Press Release

Cross River Provides Grant Contribution and Pledges Financial Advisory Services to Montana Nonprofit Loads of Dignity

Cross River

May 23, 2023

4 min read

Gift provides services to individuals in need and enables the nonprofit to revamp its business model and expand services

Deepens Company’s commitment to small business growth and community impact across the country and around the globe

FORT LEE, N.J. - Cross River Bank (“Cross River”), a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, today announced a $15,000 grant contribution and financial advisory commitment to Hamilton, MT-based nonprofit Loads of Dignity, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides funds and supplies to individuals without housing to do laundry in a dignified and private manner. The monetary and advisory gift furthers the Company’s commitment to propelling the growth of small businesses, particularly ones that positively impact communities and expand access to critical care in communities across the country.

“Impactful philanthropy is successful when our giving directly effectuates change in the lives of those we aim to serve,” said Miriam L. Wallach, Head of Social Responsibility at Cross River. “Loads of Dignity provides acutely needed services that are essential to the Hamilton community, and we are honored to give assistance that will allow the organization to continue, and expand, on their incredible work.”

Cross River will also provide financial planning and accounting experts will provide advisory services to the nonprofit to assist in the review of their existing business model to position the organization for scalability, sustainability and replicability. Additionally, the Company provided an initial round of branded apparel for the nonprofit to sell to generate additional revenue.

“I am truly grateful for Cross River’s dedication to go beyond helping us with their kind monetary donation, to making a commitment of continued financial guidance to expand past our current community and offer our services of dignity to other communities,” said Stefani Jackson, Founder of Loads of Dignity.

Loads of Dignity partners with Fast and Fluffy Laundromat to provide individuals in need with funds, via quarters, and an appointment at the laundromat to ensure the privacy and anonymity of the patrons. The nonprofit organization also arranges and provides hygiene bags, shower coupons, and activity books for children.

“When Loads of Dignity started in 2019 to offer their services to homeless and low-income families in the valley, they wanted to give those families the opportunity to go to the laundromat and wash their clothing or bedding for free,” said Dominic Farrenkopf, Mayor of Hamilton, MT. “Not only do they provide quarters, but they also offer laundry detergent, fabric softener, and hygiene bags for adults and children. In addition to those bags, they give a bag to children with juice boxes, sensory toys, crackers, coloring books, crayons, and a book to read. The families up and down the valley really appreciate this laundry service as it is completely necessary but can also be a sizable expense for them. I compliment Stefani and the work that she has done with Loads of Dignity as she assists families by providing this vital need. I am very proud to have her as a resident of Hamilton and her organization operating here.”

"I was living out of a hotel without a job in sight or money coming in,” said Cammie, a benefactor of Loads of Dignity’s services. “I had no sense of self-worth but because of Loads of Dignity, I was able to feel like an equal with everyone else and have the self-confidence to go get a full-time job knowing I was not going to be judged for dirty clothes and not having showered. I got the job and now I also now have my own place. Loads of Dignity has helped me when I needed it most, and it is certainly a hand up when someone is struggling."

A leading financial technological company, Cross River is reshaping global finance and financial inclusion, and supporting initiatives that drive positive change in local communities. The company is focused on fueling the growth of small businesses, expanding access to critical services, and empowering entrepreneurs who are serving their communities. Cross River’s giving arm, Foundation@ Cross River, fosters programming focused on health, education and community support. Foundation@ Cross River is a section 501(c)(3) organization funded by Cross River that makes charitable grants and funds initiatives, programs and projects in both the U.S. and Israel that seek to provide nonprofit and community organizations with funds and services that they need to achieve their goals.