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.
About GoVA Foundation
GoVA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving financial literacy
among military members, veterans, and their families. Through partnerships with financial
institutions nationwide, GoVA provides free access to The Edge, an innovative digital platform
serving over 8,000 military community members across all 50 states. The Foundation’s programs
are recognized by the FDIC and OCC as meeting Community Reinvestment Act requirements
for community development investments and services. Learn more at GoVA Foundation
About Security Financial Bank
Established in 1934, Security Financial Bank (SFB) is a locally owned community bank with $1
billion in assets. Serving western Wisconsin with a focus on financial services for business and
agricultural clients, SFB has offices in Alma Center, Black River Falls, Bloomer, Durand, Eau
Claire, Ladysmith, and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its
clients’ needs and provides guidance that enables them to succeed. For more information on SFB,
visit http://www.sfbank.com or call 888-254-0615.
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