The first financial services platform for the justice-influenced community

Entrepreneurs Dr. Topeka K. Sam, Danny Feldman and Chris Heckler today announced the launch of FRSH, the first financial services platform built for the justice-impacted community. The mobile platform includes an FDIC-insured bank account, debit card and access to health benefits.

Users will receive a virtual card in the app, followed by a debit card in the mail, access to over 55,000 free ATMs, free direct deposit, fee-free bill pay and no overdraft. FRSH does not require background checks, credit checks, proof of income or a minimum balance to open a bank account.

“With more than 40,000 legal barriers to banking, employment, education and more, we experienced firsthand these basic human rights violations and witnessed how millions of Americans affected by the criminal justice system experience the same daily. We wanted to create a solution that is a critical necessity for our community. Equity and access to financial education, products and services that matter. Our lived experience is our expertise. We’re built for the community by the community. Simple as that.” Dr. Topeka K. Sam, FRSH Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder

“We understand our history and how we got here. We’ve seen the conversations. We’re here to change the outcomes for our community. Financial inclusion and opportunity are critical to successful reentry and to reducing recidivism,” Danny Feldman, FRSH CEO and co-founder.

There are over 70 million individuals in the United States with criminal convictions who often struggle with valid forms of ID, little upfront capital, accumulated debt, inactive accounts at major banks, and poor credit scores. 27% of the justice-affected community remains unbanked in America, the largest of any demographic. 70% of those returning from incarceration do not have bank accounts within the first 3 years of release, and many require medical attention.

“FRSH is disrupting the financial services industry with next-generation technology that opens the door to a community that needs help now more than ever before. We’re starting with the basics to get people back on their feet. Making it easier to pay fines and bills electronically will reduce their costs , save time and help reduce recidivism,” says Chris Heckler, FRSH president and co-founder.

Cashing the check can cost up to 13% in fees depending on location. In fact, the check cashing industry makes over $19 billion a year by eating away at our society. In the first year alone, one can save $3,900 by not using check cashing facilities.

FRSH is 100% focused on giving the justice-impacted community access to the best banking products, health benefits and life services regardless of background.

The justice-influenced community deserves the chance for economic mobility and stable, prosperous futures for themselves and their families. It’s time for a FRSH Start.