FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE FINANCIAL STABILITY
When earned wages don’t support the basic needs of a family and when debt and poor money management skills rob individuals of their dreams, a cycle of hopelessness and poverty is perpetuated with negative implications for present and future generations.
United Way of Tampa Bay, with assistance from 14 collaborative partners, is committed to breaking this cycle by leading and participating in programs focused on two intermediate outcomes:
- Families and individuals increase income
- Families and individuals build financial assets
Our partnership with 11 agency-based training and employment programs provided job skills education and employment services to more than 6,000 job seekers in our community. This investment was made during a time of unprecedented economic downturn and, for many, these services made the difference between continued stability and unexpected crisis.
This past year, United Way of Tampa Bay invested in unique programs designed to help eliminate barriers and assist individuals in their efforts to obtain and retain employment. By assisting with the transportation, childcare and incidental needs that often prevent individuals from maintaining stable employment, United Way helped pave a clear path to stability for more than 400 families.
In addition, United Way actively facilitated a wide range of beneficial partnerships to advance programs designed to help low-income families and individuals achieve financial independence. Among these programs are the following highlights:
• As part of the Prosperity Campaigns of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, United Way of Tampa Bay supports free tax preparation assistance and education regarding Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) at locations throughout our community.
• United Way of Tampa Bay leads the Individual Development Account (IDA) program, a collaboration of more than 35 community partners dedicated to helping hard-working families and individuals save to accomplish a personal dream of homeownership, continuing education or starting a small business.
• Working in partnership with regional agencies, United Way provides individualized guidance to people seeking to repair credit, repair banking relationships and manage their money more effectively.
Our vision for helping families and individuals achieve financial stability is not just about facilitating better opportunities for those facing crisis today. Our work is designed to help families proudly achieve financial independence while setting the example in the home for what is possible when education, wise money management and dedication to achieving better personal conditions are a priority.