her business, the kind that comes from people who really believe in her and her vision.

She wanted an institution to take her seriously, and she found the support she was looking for at Affinity Plus.

“Affinity Plus truly wants to help others be the best they can be,” said Martin. “They are unique among the financial institutions I talked with during my search.”

Steps of Strategy

Steps of Strategy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting and empowering people to become self-sufficient while transitioning to independence. Working with young adults, women and children, and families starting over due to economic hardships, the nonprofit helps people gain confidence and knowledge necessary to achieve their goals.

“I founded the organization on the belief that providing positive avenues and mentorship can prevent future disparities in the lives of those we serve. We believe in meeting participants where they are at, embracing their strengths while providing them with tools to build mental, physical and financial security,” Martin said.

A Good Fit

When she found Affinity Plus, Martin started working with the credit union on financial classes. Each quarter she brought program participants to the Affinity Plus branch in Roseville with the goal of teaching them different ways to look at debt and finances and how to reestablish or build their credit.

It was the match she was searching for.

“The philosophy of Affinity Plus closely matches our organization,” Martin said. “Both organizations want to help you be the best you can be, especially financially.”