Families and individuals across the valley struggle to keep up with rising living costs. It is often the case that the loss of a job, a medical crisis, or another unexpected financial burden can put these households at risk of homelessness and financial ruin. A New Leaf’s Financial Empowerment services help households find financial stability, get ahead in the workforce, and ultimately start a business and pursue their dreams.
To help households in an immediate financial crisis, A New Leaf provides relief to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs, while assisting with bills during health emergencies. These are critical resources to help households avoid homelessness or financial ruin, simply due to temporary circumstances.
Once a household is stable, A New Leaf works with the household to address barriers to workplace advancement and access to education.
Workforce services are offered at many of A New Leaf’s programs, including at domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and community resource centers. Dedicated staff members work to help individuals at these sites develop resumes, secure job interviews, and connect with employers.
Education is also a vital resource for households to move up in the workplace. In partnership with Mesa Counts on College, Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN) works to assist community members with furthering their education. Classes are offered for preparation regarding the ACT, SAT, and PSAT.
For those looking to complete their high school education, comprehensive GED classes are provided. Additional assistance with college enrollment, financial aid, and career advisement help the community move forward.
As well, A New Leaf offers financial coaching to help households to maintain stability. Personal financial coaches work with participants to establish budgets, encourage savings, and improve general financial literacy.
A personal savings program is also available that matches dollars saved toward education, making college more affordable and possible for those from low-income households.
Another key service for low-income households is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA. VITA is an entirely free tax preparation program that puts countless dollars back into the pockets of hard-working families and individuals.
A New Leaf also provides resources for those with dreams of owning a small, local business, or those currently operating one with the desire to grow. Intended to assist in all areas of developing a business, A New Leaf’s Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation, or NEDCO, provides a variety of services to help local businesses grow.
A New Leaf’s NEDCO provides essential resources needed to help a business thrive, including a robust business lending program, regular classes and workshops with leading instructors in business, and other forms of support.
By providing households across the valley with immediate crisis assistance, long-term financial planning and education, as well as small business development resources – A New Leaf is building a stronger community for everyone.
0 Comments