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Last week I approved a loan for someone who had borrowed from us before. On her application, when it asked how she came to know about us, she said she had belonged to Innovative Changes before. That concept of belonging really touches me. Time and again we hear our clients talk about belonging to our community. They are often looking for the next way to engage in our services and use our products; to keep the relationship going and to continue on their path to long term financial health. I take it as a testament to our efforts to create a safe, respectful, helpful place for people to work on their financial affairs. And I love that it is a belonging that is not exclusive, you don't have to "join", there is no membership criteria; everyone is rightly placed here. And, years later, you can come back and discover that you still belong!
All the best,
Nancy Yuill
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 Volunteer Spotlight: Mary
Mary joined Innovative Changes at our first volunteer financial coach training in January 2014. This first training group launched the volunteer financial coaching program headed by our two VISTAs, Katie and Jenna, in partnership with Bank of America and Points of Light. We matched Mary with her client in early February and the two have been meeting ever since.
Why did you want to coach with IC$?
I wanted to give back to my community and I didn't know about the IC$ coaching program initially, so I thought I would help out with schooling and children first. My first opportunity to do that didn't really fit for me. Then I heard about the IC$ coaching program through a volunteer opportunity posting and thought it would be a great opportunity to help out and it has been a great fit for me so far.
What was your biggest take away from the training?
That I wasn't supposed to do anything for anyone or give out advice. Instead I am supposed to guide them to help themselves. The hardest part is figuring out how to do that with a client.
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 Client Spotlight: Nicole
Nicole got involved with Innovative Changes after she was referred to our coaching program by MIPO and their Business Individual Development Account (IDA) program. She began working with her coach earlier this year after she had completed our Financial Household Resiliency workshop series. Meet Nicole!
What are your current financial goals?
Well to keep on top of what I spend, get my student loans completely dismissed, and now that I have debt because of a few unexpected things, I would like to get completely out of debt.
What programs have you participated in? What have you learned from these programs/services?
I am currently working with a financial coach and I went through the financial education workshop series, "Financial Household Resiliency", required by the IDA program.
What are your plans for your jewelry business and what steps you are taking?
It is a spiritual-based jewelry business. It features the menorah and seven spirits of God. It is about how we are created in God's image and beauty. So far I have taken business classes in Quickbooks and a class through MIPO. I have had the copyright done and made my product. I participated in the IC$ financial education class to get my finances in order to go forward with the business.
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Upcoming Workshops & Orientations
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The next Financial Household Resiliency workshops will be:
- Tuesday evenings, September 9th-30th
- Tuesday evenings, October 7th-28th
This workshop series will be held at our office in 2010 Lloyd Center Mall. You can register for the classes here.
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Our next Credit Builder Orientations will be:
- Wednesday, August 13th, 5:30-6:30 pm
- Friday, August 22nd, 1-2 pm
- (En espanol) Martes, 26 de agosto, 5:30-6:30 pm
All take place at our office, 2010 Lloyd Center. Register here.
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Come to our next Financial Fair!
Here is a copy of the flier for our next Financial Fair! It will be held on Saturday August 23rd from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Africa House on NE 102nd Ave. Food, local resources, financial advisers , and activities for kids provided!
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Get Matched up with a Financial Coach
Want to get in control of your money but aren't sure where to start? Do you know someone who would like extra accountability when working towards their financial goals? Sign up today to get matched up with a financial coach!
This year we are growing our coaching program to reach more people through trained volunteer financial coaches.
Get connected with a coach today or find out about becoming a coach yourself by contacting katie@innovativechanges.org or visiting our website.
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As of 8/7/14
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Partners:
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51
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Loans:
Total disbursed:
# repaid:
| 661
$293,250
410 | | Financial Education Clients: | 1,621 | | IDA Savers: | 87 | |
IDA Graduates:
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3
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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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You Can Help!
You care about helping people achieve and maintain household stability. Now you can join our efforts at Innovative Changes as we expand our reach to serve more clients. Your generous donation will be put to good use!
Whatever amount you can afford, you can set it up for monthly automatic payments to ease your cash flow. If you have bill pay service with your bank you can set up Innovative Changes to receive regular monthly payments. If you prefer, we can process a monthly ACH transaction on your behalf. Contact us at contact@innovativechanges.org to set up your monthly giving program.
Thank you for your support!
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