Women are the ultimate safety net for their families, and as such, they are the ultimate safety net for our society. As goes women's fortunes, so goes ours. It is fitting to reflect on the state of women's economic status as we celebrate International Women's Day (which took place on March 8th). The wealth gap experienced by women is particularly disturbing, especially when we look at the situation for women of color. Without wealth a family struggles to weather basic financial disruptions like a cut in hours or temporary unemployment. A medical emergency quickly becomes a financial crisis.
According to the Insight Center for Community Economic Development's report Lifting as We Climb: Women of Color, Wealth and America's Future, single black and Hispanic women have one penny of wealth for every dollar of their male counterpart and a fraction of a penny for every dollar of wealth owned by single white women. This should concern every one of us. Letting a large group of people, who have so much to offer to our nation, stagnate in this way is irresponsible to our country's economic prosperity. It's time for better jobs, more equitable retirement programs, protection from predatory and sub-prime credit and more access to wealth building opportunities like higher education, homeownership and small business start up support. There is a reason why 70% of our clients are women. We are investing our time and effort where it has the most impact. I hope you'll join us in this crucial work.
All the best,
Nancy Yuill |
Save Your Refund Winner: Jessica Sheeran
 Currently, Innovative Changes' VISTAs and staff are busy reaching out to tax payers at the CASH Oregon site in the Lloyd Center. With Money Menus listing the many program and assistance offerings IC$ can provide - including FAFSA help, information on bank accounts and prepaid cards, free credit report how-to, financial coaching, and more - IC$ has been promoting Save Your Refund. By saving at least $50 in a savings account, US bond, IRA, prepaid card, and a few other savings vehicle options, savers can enter the sweepstakes to win weekly prizes of $100 or the grand prize of $25,000. Here at the Lloyd Center we already have a winner - Jessica Sheeran! We asked Jessica about her savings motivation. Click here to find out more about Jessica, why she saved and what she plans to do with her winnings. |
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Referring Partner Corner
Interested in referring clients for our loans, financial education and individual coaching sessions? Want to learn more about our programs? Attend our Referring Partner Orientation webinar. The webinar orientation will take place Thursday, April 10th from 10:30 am -11:30am.
If you or your coworkers are interested in participating please register here.
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About Us
Our inter-related programs of responsible lending, credit building, financial education and savings acceleration build people's financial capabilities and put them on the path to long term financial health. Join us in our work!
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Quick Stats:
As of 3/13/14
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PARTNERS:
| 48
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LOANS:
Total disbursed:
# Repaid:
| 603, averaging $446.28
$269,967.95
362 | |
FINANCIAL ED. CLIENTS
| 1432 | |
IDA SAVERS
| 70 |
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Spotlight: Introducing Rachel Stein
 The onset of Spring brings new beginnings. With new beginnings comes new faces at Innovative Changes. This month, we are pleased to introduce our new Loan Program Coordinator, Rachel Stein. Rachel comes to IC$ with a wealth of lending and community development experience and has already proved to be a valuable member of our team. Over the next month you will find her connecting with clients and stepping into action immersing herself in the ins and outs of our loan program. Come by and introduce yourself or keep reading below for a virtual introduction!
What will you be doing at Innovative Changes?
As the Loan Program Coordinator, I'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the loan program and also the ongoing expansion. I will also help out with classes and coaching clients as needed. I'm really excited about working on the marketing of our Credit Builder Loan product, connecting with existing and new partners throughout the state to expand our reach, and working with Spanish-speaking clients and making sure our materials are all available in Spanish.
What drew you to this position?
Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the struggles that people go through to build, maintain, and repair their credit, and it struck me how little most folks know about the way that credit and the financial system work. We learn about geometry, government, and literature in public school - why not financial management?
I worked with IC$ as a referring partner when I worked with Mercy Corps Northwest, another small CDFI, and as a volunteer doing budgeting workshops and financial coaching, so when I saw this position in the newsletter, I knew it would be a good fit. I love helping people understand the financial system and to feel empowered to take control of their credit and finances.
Keep reading here for more about Rachel.
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Upcoming Workshops & Orientations
The next Financial Household Resiliency workshops will be:
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