The U.S. Bank Foundation has recently awarded over $16.5 million in grants through its Community Possible initiative, benefiting around 500 nonprofit organizations. These contributions will continue throughout the year. The Community Possible program—focused on employment, housing, and cultural engagement—supports nonprofit efforts that strengthen the communities served by U.S. Bank.
Community affairs managers at U.S. Bank play a key role by working with employees, nonprofit partners, and local leaders to identify how the foundation can make the most impact. As they build relationships and encourage collaboration across the initiative’s core themes—work, home, and play—three managers shared how the program creates meaningful, lasting change and why it resonates with them on a personal level.
Pam Maxwell – Community Affairs Manager for Rural California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Tribal Areas:
Reflecting on her childhood in what was then a small-town Napa, California, Pam recalls walking downtown with her grandmother, who seemed to know everyone—likely because she and Pam’s grandfather ran a local flower and gift shop, Herritt’s Flowers & Gifts. After her grandfather’s passing, the business remained in the family for decades, with everyone pitching in, including Pam herself. Her mother eventually closed the store after 58 years, but the community still remembers it fondly.
Pam believes entrepreneurs are vital to rural communities. They foster local connections, support networks, and enduring cultural identities. Her visit to Great Falls, Montana, and the local Development Authority reminded her of the close-knit, supportive environment she grew up in. Organizations like these help spur economic growth in longstanding rural populations while also attracting new residents to these beautiful regions.
Jeffery Mills – Community Affairs Manager for Kentucky and Tennessee:
Jeffery finds deep fulfillment in supporting groups focused on increasing homeownership. There’s a tangible sense of progress when seeing new homeowners work toward securing housing or witnessing homes being built. U.S. Bank has supported numerous Habitat for Humanity branches, and Jeffery himself has served on several Habitat boards.
When he was first invited to join a Habitat board, it wasn’t for his building skills, but for his financial expertise. One of the most impactful experiences of his career was participating in the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, where he helped construct multiple homes in a short time—a moment he describes as an honor.
Enrique Meza – Community Affairs Manager for San Diego:
For Enrique, supporting play-based initiatives is deeply personal, especially in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego where he moved 25 years ago. While the area is known for its rich cultural diversity, it also lacked safe and inclusive spaces for children and families to play and connect.
He emphasizes that play goes beyond just fun—it’s essential to community well-being, child development, and social bonding. In neighborhoods like City Heights, where access to parks and after-school programs is limited, investments in youth spaces can create real change.
One of the key organizations Enrique partners with is Access Youth Academy, located in City Heights. The academy offers a holistic development program that includes academic tutoring, mentoring, health and wellness, leadership training, and athletic instruction in squash and pickleball. Designed for youth from under-resourced backgrounds, the program not only builds discipline and self-confidence but also helps students pursue higher education and future success.
Community affairs managers at U.S. Bank play a key role by working with employees, nonprofit partners, and local leaders to identify how the foundation can make the most impact. As they build relationships and encourage collaboration across the initiative’s core themes—work, home, and play—three managers shared how the program creates meaningful, lasting change and why it resonates with them on a personal level.
Pam Maxwell – Community Affairs Manager for Rural California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Tribal Areas:
Reflecting on her childhood in what was then a small-town Napa, California, Pam recalls walking downtown with her grandmother, who seemed to know everyone—likely because she and Pam’s grandfather ran a local flower and gift shop, Herritt’s Flowers & Gifts. After her grandfather’s passing, the business remained in the family for decades, with everyone pitching in, including Pam herself. Her mother eventually closed the store after 58 years, but the community still remembers it fondly.
Pam believes entrepreneurs are vital to rural communities. They foster local connections, support networks, and enduring cultural identities. Her visit to Great Falls, Montana, and the local Development Authority reminded her of the close-knit, supportive environment she grew up in. Organizations like these help spur economic growth in longstanding rural populations while also attracting new residents to these beautiful regions.
Jeffery Mills – Community Affairs Manager for Kentucky and Tennessee:
Jeffery finds deep fulfillment in supporting groups focused on increasing homeownership. There’s a tangible sense of progress when seeing new homeowners work toward securing housing or witnessing homes being built. U.S. Bank has supported numerous Habitat for Humanity branches, and Jeffery himself has served on several Habitat boards.
When he was first invited to join a Habitat board, it wasn’t for his building skills, but for his financial expertise. One of the most impactful experiences of his career was participating in the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, where he helped construct multiple homes in a short time—a moment he describes as an honor.
Enrique Meza – Community Affairs Manager for San Diego:
For Enrique, supporting play-based initiatives is deeply personal, especially in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego where he moved 25 years ago. While the area is known for its rich cultural diversity, it also lacked safe and inclusive spaces for children and families to play and connect.
He emphasizes that play goes beyond just fun—it’s essential to community well-being, child development, and social bonding. In neighborhoods like City Heights, where access to parks and after-school programs is limited, investments in youth spaces can create real change.
One of the key organizations Enrique partners with is Access Youth Academy, located in City Heights. The academy offers a holistic development program that includes academic tutoring, mentoring, health and wellness, leadership training, and athletic instruction in squash and pickleball. Designed for youth from under-resourced backgrounds, the program not only builds discipline and self-confidence but also helps students pursue higher education and future success.