Banking on Community

In late March, Family Scholar House in collaboration with Community Financial Services Bank,
(cfsbky.com) expanded MyKY.info web-based app and kiosks to serve residents in counties of Marshall,
Graves, and McCracken. A fourth county, Calloway County, will have a kiosk available in late spring or
early summer when the construction of the new Calloway County library is complete. It was a big deal for me to partner with
CFSB and unveil the kiosks in the Purchase Area. As a proud graduate and
obnoxious fan of Murray State University, it was a rewarding experience to reconnect with those that
influenced my path of serving others. CFSB’s Marketing Director, Dana Starnes Howard, told their first
bank was established in 1890! They have seen their communities grow, needs evolve, and be resilient in
the aftermath of life-destroying tornadoes. They know their communities because their employees live
there and their clients live there. We both understand how libraries serve as important community resources
and cultural hubs. Libraries connect residents in a variety of ways, over time, impacting core vitality and
security in their unique communities. This is an exercise in innovative compassion. To be able to
connect individuals to free services during a crisis is an immense responsibility. We are meeting people
where they are. To be able to visit your local library and be able to search for free services without fear of
judgment is an empowering first step. We don’t need to know why you need health services, diapers,
or shelter. We just want you to receive the help you need. We want people to know that when “life
happens” you are not alone. Family Scholar House and CFSB recognize the availability of resources and
funding to serve vulnerable populations is limited, it is integral to the mission of Family Scholar House to
ensure that accurate, timely resources are available to all in need. Existing resources are sometimes
overwhelming during times of crisis because of the volume of data that can be available online and the
limitations of depending upon referrals for assistance. For this reason, Family Scholar House initiated the
state-wide MyKY.info program to provide a web-based application for free community resources,
available to all with internet access.