Program is a partnership between Lakes Region Community Developers, HOMEteam, Grappone Automotive Group and Franklin Savings Bank
Franklin Savings Bank in partnership with Lakes Region Community Developers, HOMEteam, and Grappone Automotive Group is pleased to congratulate the first graduate of Take the Wheel NH – a program offered to low- to moderate-income families in need of a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle. The program’s first graduate received a 2019 Nissan Rogue from Grappone Automotive Group with credit counseling and financing provided by HOMEteam and FSB, respectively.
“We are proud to recognize the first graduate of this extraordinary program which assists individuals with obtaining reliable, economical vehicles they can afford,” commented Ron Magoon, President & CEO. “Public transportation in the Lakes Region area has been an issue for quite some time due to the limited public transportation options for those without reliable transportation. We were grateful for the opportunity to join this partnership, spearheaded by Carmen Lorentz and her team at Lakes Region Community Developers.”
Carmen Lorentz, Executive Director of Lakes Region Community Developers, added, “We are very appreciative of the partnership formed between HOMEteam, Grappone Automotive Group and Franklin Savings Bank in our Take the Wheel NH program. This collaboration fills a significant need for individuals struggling to find a vehicle they can afford. Our program fills the gap as well as provides individuals with the necessary resources to ensure they can afford a vehicle based upon their needs.”
In order for a participant to be considered into the Take the Wheel NH (TWNH) program, applicants must complete a survey online at TaketheWheelNH.com. Upon acceptance, the applicant will meet with a financial counselor from HOMEteam who will assist an individual with developing a personal budget, a timeline for the purchase of a vehicle, discuss financial concerns, as well as help with determining the type of car that fits within a predetermined budget. Once financial counseling requirements have been fulfilled, the participant will receive assistance from their financial counselor with completing a loan application, which will be sent to Franklin Savings Bank for review. After the loan has been approved, the applicant will be connected with a TWNH specialist at Grappone Automotive Group to pick out a vehicle within their preapproved loan amount and family needs.
Brittany and her children in a 2019 Nissan Rogue
“Over the years I’ve heard many, many times how important reliable transportation is for NH residents to be able to thrive,” noted Amanda Grappone Osmer, Owner of Grappone Automotive Group. “Our team at Grappone is very interested in knowing how we can help hard-working people get into safe, affordable cars. Being able to partner with Lakes Region Community Developers, Home Team and Franklin Savings Bank has allowed us to get creative in attacking that problem.”
Paul McLaughlin, HomeOwnership Program Director at HOMEteam, further noted, “All partners in the Take the Wheel Program have been fantastic to work with and truly understand the need for this program, especially in the Lakes Region where many residents are required to commute for employment opportunities, as well as provide critical transportation for their families. In addition to obtaining a reliable vehicle, families are also learning valuable spending and saving habits.”
Established in 1869, Franklin Savings Bank is an independent, mutually-owned community bank, offering a full array of commercial lending, personal banking and investment services. Headquartered in Franklin, the Bank has offices in Bristol, Boscawen, Tilton, Gilford, Merrimack and Goffstown. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Independence Financial Advisors, Franklin Savings Bank also offers investment, insurance and financial planning services. A recognized leader in providing the latest in financial services technology, Franklin Savings Bank is committed to serving the needs of businesses, families and the communities it serves, through a dedicated team of employees, a diverse line of financial products and services, and continued investment in emerging technology.
Franklin Savings Bank has donated over 11% of its net income to charity since 2009. Visit www.fsbnh.bank to learn more or follow the bank on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.