Last year, Chelsea Groton Bank introduced ONE CHELSEA, an initiative highlighting the strength of the Bank’s continuous commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout history. Led by a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion steering committee, the mission of ONE CHELSEA is to recognize the extraordinary diversity of the human experience and prioritize continuous personal and enterprise growth that enriches an inclusive, equitable and supportive environment. Five sub-committees, led by employees from all levels and departments at the Bank, focus on driving this mission forward in the areas of Products and Services, Communications, Vendor Management, Workforce Diversity and Learning & Development respectively.
Chelsea Groton’s customers and community are a major focus. For the second year in a row, team members volunteered at local non-profit organizations as part of ONE CHELSEA Volunteer Days. The Bank’s Facebook community was invited to vote on the organizations who were deserving of having an extra team of volunteers. This year, Chelsea Groton team members joined Care & Share of East Lyme, the Madonna Place in Norwich, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, and the Riverfront Children’s Center for a day of service. Team members spent their time cleaning up playgrounds, stocking shelves, handing out backpacks, and organizing storage. Shelly Roy from Care & Share of East Lyme said, “You tackled jobs for us that always seem to get placed on the bottom of the ‘To Do’ list.”
![9 smiling people in white ONE Chelsea t-shirts outside of a playground](https://chelseagroton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Spotlight-one.png)
As bank accounts help people save, spend, and manage money more effectively, Chelsea Groton launched Confidence Builder Banking. This banking program is officially certified by the National Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards which were created to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable financial products and services. In addition to a brand-new checking account with minimal fees and no overdrafts*, the program includes access to a financial mentor to guide individuals as they build confidence in personal money management, the banking system, and take steps toward achieving your goals. It also offers those new to banking with innovative tools designed to help account holders save money, deposit paychecks, build credit, set spending limits, video call live with a banker from anywhere, and more.
Internal and external communications have spotlighted many diverse, local businesses and organizations, as well as highlighting a wide array of cultural holidays and celebrations in the area. In addition, the Bank’s well-established book clubs have dedicated a focus on books related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Chelsea Groton Bank’s dedication to reflect diversity, ensure equity, and act inclusively will continue to permeate every aspect of the Bank’s work, both now and in the future.
*Chelsea Groton Bank will decline or return transactions when there is not enough money in the account to cover the charge. Accounts could have a negative balance if a transaction is initially approved for an amount lower than the actual charge (ie: after a tip is added). If the actual charge exceeds the funds in your account, but the charge was already approved, Chelsea Groton will not charge you an overdraft fee.