While Cadence teammates engage in community service year-round, National Volunteer Week, which was from April 20 to 26, 2025, is a special time when teammates swap their blazers for aprons or t-shirts and support their local nonprofits in meaningful ways.

Follow along with Carol, Libby, Dianne, Joe, Melinda, Leslie and Shanequa as they share their recent experiences volunteering.

Teaching Financial Literacy at Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC)

Carol Scheett
Branch Manager
Lewisville, Ark. Branch

Tell us about CADC and how Cadence Bank is involved.
At CADC, their mission is to develop and deliver programs and services that meet the needs of hard-working, low-income families in a 19-county area. It takes a self-help approach, empowering each person to take action, create solutions and generate results in the fight against poverty.

The Lewisville branch has been working with CADC for two years. In our Financial Literacy class for adults and seniors, we provide worksheets and information about budgeting, borrowing, saving and building credit. We cover a lot of content in one hour! We also teach a teen-oriented version of the course at a nearby high school.

What are the goals of the participants taking the class? What are they most interested in learning?
Most participants want to learn how to make a budget and start saving money. For some, it’s about being able to make ends meet month to month. While attendance is voluntary, some participants are required to complete the course in order to receive grants that help them pay for rent or utilities.

What are some insights you've gained from teaching these classes?
I've learned there is a significant lack of knowledge about what banks like Cadence can provide for their financial well-being, particularly around building credit.

What are one or two takeaways from your experience teaching financial literacy you'd like to share with other bankers?
I think it’s important to be down-to-earth and sincere. Also, be sure to take business cards and flyers because attendees can be potential customers.

Making Breakfast for Volunteers at the United Way of the Ouachitas “Day of Caring”

Libby Vines
Branch Manager
Hot Springs, Ark. Central Branch

What inspired the branch’s team to come together to serve at the “Day of Caring?”
In 2010, this branch was new in Hot Springs, and we were eager to promote both the brand and us. Getting involved with the Day of Caring seemed like a good plan because it gets many individuals, families and business teams coming together to accomplish worthwhile projects like painting, building wheelchair ramps, planting shrubs, etc. that benefit local nonprofits and enhance the community. However, since we were a small team and needed to keep the bank open, we were limited in what we could do. That's when the idea of cooking breakfast came about!

What did you all cook up?
For the past 15 years, all five teammates from our branch — Ashlynn Murphy, Brandy Arrington, Dianne Barr, Joe Perdue and me, Libby Vines — meet at the First United Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center at 5:30 a.m. to cook and serve pancakes and sausage for nearly 100 United Way volunteers who are getting ready to do hard work. Cadence supplies the coffee and the paper goods, and the United Way takes care of the rest.

Why does the team like doing this project year after year?
We love this project because we get to see lots of people from Hot Springs and make sure they are well-fed before they go conquer their projects! By now, we have this production down to a fine art. We can cook, serve and clean up by 8:15 a.m. so we are able to open the bank on time!

Dianne Barr
Branch Operations Manager
Hot Springs, Ark. Central Branch

What have you learned through volunteering at this event?
I've learned how much the United Way does for our community all year — not just one day. And even though I have to be ready to cook at 5:30 a.m., I really do enjoy it. I meet new people and hear stories of what they will be doing that day for our community.

Joe Perdue
Relationship Manager
Hot Springs, Ark. Central Branch

What’s the one thing you enjoy most about participating in this event?
With food being my love language, I love serving people who are serving others.

Supporting Special Olympics and New Boston Community Clean-up

Melinda Lawing
Relationship Manager
New Boston, Texas, Branch

Robin Dalby
Branch Manager
New Boston, Texas, Branch

Why does the branch get involved with the Special Olympics?
Melinda: Our New Boston Texas Branch has been involved with the Special Olympics for as long as I can remember, even prior to my starting date in 2005. It's a tradition we love and will continue.

Robin: It does my soul good to see the wonderful smiles on the kids' faces. It is amazing how excited they are to run a race or throw a ball. On this day, they are like any other kid.

What have you learned through volunteering for this organization?
Melinda: Being involved with special needs individuals makes you want to be a better person yourself. These children and young adults are so excited and happy with life.

Robin: These athletes are encouraging to everyone. No matter what their disability might be, they are ready to fight the world.

Tell us about the New Boston Community Clean-up Event that occurred on Earth Day.
Melinda: Robin and I spent time gathering trash and debris on the walking trail while others mowed and trimmed trees. It was a beautiful day to be outside, and, with this kind of project, you get a real sense of accomplishment because you literally see the difference your work makes. Plus, being with others at events like this strengthens community ties.

Do you have any advice for people who want to start volunteering?
Melinda: Don't be shy. Jump in! It is rewarding!

Robin: You will get more out of it than you ever thought possible.

Teaching Financial Literacy at the Columbus (Miss.) Housing Authority

Leslie Hollingsworth
Teller
Columbus, Miss., Branch

Shanequa (Nene) Poindexter
Teller
Columbus, Miss., Branch

Tell us about Cadence’s involvement with the Columbus Housing Authority.
Nene: Cadence has been a close partner of the Columbus Housing Authority (CHA) since 2017. Over the years, our branch has taught a variety of classes including financial literacy for adults and youth, mortgage seminars, elder abuse seminars and online banking/computer workshops. The bank has also given CHA grants, including a recent one for $5,000, to provide materials to financial literacy classes and smoke and carbon dioxide detectors for low-income citizens.

Tell us about the financial literacy class you and Nene taught.
Leslie: We led a class of about 50 senior adults. The topic was “The 10 Key Factors to Saving,” which is part of the America Saves program. Participants were given handouts about the types of savings accounts one can open to meet savings goals, along with a one-page budget sheet to help with allocating money.

What one or two points from the lessons you’re teaching do you want class members to remember?
Nene: I hope they understand how important it is to save money and use the resources available to them to earn the best interest for their money.

What do you enjoy about teaching financial literacy?
Leslie: I enjoy being a part of helping someone grow in knowledge about their finances. If I can take a minute out of my day to show them the budget sheet, help them see where money is going, and help them save, then that means I am doing my job and helping them set up for the future. That’s what I’m here for.

Learn more about ways Cadence Bank teammates make an impact in the communities we serve at CadenceBank.com.