GoVA Partners with Security Financial Bank

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

First Wisconsin Bank to Sponsor Military Financial Literacy Program Through Community Reinvestment Act Investment 

EAU CLAIRE, WI – November 17, 2025 – Security Financial Bank (SFB) announces a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) investment in GoVA Foundation to sponsor free financial education for 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 www.sfbank.com or call 888-254-0615. 

About Our Partnership with TowneBank Mortgage

At GoVA, we’re proud to partner with a lender that delivers peace of mind to those who have served and continue to serve our county. Together, GoVA and TowneBank Mortgage are committed to helping our military service members achieve their dreams of homeownership, as well as providing them with valuable resources along the way. As experienced lenders, TowneBank Mortgage understands the need for a quick and easy mortgage process, especially during life’s transitional moments. Headquartered in Norfolk, just miles from the world’s largest naval base, TowneBank Mortgage has had the honor of helping thousands of military families through their VA loan offerings. Their team is knowledgeable about VA products and the local market, and in-house operations allow them to respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. Together, we can get you to closing in 30 days or less. Trust TowneBank Mortgage and GoVA loans to get you home.

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