There are few choices available to families on the edge of financial catastrophe. They could fall prey to predatory financial advice or services, and if they default on the loan, their credit suffers. Without good credit, their options thin even further. Just “finding a better job” isn’t always the answer either. Without specific skills and training, people settle for low-paying jobs, leaving their savings to dry up before the month is out.

Climbing out of poverty is complex.  United Way is providing leadership to a network of nonprofits who serve families across our region. Together, we are creating solutions that work. We help families in need set reachable goals such as cleaning up their credit so they can rent a home, sending a child to college, or getting a job that will pay a living wage. We help families by:

• Investing in organizations that focus on job skills training that offers a defined career pathway driven by employer needs.
• Scaling an integrated services model with: financial coaching, career placement, public benefit screening services, all under one roof.
• Expanding access to financial coaching that helps families build credit, increase their savings, reduce debt and build assets.