This new fiscal year we've been regrouping to evaluate what is going well and what we can improve upon. Over the past few months, we've been holding discussions with our stakeholders, including clients, to examine our impact.

One area that has made a positive difference is our partherships with colleague nonprofits and other organizations. Our approach has always been and continues to be to leverage existing resources in order to maximize impact on our clients and our community. 

As an example of how these partnerships work well, this month we're highlighting Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA). NAYA's mission is to "enhance the diverse strengths of our youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education," and its extensive programs include financial education for youth and adults. Like Innovative Changes, NAYA is a member of the Credit Builders Alliance, and refers people to us for loans and credit building. We appreciate NAYA's investment in the success of those they refer. For example, one mutual client improved her credit score by over 30 points in just four months by working closely with NAYA on her credit report and by making timely payments on the Opportunity Loan she took out with us, which she used to pay off high-cost payday loans. Read more about NAYA in the Partner Highlight.

We would also like to welcome Americorps VISTA volunteer Talia Kahn-Travis into our ranks. We're very excited about the value she brings to our team!

As the summer draws to a close and the economy continues to lag, we are experiencing an increase in demand for our services. Even as we ramp up our programs, a lot of our current and potential clients continue to struggle -- many are losing jobs, facing reductions in work hours, and feeling the impact of public benefits cutbacks. With the recession's impact continuing to take its toll, it is now, more than ever, important we succeed in our efforts.

 

Finally, we would like to thank our most recent donors, Wells Fargo and Umpqua Bank, and to welcome our most recent referral partner, The Giving Tree.

 

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Sarah Chenven
Program Director