At the 2026 Kansas Housing Conference, Becca Maxwell, vice president and community development officer at Sunflower Bank, joined leaders from Bank On coalitions across Kansas to discuss the critical role that safe and affordable banking services play in building financial stability for individuals and families.
During the presentation, Maxwell emphasized that access to mainstream banking is often the first step toward achieving larger financial goals such as saving for emergencies, building credit, purchasing a home, and creating long-term economic security. She noted that many unbanked and underbanked households face significant costs when relying on alternative financial services, making financial inclusion an important community development priority.
Representing Sunflower Bank and its partnership with community organizations including United Way of the Plains and the Bank On initiatives operating throughout Kansas, Maxwell highlighted how local coalitions bring together financial institutions, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect residents with certified low-cost banking products and financial education resources.
The presentation also explored the broader impact of the Bank On movement. Through outreach efforts, financial education, and access to safe accounts that eliminate overdraft fees and other common barriers, Bank On programs help individuals establish banking relationships that support savings, budgeting, credit building, and pathways to home ownership. Maxwell shared that these efforts not only benefit consumers but also strengthen communities by expanding economic opportunity and promoting long-term financial empowerment.
Closing the discussion, Maxwell reinforced that Bank On is about much more than opening bank accounts. It is about creating opportunities, increasing financial confidence, and ensuring that all individuals have access to the tools needed to participate fully in the economy. Through collaboration and community partnerships, the Bank On Coalition of Kansas continues to advance financial inclusion and improve outcomes for low- and moderate-income households across the state.
