Engagement Through Community
At ECO, we create community learning programs that make growth accessible for everyone—children, teens, adults, and families. Through literacy for all ages, health and wellness initiatives, and personal development opportunities, we help individuals build confidence and unlock their potential.​
ECO Provides Resources That Move Individuals & Families Forward Partnering With Schools, Local Businesses, And Corporations to Strengthen Our Community.
Literacy
Reading & Learning For All Ages
Tutoring, reading workshops, and educational resources for learners of all ages.
Wellness
Encouraging Healthy Habits
Sports, fitness classes, wellness workshops, and community movement events.
Community
Learning, Wellness, & Connection
Tournaments, reading events, challenges, and giveback days that unite the community.
Creating Access. Building Confidence. Strengthening Communities.
Programs designed to meet people where they are and help them move forward with clarity, confidence, and real world skills that last.
Interactive & Hands-On Tools
Through interactive workbooks, workshops, and guided activities, participants build skills they can apply through everyday decisions.
Easy to Follow Learning Experiences
Real-world programs like literacy, wellness, and financial foundations are clear, practical education designed for real-life
Confidence that Extends Beyond the Program
Participants leave with increased confidence, stronger decision making skills, and a sense of ownership over their growth. Education that creates lasting change.
Community Centered by Design
Impact grows when learning is shared. By partnering with schools, organizations, and community leaders, ECO expands access to education and wellness to deepen community trust.
Ready to learn more about ECO's programs?
Discover more about ECO's programs that are designed to meet you where you are to build clarity, confidence, and real world skills in a welcoming community centered environment.
A Community Driven NonProfit Focused on Whole Person Growth
Who We Are
Effort Creates Opportunity (ECO) is a community-centered nonprofit founded in 2024 by Richard and Arichica Banks, focused on expanding access to literacy, wellness, and personal development for people of all ages. Rooted in the belief that effort opens doors, ECO delivers programs, workshops, and partnerships that empower individuals and strengthen families. With over 20 years of mentorship experience and a shared commitment to collaboration, Richard and Arichica created ECO to bridge gaps, build confidence, and create lasting opportunity across the Des Moines community.
Show up. Get Involved. Make an Impact.
BUILD FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE THAT LASTS
UNDERSTANDING PERSONAL CREDIT
The Foundations of Credit Course equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to understand credit, build healthy financial habits, and make informed decisions with confidence. through easy-to-follow lessons and practical activities, learners gain a clear understanding of credit scores, responsible borrowing, budgeting, and long-term financial planning—without confusion or overwhelm.
Delivered through schools, workplaces, organizations, this course creates scalable impact and lasting confidence
Partnerships that expand access, build confidence, and strengthen communities
EXPAND ACCESS & COMMUNITY IMPACT
PARTNER WITH ECO
Partnering with ECO means investing in people and strengthening communities at the same time. Through collaborative programs delivered in schools, workplaces, and community spaces, ECO delivers programs that build confidence, increase access, and create lasting impact across the communities we serve.
GET INVOLVED. MAKE AN IMPACT.
STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY.
Volunteering with ECO is a hands-on way to support growth, access, and opportunity within the community. Whether you're sharing skills, supporting programs, or showing up where help is needed most, volunteers play a vital role in strengthening the people in the communities we serve.
Get involved, make an impact, and help strengthen the community through meaningful people-centered service.
With effort comes opportunity. With opportunity comes change. With change comes freedom.
Effort Creates Opportunity, Founder & CEO