May 2016
 
Greetings! 

How many times have you thought, "I can't do that.  That's not for me."  That pesky little voice of self doubt or fear can have monumental impacts on our decisions.  That is why I am so inspired by Leslie's story, featured below.  She really shifted her perspective about her future, from thinking she could not plan, to actually doing it and making good decisions as a result.  Yes we were there to nudge, encourage, offer some resources, but really, it was Leslie who took a chance on herself, to plan for her future. 

Our other story, about Children's Savings Accounts, is about all of us taking a chance on our children. When we set up educational funds for Oregon's kids we are saying, "I believe in you."  Those four simple words can change lives, and in doing so, change the course of Oregon's future.  

Our annual celebration and fundraiser is all about chances and changes. Please join us to hear Antoinette Edwards talk about the power of taking a chance on someone, Dr Alisha Moreland talk about the special people in her life who took chances on her, and Shalonda Menefee talk about what happens when you take a chance on yourself.  Enjoy Ninkasi beer, Union wine and fine food courtesy of Field Day.  All this, and a lot of fun people, June 2nd, Mercy Corps Action Center. Buy tickets here!

Fondly,
Nancy Yuill
When Every Child Gets an Education After High School
By Matt Kinshella of Neighborhood Partnerships 
 
Imagine an Oregon elementary school student opening an envelope every month and seeing a bank statement with money set aside for their post-secondary education. Imagine that same child going to school the next day and every one of her classmates - you know the people she really pays attention to - had gotten the same envelope. They start to talk about what college they might go to. An argument about the Beavers and Ducks inevitably arises. Some students talk about being the first to go to college in their family. Another talks about working with their hands as a mechanic just like their uncle. Another enviably talks about the cool classes their older brother is taking at the local community college.
 
Client Spotlight: Leslie!


How did you hear get involved with Innovative Changes?
My mother volunteers close to their office and told me about it.

What programs have you participated in? What have you learned from these programs services?
I participated in their research survey regarding the earned income tax credit. I found out about it one day and just went down there the next day because I felt it was such a great opportunity there was no time to lose! The most important thing I've learned is to think about my financial choices and consider all my future options and what the most beneficial options to my family would be.

Upcoming Workshops & Orientations
 
The next Financial Household Resiliency workshops will be:
   
-Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30 pm and Fridays 10:00-12:00 pm

May 20th: Hands on Banking
May 24th: Hands on Banking
May 27th: Building, Repairing and Protecting Credit
May 31st: Building, Repairing and Protecting Credit
June 3rd: Making Ends Meet
June 10th: Budgeting and Saving
June 17th: Hands on Banking
 
This workshop series will be held at our NEW office in 2027 Lloyd Center Mall. You can register for the classes here.
Our next Credit Builder Orientations will be:

Thursday May 19th, 5:30-6:30 pm
EN ESPAŅOL, martes 24 de mayo, 
5:30-6:30 pm
Friday June 3rd, 1-2 pm
Friday June 10th, 1-2 pm
Wednesday June 15th, 5:30-6:30 pm
Thursday June 23rd, 5:30-6:30 pm

 All take place at our office, 2027 Lloyd Center.  Register here.
 
Quick Stats:
As of 5/17/2016
Partners:
 53
Loans: 
Total disbursed:
931
$420,663
Financial Education Clients: 3,694
IDA Savers: 107
IDA Graduates:
 25
IDA Wait List:
--
IDA Interest: 
342  
 
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!

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!

Quick Links

Innovative Changes | 2027 Lloyd Center | Portland | OR | 97232