ESSA In The Community
Like you, we believe in giving back to our communities. ESSA is devoted to helping make our communities better, one change at a time.
Stay up to date with the latest ways ESSA is making an impact.
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ESSA Partnerships
RiseUp Fund, a 501(c)(3) designated non-profit, created by Houwzer to provide a pathway to homeownership for underserved families, has received a $10,000 donation from ESSA Bank & Trust, a Stroudsburg-based community bank. ESSA Bank joins the growing number of companies that donate to the community and recognize the importance of making housing more accessible. This donation will be used to sponsor two low-income families in Delaware County, Pennsylvania with $5,000 grants to be used toward closing costs in the purchase of their first home.
Using the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) classification as defined by the United Way, RiseUp serves low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who need help to secure their own home.
The RiseUp Fund also offers HUD-certified homebuyer educational seminars, which are mandatory precursors prior to awarding the grant. Awardees are assigned a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor as a mentor to assist them throughout their first year of homeownership to avoid pitfalls and mishaps that are common to first-time homeowners. Awards are based upon demonstrated financial need, geography, and successful completion of a HUD-certified homebuyer education seminar. All programs are offered to the Philadelphia and surrounding counties free of charge.
“We are elated that ESSA Bank has chosen to invest in us and, by direct extension, into communities who have been left out of the homebuying process. This very generous gift from ESSA Bankt will afford two families the opportunity to purchase their very first home by giving them access to funds and a choice of where they want to live. This begins the process of wealth accumulation for these families for generations to come,” said Suzanne Garber, CEO and Executive Director of the RiseUp Fund.
ESSA partners with Community Action Lehigh Valley whose goal is to combat poverty at the community level, ensuring all people have access to economic opportunities. Their areas of impact include advocacy, business startup and development, food access and nutrition, housing, neighborhood revitalization, and youth.
CALV’s dedicated, HUD-certified housing counselors encourage credit- and income-eligible renters become first-time homeowners and help stimulate the local economy.
ESSA also works with CALV’s Home Ownership Savings Account Program. Eligible participants open a savings account with ESSA and the bank will provide a $1 to $1 match of their savings up to $2,000, waive minimum balance requirements, and pay a variable interest rate.
ESSA partners with Pocono Mountains United Way (PMUW) in a Matched Savings Account Program. The program was developed to help low-income individuals and families become homeowners, small business owners, and graduates of post-secondary education.
The program offers participants incentive matched savings, financial literacy classes, and counseling to help the participant achieve their savings goals. ESSA provides the match money by contributing $5,000 per year for three years, and provide each qualified participant a $1 to $1 match up to $1,500. Participants open their savings account at ESSA and the bank waives minimum balance requirements and pays interest on the account at a variable interest rate.
In addition, an employee of ESSA will provide financial literacy education to the participants of the program. The Financial Literacy Program is modeled after the FDIC’s Money Smart Program. ESSA provides a yearly donation in support of PMUW’s efforts.
Affordable Housing & Home Ownership
It begins with improving our neighborhoods. We are committed to ensuring that the right combination of resources and products are in place to offer people the opportunity to find and keep a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
Our First Time Home Buyer* Mortgage Program offers competitive rates and a great mix of special services for those that qualify.
Features of this program include:
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- Low down payments
- Waived processing fee
- $100 deposited into a new savings account
- Full seller’s assist is permitted
- No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required
- Automatically prequalify for a Credit Card
First Time Homebuyer Program Flyer
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Disclosures:
*A first time home buyer is defined as a borrower who has not been on a deed containing a dwelling in the past three years or who has not owned a home as a single person.
All loans subject to credit and collateral approval.
Financial Education & Economic Empowerment
Let’s count on each other. As a financial institution, we believe it’s our responsibility to help people feel knowledgeable and confident with their finances. We pledge to help people manage personal finances to reach their goals and help change their lives for the better.
Financial Counseling
Financial Wellness
ESSA Programs
ESSA Bank is proud to collaborate with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and participating correctional facilities in support of the State Transition Reentry Incentive Validating Endeavors (STRIVE) Program. This initiative—akin to the successful CARE and STAR programs—empowers formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society with dignity and direction.
As part of its commitment, ESSA offers eligible STRIVE participants and program graduates access to loans of up to $15,000, designed to help cover critical reentry needs such as housing, education and vocational training, or transportation. To qualify, applicants must complete a Financial Literacy Program led by ESSA. This curriculum, based on the FDIC’s Money Smart Program, equips individuals with essential financial knowledge to confidently manage their personal finances and begin building a stable future.
By investing in the STRIVE Program, ESSA Bank is reinforcing its belief in the power of financial education, opportunity, and community support for those seeking a fresh start.
Leaving the past behind and starting over isn’t easy, but for individuals reentering society, access to practical resources can make all the difference. That’s why ESSA Bank is a key supporter of the Court Assisted Re-Entry (CARE) Program, a collaborative effort with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania focused on guiding former offenders through the transition home.
ESSA’s contribution centers on the CARE Loan Program, which offers up to $15,000 in financial support to qualified participants. Whether it’s securing safe housing, advancing through education or job training, or navigating the costs of reliable transportation—these funds are meant to remove barriers and build pathways.
Central to the loan process is financial literacy. Participants must complete a specialized education course led by ESSA, based on the FDIC’s Money Smart Program, designed to instill financial confidence and essential life skills.
By partnering with CARE, ESSA Bank is reinforcing its belief in redemption, resilience, and the role that financial empowerment plays in building lasting change. To be eligible for a loan, CARE participants must complete a Financial Literacy Program conducted by ESSA. The Financial Literacy Program is modeled after the FDIC’s Money Smart Program.
Rebuilding a life after incarceration is no small feat, and ESSA Bank is stepping up to support that journey through the Supervision to Aid Re-Entry (STAR) Program, in collaboration with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Unlike typical financial services, ESSA’s involvement is driven by purpose. Through a dedicated loan initiative, ESSA makes up to $15,000 available to STAR participants and graduates. These funds are designed to bridge the critical needs of housing, career training, and reliable transportation, helping individuals move forward with momentum and confidence.
But financial support is just the beginning. Loan eligibility hinges on completion of a Financial Literacy Program delivered by The Fox School of Business at Temple University—a rigorous and empowering curriculum that arms participants with tools for smart, sustainable money management.
ESSA’s role in the STAR Program reflects its belief that financial knowledge paired with opportunity creates powerful transformation—and that everyone deserves a chance to build a better future.
To be eligible for a loan, the participants must complete a Financial Literacy Program conducted by The Fox School of Business at Temple University.
Meet Our Team of Professionals
Whatever your goals are, a little support can go a long way. That’s what you will get when you speak to any of our Professionals. They are dedicated to helping our community grow and will use their knowledge to make those living in it feel embraced.
In his role, Elliot Mapps is responsible for establishing qualifying Community Development mortgage lending opportunities. He also engages with home buyers as well as community agencies and realtors, assisting buyers with a focus on generating applications and originations in historically underserved communities.
Elliot began his banking career in 2009, working in various roles, including bank management, sales and back-office support. Elliot graduated with honors from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and had an extensive career in real estate investing before working in the mortgage industry. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, cooking, fishing, and volunteering.
Contact Elliot Mapps
With over six years of experience in the real estate industry, Keishla Diaz Casado has transitioned from being a successful realtor to a dedicated loan officer. She is bilingual Latino, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams.
Keishla’s journey has included roles as a real estate agent, transaction coordinator, administrator for several agencies, a showing specialist as well as an assistant – all of which has given her a deeper understanding of the entire home-buying process.
In her spare time, Keishla enjoys reading, family, travel, hiking, kayaking, biking, and off-roading. She is an avid car enthusiast who loves attending car shows and is also an avid collector of Marvel and DC merchandise.
Contact Keishla Diaz Casado
In her role, Nicole Gailliard is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for increasing ESSA’s commitment to minority-majority and low-to-moderate income communities. This includes building strategic relationships, providing data-driven market intelligence, building brand awareness with a focus on financial education, and home ownership. She reports to Peter Gray, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.
Gailliard has a strong background in community building through home ownership. In her previous role as a Business Development Manager for a real estate firm, she organized a portfolio of community-building initiatives including affordable housing projects, small business lending programs, and financial education initiatives. Gailliard is adept at establishing strong relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and government agencies to identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration.
Earlier in her career, Gailliard was a Sergeant in the US Army based in Turkey. She worked in Information Systems Command, responsible for the transmission and reception of classified and non-classified information. She also managed staff and equipment and earned several distinguished honors and awards.
