Our work and relationships in diverse neighborhoods has been revealing deep uncertainty among residents around credit health, saving, budgeting, and using banks. As the economic downturn hit in the fall of 2008, IMPACT saw increasing challenges around employment issues and the cost of living. For many, economic uncertainty and instability are the largest barriers to their engagement in community life.

IMPACT’s response to this reality is a series of programs for residents of diverse races, cultures, and even income levels to become economically empowered. Our goals are to:

• Transform the community mindset on assets – from one that believes in a predetermined economic path that cannot be controlled, to one that sees the power of small steps for economic self-determination and change


• Increase the understanding of resources, tools, and personal skills needed for financial success


• Increase the likelihood of participants securing a job or advancing their careers


• Increase the ability for individuals to feel stable and supported in managing their daily lives

• Financial Education Workshops: Through weekly sessions, diverse residents come together with neighbors to explore the basics of money and assets, including managing personal finances and debt, improving credit health, budgeting, and reducing costs. In safe spaces, residents build close relationships with their peers and with local resource-providing organizations.


• Asset Development Teams: Over 8 months, diverse residents commit to building their savings and assets for college or career training, business capital, and homeownership. In sessions designed according to the interests of participants, residents explore how to shift from a consumer mindset to an investment/producer mindset, including how to manage successful side businesses.


• Employment Support: Ongoing, bi-monthly sessions throughout the year that use a framework of mutual support to help job seekers share resources and offer advice and encouragement. Specific skill-building takes place at the request of the group.


• Parent Educators: Over 8 months, diverse parents learn skills to become teaching assistants and then work in an after-school literacy program in Montgomery County Public Schools. Parents build enduring partnerships with lead teachers and strengthen their relationship to the school. They also take part in bi-weekly trainings in personal empowerment and workforce skills.