1st Republic Mortgage Bankers greatly values the communities we do business in. We reach out and offer free credit counseling and information on how to buy a home; in person, on television, radio, and at free seminars. Our goal is to break down the barriers to home ownership. In addition 1st Republic Mortgage Bankers sponsors and supports many organizations and events that give back to the community.

We hope you are as proud of our communites as we are and welcome you to help us celebrate and support our neighborhoods.

Scott Sisskind, Gil Bailey, and Pat Bailey welcome a visit from Geneive Brown Metzger, Consul General of Jamaica. Mrs. Brown Metzger took office in early March of 2008, succeeding Dr. Basil K. Bryan former Consul General of Jamaica in New York from April 1998 to September 2007.

"Being appointed Consul General of Jamaica. It is the culmination of all that I've done professionally and the hopes of dreams of my parents and family. I feel really blessed and I give God all the glory."

"This was my opportunity not to just complain, but to do something about it."

Phagwah, or Holi, is the Indo-Caribbean Hindu celebration of the new year.

Every spring, the Sunday after the first full moon of the Hindu calendar, Phagwah literally paints the streets as kids and families "color" one another with dye (abrac) and powder and chase away the winter grays. The spirit--and high-jinks--are like that of Carnival.

The Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill, Queens, is the biggest celebration in North America. 1st Republic Mortgage Bankers, Inc. is proud to sponsor a float in the parade every year.

In addition to his zeal to help people to obtain affordable financing to purchase a home, Chris Arceneaux has a passion for the game of golf and the life lesson it teaches. He has embarked, with the support of 1st Republic Mortgage Bankers, on establishing several charitable foundations to provide more access for children to learn how to play golf and earn scholarships for college.

Few commitments have the kind of payoff that a child receives from playing sports. Sports participation enhances physical fitness during childhood while helping develop healthy habits for adulthood. A child gains experience in cooperation, self-discipline and perseverance, all while having a good time.

Scott Sisskind, President of 1st Republic Mortgage Bankers, is proud to be welcomed as "Principal for a Day" at PS 65Q. He visited almost all of the classrooms and addressed an assembly of 3rd to 5th grades on the importance of education in achieving their dreams. The students then presented Scott with questions, and all enjoyed the question and answer period.

In addition Scott continues this relationship and is proud to follow the schools progress throught the year. Scott has even hosted a field trip to the radio station, 93.5 LinkUp Radio, where the kids were able to get a behind the scenes look at a live radio broadcast!