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In the New York Times best seller, Change Anything, the authors explore the science behind personal change. It turns out that it's not just about an individual's motivation, ability and will power; peer pressure and the structural environment matter just as much as sources of influence. Harnessing good peer pressure and finding strength in numbers is at the heart of our financial coaching program. When you share a personal goal with someone who is rooting for you to win you create your own social system that provides peer motivation and ability to help you make the changes you want to make. In this month's newsletter you will meet our two AmeriCorps VISTA members who are spending the next year with us expanding our coaching program. Our coaching work is part of a national program organized by Points of Light, with funding from Bank of America. Contact us if you would like to become a financial coach or if you want to work with one of our coaches. And remember, change does not happen in isolation. Share your goals with others!
All the best,
Nancy Yuill
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Credit Builder Success Story
When we called Shannon, a recent Credit Builder Loan graduate, to update her on her credit score, she gave us some exciting news: She just bought a house! In fact, she was unpacking boxes in her new home while we spoke on the phone. Congratulations on building your credit and qualifying for a mortgage, Shannon!
Are you interested in building YOUR credit to qualify for a mortgage or another credit goal? Attend a credit builder loan orientation!
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 Spotlight: Introducing Alanna Hoyman-Browe!
Alanna joined our team in August as one of our two new AmeriCorps VISTA members. She comes to IC$ after recently graduating from Reed College with a degree in Economics. Alanna will be helping to train our volunteer coaches as well as building capacity for our financial education program by developing curriculum for our partners and clients. Join us in welcoming Alanna as an awesome addition to our team!
What drew you to the Financial Opportunity Corps position at Innovative Changes?
My interest in financial empowerment and education comes from my research into domestic violence and economics. I was interested to learn about the impact that a more stable financial situation can make on people's lives. I am so excited to be involved in a program that values a ground-up, client-centered approach to combating poverty in our community.
What were you doing before IC$?
I just graduated from Reed College here in Portland with a degree in Economics. While at Reed I focused on economics and gender with just a dash of modern dance. In the summer before beginning this position I worked in a local shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
Continue reading about Alanna here!
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 Spotlight: Introducing Andrea Kerwin!
Andrea is the second of the new AmeriCorps VISTAs to join IC$ this past August. Andrea recently graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University where she studied Economics as well. Andrea will be working to coordinate our volunteer Financial Coaching program. We are thrilled to have her on our team!
What drew you to the Financial Opportunity Corps position at Innovative Changes?
I was drawn to the Financial Opportunity Corps position at Innovative Changes because I was inspired by the mission of the program, and wanted the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of financial issues.
What were you doing before IC$?
I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in May of 2014 with an Economics degree. While in college I volunteered at multiple non-profits, with very different areas of focus. I worked as a marketing coordinator for the Illinois Recycling Association, and helped to write grants for a developing food cooperative.
Continue reading about Andrea here!
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Upcoming Workshops & Orientations
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The next Financial Household Resiliency workshops will be:
- Friday mornings, 10am-12pm, October 17th-Nov 7th
- Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30pm, November 4th-25th
This workshop series will be held at our office in 2010 Lloyd Center Mall. You can register for the classes here.
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Our next Credit Builder Orientations will be:
- (Spanish) Viernes, el 24 de Octubre 1:00 - 2:00 pm
- Wednesday, October 29th 5:30-6:30 pm
- Friday, November 7th 1-2 pm
- Thursday, November 13th 5:30-6:30 pm
- Friday, November 21st 1-2 pm
- (Spanish) Jueves, el 4 de diciembre 5:30-6:30 pm
All take place at our office, 2010 Lloyd Center. Register here.
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Want to volunteer with IC$?
Volunteer financial coaches work one on one with clients to teach personal financial management skills as well as engage and motivate clients to stay on track toward their goals. Learn more about becoming a coach here or contact Andrea at andrea@innovativechanges.org
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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 andrea@innovativechanges.org or visiting our website.
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As of 10/14/14
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Partners:
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51
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Loans:
Total disbursed:
# repaid:
| 687
$305,231
429 | | Financial Education Clients: | 1,696 | | IDA Savers: | 104 | |
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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