Thania Gonzalez, a proud homeowner in Lawrence, credits Lawrence Community Works' Matched Savings Program for making her dream of homeownership a reality. Her mother, a single parent, joined the same program in 2009 to buy their first home despite facing substandard housing. Thania, a teenager at the time, admired her mother’s determination.  
In 2014, her mother enrolled again, this time to help Thania pursue higher education, supporting her graduation from Bridgewater State University in 2016 and the launch of her career as a social worker. “Seeing my mom go through the program and achieve her goals really inspired me,” Thania reflects. “She did it as a single mother, and I knew that if she could do it, I could too.” 

For over two decades, the Midas Collaborative, a policy partner organization funded by United Way, has been working through advocacy, program administration, and partnerships with organizations like Lawrence Community Works to create economic opportunities by helping individuals and families build assets, savings and wealth.  

As they mark their 25^th anniversary milestone, Midas reflects on its journey and the significant impact it has had in advancing financial security for low- and moderate-income residents across Massachusetts. 

Originally launched in the late 1990s under the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation (CDC), Midas was created to manage matched savings programs that promote financial stability across Massachusetts. Recognizing that many residents were not yet ready for homeownership, CDC leaders prioritized financial education—helping participants build credit, reduce debt, and strengthen financial habits. Matched savings provided the training and financial incentives needed to prepare them for homeownership and long-term asset-building. 

Today, Midas continues to lead with innovative approaches to financial capability, championing matched savings accounts that encourage financial literacy and asset-building. Since its founding in 1999, Midas has supported approximately 7,000 individuals through match savings programs, with 600 participants actively saving today. In 2024, Midas served seven Matched Savings Programs statewide. Among savers 74% of participants identified as female, 80% identified as BIPOC, and 70% lived in an immigrant rich area in metro-Boston or a Gateway city.  In 2025, Midas is committed to expanding their reach to support organizations in Central and Western Massachusetts. 

In 2024 alone, over $900,000 matched dollars were awarded to graduates of Matched Savings programs run by our non-profit partners. Participants used these funds to start small businesses, save for a rainy day, pay for school, rent an apartment or become a first-time homebuyer. In fact, over 95% of all participants used their Matched Savings program funds to begin a small business or purchase a home. 

MIDAS partners with community organizations to offer matched-savings accounts, also known as Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). While MIDAS administers the matched-savings program, its partners provide financial education and support. “We take on the administrative burden of running a matched-savings program, including liaising with banks, managing transactions, and handling data collection. This allows our partners to focus on finding funds and recruiting participants,” said Kenzi Martin, Midas Program Manager.  

Participants deposit savings into these accounts for a set program period, with access limited to the program. Held at community banks, these accounts help unbanked and underbanked individuals become more comfortable with traditional financial institutions. 

Each month, participants’ savings are matched to accelerate their financial goals. The match ratio ranges from 1:1 up to 4:1, helping participants save for life-changing assets, such as first homes, higher education, and small businesses. 

Currently, Midas work with seven organizations, including Breaktime, Urban Edge, The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC), Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), Mass MoCA’s Assets for Artists program, Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA), and Episcopal Community Services (ECS).  

“Each partner organization has a unique approach that is truly respected and reflected in how they design their programs. It's tailored to how they want their program to best support their communities. This hands-on, individualized approach ensures the program aligns with the specific needs and goals of each community,” said Rose Francois, Midas Executive Director and President, who recently stepped into the role of CEO, bringing new energy and a visionary approach to the organization’s leadership. 

Among the many success stories that highlight this individualized approach are those of Thania Gonzalez and Samuel Lopez. Their journeys serve as proof of what’s possible when individuals are given the right tools and opportunities, offering a powerful glimpse into the lasting impact of these community-centered efforts.  

In 2022, while pregnant with her son, Thania decided to enroll in the Matched Savings Program herself. "I always had that goal of owning a home, but with the rising cost of rent, it seemed further out of reach," Thania shares. "I always knew about Lawrence Community Works and the programs they offered, so I decided to take the leap. 

“Seeing my mom go through the program and achieve her goals really inspired me,” Thania reflects. “She did it as a single mother, and I knew that if she could do it, I could too.” 

Though she had been saving and budgeting on her own, Thania realized the program’s structured guidance could elevate her financial planning. "I tried Googling and creating my own budget, but I found that the program helped me more than I could have done alone, having a structured program made a huge difference." 

The six-month program provided invaluable financial literacy, covering budgeting, credit building, and the home-buying process. "I found it extremely knowledgeable. It literally set the foundation for us to be able to buy a home," Thania says.  

Each participant met with a financial advisor to discuss their unique situation and create a tailored budget. "I thought I knew my credit score, but they really brought a new perspective to it and made it understandable. It was about learning how to use that money wisely and what truly means to be a homeowner," said Gonzalez.  

After completing the program, Thania continued saving on her own and carefully chose the right time to buy, navigating a competitive market. In October 202, Thania and her family officially purchased their home, marking a significant milestone in their journey. "Owning a home is about stability and creating a future for my family," Thania says. 

Thania urges others to take advantage of the program. "I encourage anyone interested in buying a home, starting a business, or investing in education to join the matched savings program. It's a solid foundation that sets you on the right path to build a sustainable financial future for yourself and your family." 

She also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy: "In this day and age, we should prioritize financial literacy as much as we can. Lawrence Community Works offers this program in both Spanish and English, making it accessible to more people." 

Thania’s story highlights how the Matched Savings Program empowers individuals to achieve their long-term goals, build financial security, and secure homes for their families. 

When Samuel “Sammy” Lopez first heard about Breaktime’s matched savings program, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “Saving money is really hard, but it made a big difference knowing that by the end of my placement, I would have a nice chunk of money set aside,” Lopez shared. 

Samuel joined the program through Breaktime’s Launchpad system, a three-week paid soft skills training and financial empowerment program designed to prepare young adults for success in the workforce. The training sharpened his workplace readiness, ensuring he was equipped for his three-month job placement. After completing the program, Samuel was placed at Apex Solar School in Boston, where he gained hands-on experience while earning an hourly wage—an ideal fit for his interest in clean energy and electrical work. 

During his placement, he took advantage of the matched savings program, setting aside a portion of his paycheck and watching his balance grow. “It was a great opportunity—to go to school, get paid like a real job, and save money that I knew would be matched.” Now, with substantial savings, he’s looking forward to using those savings toward his goal of purchasing a vehicle, a key step in launching his career as a solar technician. “Having a car will open up so many opportunities for me,” he said. “In construction and solar work, you need to move between job sites, and relying on public transportation just isn’t practical.”  

He credits the matched savings program for making this possible. “The matched savings definitely plays a big part in me being able to purchase that car,” said Lopez.  

Beyond savings, Breaktime also connected Samuel with a credit counselor, helping him resolve outstanding claims on his credit report and improve his score. Now, he’s working toward securing his first credit card, further strengthening his financial foundation. 

Samuel encourages others to take full advantage of matched savings. “Definitely jump on the opportunity, let your money grow itself,” he advises. “It’ll really help you out in the long run.”  

Originally funded through the federal Assets for Independence (AFI) initiative, MIDAS transitioned to private funding after AFI ended in 2020. The shift from federal to private funding has created challenges. Unlike AFI’s multi-year funding, private funding requires annual grant applications, creating uncertainty for participants and partner organizations. 

To ensure the program's sustainability and expand its reach, Midas is advocating for state funding, which would allow eligibility for individuals earning up to 80% of the area median income. In this quest, Mida has joined forces with United Way of Mass Bay to ensure wealth-building opportunities remain accessible. 

Midas and United Way of Massachusetts Bay co-lead the Matched Savings Coalition, which brings together advocates, practitioners, and those with lived experience to advocate for the MA’s Matched Savings Bill, SD.2106; HD.3851. This proposed legislation would allow participants to save with up to a 4:1 match to put towards twelve goals such as a down payment on a home, small business, education, debt reduction, moving cost, credit repair, rental housing assistance, vehicle purchases, vocational training, and home maintenance and others. Matched Savings empowers participants to be financially independent. In addition, Midas Co-Chairs the Financial Empower Network. 

“Our advocacy focuses on match savings and financial education; one cannot exist without the other. We aim to expand both and support legislative efforts like baby bonds to address systemic wealth disparities,” said Martin.  

Beyond advocacy and program administration, collaboration is at the heart of Midas’s approach. By partnering statewide, they address community needs and ensure equitable access to resources across Massachusetts.  “No nonprofit can do this alone. It’s about contributing to the larger ecosystem of asset management and wealth-building. Real change happens collectively,” said Francois. 

Innovation is one key example of how these partnerships come to life. Midas is exploring ways to enhance their match savings programs by moving from manual, paper-based systems to more efficient, tech-driven solutions. By leveraging technology, they aim to streamline processes, improve data management, and create a scalable system. This includes partnering with banks that offer digital account views, enabling participants to track their progress easily. Their goal is to simplify the user experience while expanding the program's reach statewide, ultimately making a more significant impact in communities. 

From business startups to homeownership, Midas has transformed countless lives. Kenzi reflects, “If you look at our economic impact, you see people building businesses, buying homes, and achieving things they never thought possible.” 

This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but a reminder of the work still to be done and the lives yet to be impacted. "We want to double our efforts and reach even more people in communities that need it most," said Francois. 

Rose’s leadership is centered on innovation and growth, with a key focus on developing tools that meet community needs, provide critical data, and support partners with funding and advocacy. Looking forward, she is determined to solidify Midas as the go-to resource for nonprofits, making it easier to implement match savings programs. “People aren’t looking for handouts, they’re looking for tools. They’re looking for help, and that’s what we’re hoping to provide,” said Francois. Ultimately, Rose’s vision is clear: ensuring that everyone has a piece of the economic “pie” and feels engaged in the process. 

As Midas marks its 25th anniversary, its transformative impact is evident. With a forward-looking vision, the organization is committed to expanding its efforts and helping even more individuals achieve their dreams. The work is far from over, and Midas remains dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.