Promoting Financial Stability
| PROMOTING FINANCIAL STABILITY |
UNITED WAY IMPACT |
Those struggling to make ends meet often find it difficult to respond to life's challenges such as illness or job loss, or take basic steps toward self-sufficiency such as opening a checking account and developing a savings plan. United Way gives working individuals and families the tools they need to increase their income, gain skills and achieve long-term financial stability. 
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Our latest work includes: Leading the CA$H coalition (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope). This partnership of business, government and service agencies operated 54 regional sites to help low- and moderate-income workers receive the tax credits and returns they were entitled to under law. This was accomplished through free tax preparation and financial education. This initiative resuled in nearly $13 million in tax credits and savings returned to individuals and families across the greater Capital Region during the 2008 tax year. Other impact achieved through United Way's CA$H coalition: The completion of 10,639 tax returns at no cost to filers Free tax filing provided to 4,385 taxpayers age 60 and over Tax services valued at $1.4 million provided to low- and moderate-income individuals |
United Way gives working families and individuals the tools and support they need to increase their income, create assets, gain skills in managing their finances and achieve financial stability.
United Way of the Greater Capital Region's Financial Stability Partnership focuses on realistic solutions that increase financial stability and long-term economic independence for individuals and families. Our mission is to help individuals and families secure the needed tools to gain and benefit from savings and assets, such as homeownership, continued education, access to quality child care, small business development, and retirement planning.
United Way Strategy
The Financial Stability Framework Illustration shows United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s stepped approach to help individuals and families move from insecurity to financial security. Gaining financial assets help families meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter and utilities, but most importantly assets provide stability, which allows for families to plan for the future, including: homeownership, higher education, a comfortable retirement, the ability to acquire needed credit through mainstream sources, and the ability to manage emergencies before they spiral into a crisis.
Your invesment at work,
ADVANCING THE COMMON GOOD |
Gaining a stable income and career: “Denise” worked part time and couldn’t make ends meet. She wanted to provide for herself and daughter, but she lacked the skills for a career that would pay the bills. Denise dreamed of improving her life but her confidence had been shattered by years of domestic abuse. Through the Albany Community Action Partnership’s Moving Forward Together program, funded by United Way, Denise enrolled in a job readiness workshop. She began taking steps toward a career goal she had abandoned years before. Program staff helped Denise create a plan to meet job requirements, prepare for interviews and build a budget. Today Denise is employed in her chosen career. She has doubled her income and is meeting her household expenses. Follow-up support and participation in a professional networking group ensures that Denise and her daughter will remain financially stable and succeed as a family. 
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