“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
People First Since 1912
Vista Outreach is a bank-wide initiative where team members, friends, and family members volunteer and donate to strengthen the communities we serve.
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Carter HS “Senior Night” Pregame Football Meal
Vista Bank's leadership team, including Lubbock Smith III, John Steinmetz, and Cathy Landtroop, provided a pregame meal for Carter HS football team's Senior Night. Lubbock discussed banking, financial literacy, and economic development with students, impacting approximately 100 individuals from low- to moderate-income areas.
Carter HS Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker with Carter HS CTE/Accounting class, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 12 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Townview HS Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker with Townview HS CTE/Business school, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 28 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Wilmer-Hutchins HS Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker at Wilmer-Hutchins HS for their CTE/Accounting program, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 40 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Kimball HS Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker at Kimball HS for their CTE/Hospitality and Tourism program, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 30 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Carter HS Varsity Football Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker with Carter HS Varsity Football team, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 80 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Young Men’s Service League Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker at the Young Men’s Service League, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 20 youth individuals were impacted.
City of Dallas Small Business Center Event
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a guest speaker at the City of Dallas Small Business Center event, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 28 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Disrupt Dallas Summit + Dallas Startup Week, Hosted by Dallas Entrepreneur Center
The Disrupt Dallas Summit, hosted by the Dallas Entrepreneur Center for Dallas Startup Week, featured business mentorship and financial coaching from Vista Bank. Roughly 2/3 of the 4,115 attendees were LMI business owners and entrepreneurs.
Hicks Legacy Back-To-School Bash
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III volunteered at the Hicks Legacy Back-To-School Bash in Ft. Worth, TX, serving and donating breakfast, backpacks, and coolers. Around 120 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted.
The Awakening Youth Conference x African Trade Expo
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III participated as a panelist for the Entrepreneur/Financial Panel at The Awakening Youth Conference presented by the African Trade Expo, discussing banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 1000 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Panel
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III served as a panelist at a national Boys & Girls Clubs of America panel, addressing banking/financial literacy and economic development. About 55 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted.
“Gents in July” at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III participated as a panelist at the "Gents in July" event at the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas, discussing banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 30 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted.
“Create Your Future Self” Youth Program
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III delivered the keynote speech at the Create Your Future Self youth event with All Things Made New Youth Development Center in Irving, TX, discussing banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 16 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted.
Camp Exposure 2023 — Powered by Vista Bank
Camp Exposure 2023, powered by Vista Bank, provided free three-day football training for 75 under-represented high school athletes from LMI areas. Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III led financial literacy sessions, donated $20,000, and mentored students throughout the event.
2nd Annual Juneteenth Youth Mentor Night Event
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker for the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Youth event in Cleburne, TX, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 30 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
“Scaling In Southern Dallas” Panel Series
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III participated as a panelist in the Scaling in Southern Dallas panel series, educating entrepreneurs on business, financial literacy, and legal matters. Approximately 20 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted.
Husbandhood Podcast Session
Vista Bank’s Vice President/Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a guest on the Husbandhood Podcast, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 84 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Duncanville HS + Dallas College Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker at the Duncanville HS and Dallas College financial literacy session, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 60 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Career Ready 2.0 @ East Dallas Boys & Girls Club
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Wilmer-Hutchins HS Financial Literacy Session
Vista Bank’s Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was a speaker at Wilmer-Hutchins HS for their AVID program, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development with students. Approximately 40 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
University of Incarnate Word First Year Experience Course for Student-Athletes
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III delivered a keynote address for the University of Incarnate Word's First Year Experience Course for Student-Athletes via Zoom, focusing on banking/financial literacy and economic development, impacting around 20 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas.
Girl Scouts Financial Literacy
Vista Bank hosted a financial literacy session for local Girl Scouts led by Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III. Nine Girl Scouts learned about budgeting, setting financial goals, and more.
Dallas ISD “Do It For The Culture” Event
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III served as a speaker/facilitator at the Dallas ISD "Do It For The Culture" African American Studies Student Experience Event, focusing on banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 120 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted.
CEO-Intern DEC Network Webinar
Vista Bank’s Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, was the keynote speaker for the Dallas Entrepreneur Center (The DEC Network) “CEO-Intern” Webinar program, in which he discussed banking/financial literacy and economic development.
Approximately 20 individuals of LMI areas were impacted.
Mentor Connector Podcast Session
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III appeared as a guest on the Mentor Connector Podcast, discussing banking/financial literacy and economic development. Approximately 94 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas were impacted by the discussion.
SMU Hegi Career Leaders: Job/Internship Search & Preparation Workshop
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III conducted a workshop at SMU Hegi Career Leaders, advising students on job/internship search and career preparation post-graduation. He also provided education on banking and financial literacy, impacting approximately 150 individuals from low-to-moderate income areas.
South Dallas MLK Weekend Clean-Up
Director of CD&O, Lubbock Smith III, volunteered at the South Dallas MLK Weekend Clean-Up in South Dallas. Over 300+ volunteers from the DFW cleaned up the residence areas of South Dallas, a historically LMI area; approximately 200 individuals from LMI areas were impacted.
“Meet the Professionals” with Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management
At Townview Magnet Center's Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management, professionals engaged 9th grade students at the "Meet the Professionals" event. Vista Bank's Director of CD&O, Lubbock Smith III, and Credit Analyst, Miles Hock, discussed banking careers, financial literacy, and professional development, impacting about 55 low-to-moderate income attendees.
The Power of a Clear Vision: The Power of Networking
Director of CD&O, Lubbock Smith III, led a presentation at the Starks Solutions event in Dallas, TX, focusing on networking's significance, professional development, economic development, and financial literacy. About 65 attendees, all from low-to-moderate income areas, were impacted.
Innercity Community Development Corporation (ICDC) Engagement Session
Lubbock Smith III led a presentation at ICDC in Dallas on values, development, and financial literacy. Tips for success in college and career were provided. Three participants received $60 in gift cards. Around 15 attendees from LMI backgrounds were impacted.
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce “Noir Gala”
Vista Bank sponsored and Director of CD&O, Lubbock Smith III, attended the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce "Noir Gala" on December 8th, 2022. Vista Bank donated $5,000 to support DBCC's efforts in empowering Dallas area black businesses. Approximately 400 individuals were impacted by this opportunity.
Home Economics with City Lab HS
Director of CD&O, Lubbock Smith III, presented to juniors and seniors of City Lab HS in Dallas, TX, covering core values, personal and professional development, financial literacy, and economic development. About 32 attendees from LMI areas were impacted.
Financial Literacy with Dallas City Homes
DCH and Vista Bank organized a "How-to-Guide to Holiday Budgeting" webinar led by Lubbock Smith III, targeting racial minorities with household incomes up to $50K. Approximately 300 individuals from LMI areas were impacted.
Connected Coworking “Money Mindset Panel”
Connected Coworking hosted a panel on financial literacy, "money mindset," entrepreneurship, assets, and wealth. Lubbock Smith III, Director of CD&O, engaged with about 60 attendees, mainly from low-to-moderate income backgrounds or working in LMI areas.
Principal For A Day at Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III Global Preparatory Academy, Dallas ISD
Lubbock Smith III, Director of CD&O, served as Principal for a Day at Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III Global Preparatory Academy. He spent quality time building relationships, mentoring, and impacting students, staff, and the community. Approximately 175 attendees, all from low-to-moderate income areas, were impacted.
Trinity Church “Reformers Collective” Conference + South Dallas Block Party
Trinity Church hosted a two-day conference, "Reformers Collective," addressing community issues, especially in LMI areas, and organized a "South Dallas Block Party" for community engagement. Lubbock Smith III, Director of CD&O, participated as a panelist and volunteer
All Boys Assembly @ Hector P. Garcia Middle School
Director of CD&O, Lubbock Smith III, attended an all-boys assembly at Hector P. Garcia Middle School in Dallas, TX, addressing over 300 students from LMI areas. He shared wisdom on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, community development, self-awareness, and building positive mindsets.
Carter HS Football Tunnel Donation Presentation
CEO John Steinmetz and Director of CD&O Lubbock Smith attended the Carter HS football game against Kimball HS to unveil the new football tunnel donated by Vista Bank. This was part of a larger investment including TouchPro Screen, Vista Bank Leadership Academy, and pregame meals. Approximately 1,135 individuals, mainly from LMI areas, were impacted.
Vista Bank Leadership Academy at Carter HS
The program aims to develop high-achieving students into well-rounded leaders, providing a transformative experience to empower them for success in academics, athletics, and life. Its mission is to cultivate diverse leaders who positively influence peers and communities.
KIPP Truth Elementary & Academy “STAAR-B-Q Event”
Vista Bank organized an event to prepare students for the STAAR test, empowering families with resources. They provided financial literacy tips, impacting around 410 individuals, including students, teachers, and families from low- to moderate-income areas.
Bring The Light Ministries Luncheon for the Joshua Center
Dallas Market President Tony Stephenson and Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach Lubbock Smith III attended the Bring the Light Ministries Luncheon to support funding for the Joshua Center. Vista Bank sponsored at the $10,000 donation level, impacting approximately 75 attendees and aiding Bring The Light Ministries in serving over 1,000 individuals in low- to moderate-income areas of South Dallas.
TCU Athletics NIL/Financial Literacy & 1-on-1 Financial Coaching
Vista Bank's Lubbock Smith III virtually educated 75+ TCU student-athletes, focusing on financial literacy, especially NIL. SVP James Conwright led a session on financial goal setting. Vista Bank hosted 11 one-on-one coaching sessions and one group session, impacting 186 students.
Girl Scouts Financial Literacy
Vista Bank hosted local Girl Scouts, providing a financial literacy session covering topics such as wants vs. needs, budgeting, and setting financial goals, led by SVP Jo'Eda Perez. This effort impacted approximately 10 attendees.
Realizing The Dream
To commemorate MLK Day, Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, and Vista client Leah Frazier of Think Three Media, participated in the "Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo" at the African American History Museum. This event impacted approximately 220 individuals from low- to moderate-income areas.
South Oak Cliff HS Golden Bears State Championship Celebration
Vista Bank's Director of Community Development & Vista Outreach, Lubbock Smith III, attended the state championship celebration at Dallas City Hall to engage with and support South Oak Cliff High School football and community members. This opportunity impacted approximately 100 youth from low- to moderate-income areas.
Southcrest Private School’s 2nd-grade class at Idalou Banking Center
Idalou Banking Center hosted Southcrest Private School’s 2nd grade class teaching them financial literacy and gave hands-on lessons about how banks operate, impacting approximately 26 kids by this effort.
KIPP Truth Elementary & Academy Christmas Donation
Vista Bank donated $1,000 to KIPP Truth Elementary & Academy, providing 10 families with $100 each for the holidays. This initiative impacted approximately 310 attendees from low- to moderate-income areas.
Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club Financial Literacy & Christmas Wishlist Event
Vista Bank's Community Development Coordinator, Lubbock Smith III, volunteered at the event, engaging with youth and community members. He assisted with various tasks and facilitated a "Wants vs. Needs" financial literacy session, impacting approximately 21 attendees from low- to moderate-income areas.
KIPP Truth Thanksgiving Community Event
Vista Bank's Community Development Coordinator, Lubbock Smith III, volunteered for Vista Bank, engaging with students, staff, administration, and community members at the event. He facilitated partnerships between business and community leaders, impacting around 410 attendees from low- to moderate-income areas.
David W. Carter HS “Senior Night Cookout” by Be A Steady Hand
Vista Bank donated $500 to the Be A Steady Hand nonprofit to provide meals for senior students and student-athletes at Carter HS. Community Development Coordinator Lubbock Smith III volunteered, engaging with attendees and assisting with various tasks, impacting around 365 individuals from low- to moderate-income areas.
1st Annual Super Sam’s 5K & Dino Dash
Vista Bank proudly sponsored the 1st annual Super Sam's 5K and Dino Dash event, honoring local superhero Sam Pampel, who passed away at age 7 from neuroblastoma. The foundation supports pediatric cancer research and impacted around 200 attendees.
Principal for a Day at David W. Carter High School
CEO John Steinmetz and Executive VP/General Counsel Bill Mahomes of Vista Bank participated as Principal for a Day at David W. Carter HS. They addressed financial literacy, leadership, and economic development in various classes, impacting around 1,135 students, teachers, and administrators from low- to moderate-income areas.
For Oak Cliff “Back-2-School Festival”
Vista Bank's Community Development Coordinator, Lubbock Smith III, volunteered for Vista Bank at For Oak Cliff's annual "Back-2-School" festival at Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center. Lubbock engaged with the community, distributed 500+ backpacks and school supplies, served food and groceries, impacting roughly 300 families in low- to moderate-income areas.
Moorland YMCA at Oak Cliff “Back-2-School Bash”
Vista Bank's Community Development Coordinator, Lubbock Smith III, represented the bank at the Moorland YMCA "Back-2-School Bash." He engaged with the community, distributed backpacks and school supplies, served food, and assisted as needed, impacting around 150 families in low- to moderate-income areas.
KIPP Truth Elementary & Academy Back-2-School Event
Vista Bank, alongside Camp Exposure and local partners, participated in the KIPP Truth Academy "Back-2-School" event. Cathy Landtroop and Austin Taylor from Vista Bank volunteered, providing financial literacy materials, impacting around 510 students and families in underserved areas.
Camp Exposure 2021
Camp Exposure 2021, powered by Vista Bank, offered a free three-day football training for DFW high school athletes, emphasizing skill enhancement, scout recognition, and character development. SVP James Conwright led a financial literacy workshop, while Vista Bank's Marketing Team volunteered, impacting over 300 individuals.
Bringing the light ministries
Bring The Light Ministries serves and feeds the homeless and those in need in our local Dallas communities. We’re grateful to help support their cause and look forward to the lives we continue to impact for the better together.
Austin's Center for Child Protection
Austin Market President Brian May serves on the board of the John Lockhart Foundation and helped raise/donate $15,000 to Austin's Center for Child Protection in 2021.
Seahorse of Lubbock
Vista Bank proudly supports Seahorse of Lubbock, a private pool where members can enjoy a clean, kind, and friendly swimming experience, Seahorse originally opened in 1966, closing its doors in 2018. Because of the vision and work ethic of young entrepreneurs, Seahorse re-opened summer of 2021 and is thriving once again.
Camp Exposure 2022
Vista Bank is the annual title sponsor for Camp Exposure, a Dallas-Based football camp dedicated to exposing student-athletes to information and tools to help them grow into successful athletes and productive young men and women in their everyday lives. Vista Bank provides $20,000 and financial literacy training to the student-athletes and their families.
Downtown Dallas Post Looting Clean-Up
Vista Outreach team members and clients came alongside Princess Pope, Founder and CEO of Guns & Roses Boutique to sweep up glass, remove damaged furniture, stack and hang remaining clothing and prepare her store to reopen after looters ransacked the business. See the story here
Texas Boys Ranch
Honored to support Texas Boys Ranch with a donation from our Idalou Banking Center, presented by Idalou President Matt Wilmeth. Texas Boys Ranch cares for abused and neglected children in the Lubbock area through foster and adoption services.
Bring The Light Ministries
Bring the Light’s mission is to serve South Dallas and surrounding areas by providing basic food and necessities to economically challenged communities.
Hale Center Community Parks
Wendy and Ryan Baker, part of Vista Outreach, planted trees at Hale Center community parks. The trees were donated by the Hale County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Vista Outreach, working together to impact the communities!
Junior Achievement of Dallas
Vista Bank and the Dallas Millennial Club presented a $5,000 check to the Junior Achievement of Dallas' Finance Park Program. JA Dallas inspires and prepares young people in our community to succeed in a global economy through business role models who volunteer to teach basic business skills and financial literacy to local students.
STEM in the park
Since 2018, Vista Outreach has supported STEM in the Park, an effort to reach underserved populations with partner Dallas Millennial Club and introduce curious students of every age to hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - areas of study proven to increase their success later in life.
Peace love Mud Volleyball
The Vista Bank "Dirty Birds" team participated in one of their favorite events yet again: Communities in Schools' Peace Love Mud Volleyball 2018! We were excited to earn 2nd place, and even more excited that all proceeds went to the South Plains Dropout Prevention Initiative.
Bilingual Book Drive
Vista Bank held a book drive in our West Texas market in 2018 to benefit local students. Collection boxes, decorated by Vista Bank staff, were placed in all of our West Texas branches. New or gently used books written in English and Spanish were accepted and then given to local schools where they would be put to great use.
Children’s Miracle Network
Under the thoughtful leadership of Kristen Vandevender, bank team members donate $5 on designated ‘Miracle Jeans Days’ for the right to wear jeans for a cause! Donating for several years now, Vista often has the highest participation rate and donation amount for this part of the telethon.
The Salvation Army
Vista Bank employees paid $5.00 each Friday of the year to participate in Jean Day. We collected $1,615 and all of the proceeds went to benefit The Salvation Army! We are so proud of our employees and their willingness to give back to their communities.
Ralls City Wide Clean Up
Ralls Citywide Cleanup happens twice a year and anyone can volunteer. Volunteers clean alleys, vacant lots, streets, around abandoned homes, and help with the removal of large trash items for the elderly. Clean-up usually includes mowing, trimming, picking up trash, picking up limbs, and hauling junk to the dump.
Ronald McDonald - Guest Chef Program
The Ronald McDonald Guest Chef Program is a program that was put in place by the Ronald McDonald House as a way to feed the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
Vista Outreach has enjoyed volunteering as Guest Chefs for the last few years. Do you have a group that might be interested in volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House?
Plainview Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all.
Race for The Cure
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer. Vista Outreach enjoyed participating in the Race for the Cure. Together, we’re soaring to great heights!
Adopt a Highway
The original Adopt-a-Highway program began right here in Texas in 1985. Since then, it’s grown into an internationally recognized litter-prevention effort, saving taxpayers’ dollars and keeping our rights of way clean.
Vista Bank proudly participates in the Adopt A Highway program, working together to impact our communities!
South Plains Food Bank
The South Plains Food Bank, Inc. is a humanitarian resource responsible for securing, growing, processing, and distributing food to charitable organizations and persons in need. South Plains Food Bank, Inc. also strives to provide opportunities for persons to break out of the poverty cycle. The South Plains Food Bank is committed to alleviating hunger and giving hope to the hungry.
Make a Wish
Every 38 minutes Make-A-Wish® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories. We believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us in everything we do. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.
Gracious Words From Our Community Partners
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