GREENVILLE, S.C. – Secured Advantage Federal Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership with Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, underscoring a shared commitment to empowering individuals with financial literacy and education. As part of this collaboration, Secured Advantage presented a $40,000 contribution to Goodwill to provide critical financial education resources to job seekers striving for economic stability.

The need for financial literacy has never been more urgent. Many individuals seeking employment through Goodwill’s Career and Training Centers face significant financial hurdles, from managing debt to budgeting effectively. Without the right knowledge and resources, these challenges can become barriers to long-term success.

This partnership seeks to bridge that gap by offering participants practical financial education to help them build a strong foundation for the future.

“At Secured Advantage, we believe financial education is a key driver of success,” said Katia Marini-Nunez, CEO at Secured Advantage. “This partnership is about more than just a donation – it’s about equipping people with the tools they need to take control of their financial futures. Through Goodwill’s Career and Training Centers, we can make a real impact in the lives of individuals striving to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.”

In 2024, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) served nearly 19,000 people. The local Goodwill ranks No. 2 out of 156 Goodwill organizations nationwide for people placed into employment, continuing a more than half-century commitment to helping South Carolinians overcome barriers to employment by providing career development, job placement assistance, and essential skills training.

“We see firsthand the struggles many job seekers face when trying to improve their lives,” said Patrick Michaels, GIUMSC President and CEO. “Having the ability to earn a paycheck is one thing, but understanding how to manage and grow financial resources is a vital skill for sustained success. Thanks to Secured Advantage, we can significantly enhance financial literacy resources and provide even greater support to those we serve.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, highlighting the critical need for financial literacy programs. Studies show that individuals with strong financial literacy skills are 46% more likely to achieve long-term financial stability.

This collaboration between Secured Advantage and Goodwill is rooted in the belief that knowledge is power.

“Financial literacy is a critical piece of job readiness,” Marini-Nunez added. “By partnering with Goodwill, we’re equipping job seekers with the tools they need to not only succeed in the workplace but also build a secure financial future for themselves and their families.”

For more information about Goodwill’s career services, visit our Career Services webpage. To learn more about Secured Advantage and its commitment to financial education, visit securedadvantagefcu.com.

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About Secured Advantage Federal Credit Union

Established in 1959, Secured Advantage Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to empowering hardworking individuals and families with the financial tools they need to succeed. With branches in Simpsonville, S.C., and Iowa Park, Texas, the credit union proudly serves underserved areas in Greenville County and Wichita Falls County, as well as various select employer groups. For more information, visit securedadvantagefcu.com.

About Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC)

GIUMSC is a locally owned and operated non-profit within the Goodwill Industries International, Inc. network. Founded in May 1973, GIUMSC has served the people of South Carolina for more than 50 years to create generational success for job seekers, families and communities. Goodwill’s 41 retail stores across 16 counties turn donors’ generosity into new treasures for shoppers. More than 90 cents of every dollar spent is then invested back into providing life-changing education and career services at no cost.