WHO WE ARE
The mission of the Coalition for Economic Opportunity (CEO) is to enhance access to fair, reasonable and just financial services for low- and moderate-income members of the community. CEO was formed in 2009 to provide a community-based alternative to predatory lending in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, and surrounding counties. Dr. Holly Edwards, former Vice Mayor of the City of Charlottesville was one of the founding members and served on the Board of Directors until she passed away in 2017. We have sought to address life's emergencies with competitive low interest unsecured small dollar loans for personal needs. In partnership with Virginia National Bank, we have created a small dollar loan product that is accessible for people who do not have strong credit. CEO is a coalition of local social service organizations, financial institutions, the City of Charlottesville, and interested individuals.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Coalition for Economic Opportunity is governed by a Board of Directors who serve as volunteers and receive no compensation. The Board meets at least once each quarter, more often if needed. The Alliance for Interfaith Ministries (AIM) is the fiscal agent for CEO and holds funds separately from the loan guaranty fund at VNB. The Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) currently hosts meetings of the CEO Board and provides administrative support. We have no paid staff. Our loan officers are volunteers that are current or former employees of financial institutions.
Barbara Jacques, President
Will Brown, Vice President/Secretary
Linda McGee, Treasurer
Corbin Hargraves, Crown Mortgage
Ray Klein, Love INC
Carlton Gregory, Virginia National Bank
Michael Shaffer, Carter Bank and Trust
John Coleman
Gabriela Gutierrez
WHAT WE DO
CEO provides an alternative loan service. This low-interest loan helps people avoid the cycle of debt that can result from payday and car title loans. Loans are available on six-month or one-year terms, up to $1,000 per client. Over 100 loans have benefited people by paying for car repairs, paying off high-cost loans, providing security deposits, offering small business start-up costs, and more.