CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marc A. Stefanski, chairman and CEO of Third Federal Savings and Loan, will be recognized at the National Civil Rights Summit for his leadership in Fair Housing in Banking and Commerce (see schedule at end of release). The sold out Summit, to be held April 11, 2018, at the City Club of Cleveland, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act passed in 1968.
Under Stefanski’s leadership, Third Federal and its foundation have focused on the needs of underserved communities and individuals, with an emphasis on sustainable, affordable homeownership; financial literacy and education; affordable lending; investments; and community engagement. This includes serving thousands of low and moderate income borrowers through Third Federal’s Home Today Program, which combines innovation in lending with financial education and down payment assistance to enable first-time and first-generation homebuyers the opportunity to achieve successful homeownership. These efforts have helped lead to more than more than $1 million in down payment assistance and $330 million in low and moderate income lending since 2015.
“Marc Stefanski has long been a leader in supporting the financial needs of underserved communities, especially here in Northeast Ohio,” said Larry Morrow, Cleveland radio legend and master of ceremonies of the event. “We are honored to recognize Marc and Third Federal for unparalleled leadership and vision when it comes to fair housing in banking.”
In 2007, Third Federal donated $1 million to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to support grade-level reading and literacy and, since then, has also provided millions of dollars and time to support Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects and senior housing initiatives to give borrowers a much greater chance to achieve long-term, successful homeownership.
Stefanski is the founder of Rhonda’s Kiss, a charity started in the name of his late wife Rhonda. The charity raises money for people going through cancer and cancer treatments, helping them to pay for expenses not covered by insurance, such as rent payments, wigs, and transportation to and from treatment appointments.
Third Federal Savings and Loan Association is a leading provider of savings and mortgage products, and operates under the values of love, trust, respect, a commitment to excellence and fun. Founded in Cleveland in 1938 as a mutual association by Ben and Gerome Stefanski, Third Federal’s mission is to help people achieve the dream of home ownership and financial security. It became part of a public company in 2007 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in May, 2018. Third Federal, which lends in 21 states and the District of Columbia, is dedicated to serving consumers with competitive rates and outstanding service. Third Federal has 21 full service branches in Northeast Ohio, eight lending offices in Central and Southern Ohio, and 17 full service branches throughout Florida. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s assets totaled $13.9 billion. For more, visit our website at Thirdfederal.com.
The Summit for Civil Rights is a consortium of individuals and institutions advocating for racial justice, social inclusion and economic opportunity. Hundreds of delegates, panelists, participants and speakers convene regularly from across the country representing organized labor, law, academia, civil rights organizations, the faith community, and local and national government.
Civil Rights Summit Schedule*
8:30 am - WELCOME AND GREETINGS - Larry Morrow
FAIR HOUSING LEADERSHIP IN REAL ESTATE/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AWARD
- PRESENTATION: “THE GENESIS OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE”
- FAIR HOUSING LEADERSHIP IN GOVERNMENT AWARD
- A SOLILOQUY – Leon Bibb
- FAIR HOUSING LEADERSHIP IN FAITH AWARD
- CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERSHIP IN ADVOCACY AWARD
- FAIR HOUSING LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD
10:30 a.m. - FEATURED SPEAKER: THE FAIR HOUSING ACT: VICTORIES ACHIEVED OR PROMISES UNFULFILLED – PROFESSOR THEODORE M. SHAW
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AWARD RECIPIENTS – Larry Morrow
- FAIR HOUSING LEADERSHIP IN SANCTUARY AWARD
- REFLECTIONS – Jimmy Malone
- FAIR HOUSING LEADERSHIP IN BANKING AND COMMERCE AWARD
NOON – NBA AMBASSADOR LUNCHEON FEATURING NBA LEGEND WAYNE EMBRY
*For questions about the event schedule, please contact Avery Friedman, Esq. (216) 621-9282
