Security Financial Bank Partners with GoVA Foundation to Provide Free Financial Education for Wisconsin Veterans

EAU CLAIRE, WI – Security Financial Bank (SFB) announces a $6,000 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) investment in GoVA Foundation to sponsor free financial education for 40 military members and veterans across western Wisconsin. This partnership makes SFB the first financial institution in Wisconsin to work with GoVA Foundation's innovative digital platform, addressing the unique financial challenges faced by service members, veterans, and military spouses.

Through this investment, veterans and military families in Jackson, Rusk, Buffalo, St. Croix, and Chippewa Counties will receive one year of unlimited access to The Edge, GoVA Foundation's AI-powered financial literacy platform. The program offers personalized resources covering budgeting, credit management, home buying, small business development, and transition planning – all tailored specifically to military life's unique circumstances.

"SFB is proud to be the first financial institution in Wisconsin to partner with the GoVA Foundation, helping veterans right here in our own communities," said Mark Oldenberg, SFB President & CEO. "Together, we're empowering service members and their families with the financial knowledge and tools to build stronger, more secure futures."

Addressing a Critical Community Need
An estimated 22,700 veterans live in SFB's western Wisconsin service area, along with over 1,000 active duty and reserve service members stationed at Fort McCoy near Black River Falls, and approximately 11,850 military or veteran spouses. Despite this significant population, many veterans face financial challenges due to frequent relocations, military spouse unemployment (which averages 24% nationally), and the difficulty of transitioning from military-managed finances to civilian financial independence.

Research shows that financial stress is a leading contributor to veteran mental health crises. GoVA Foundation's platform addresses this by providing measurable intervention through accessible, personalized financial education that reduces financial stress and builds confidence.

GoVA Foundation's Executive Director, George Earhart, stated: "As an Air Force veteran, I've personally witnessed the unique financial challenges that military families face. This partnership
with Security Financial Bank allows us to provide critical financial education resources to those who need it most in Wisconsin’s communities. We're grateful for SFB’s commitment to supporting the military and look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will create."

The partnership launched in October 2025, and reflects both organizations' commitment to supporting military communities and expanding financial education access. Security Financial Bank will receive LMI verification and impact reports as part of the grant agreement, while sponsored military members gain unlimited access to The Edge's financial education tools for a full year.

This collaboration is part of GoVA Foundation's ongoing efforts to partner with forward-thinking financial institutions nationwide in service of military families.