Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Best Practices & Promising Practices of 2007

Minnesota Community Action Partnership
Minnesota Department of Human Services Office of Economic Opportunity
University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development Presents




Best Practices & Promising
Practices of 2007


Rural Family Economic Success– Best Practice
Family Economic Success Council
Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership
Mahube Community Council, INC
Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council
West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Inc


The Practice: Through collaboration among Community Action agencies, social service and public agencies, low-income representatives and elected officials serving a nine county area (aka West Central Initiative), created a work plan focused on assets and self-sufficiency promotion in their region.
The Impact: Increased EITC filings in region by 25% in one year. Leveraged additional $165,000 to promote an implement asset programs like Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM), EITC/tax assistance, and financial literacy classes. Created Northern Connection, a nonprofit offering remote phone support to low-income individuals entering the workforce. Established a $10,000 interest-free emergency loan fund for those participating in the FAIM program.


Phograph:
Left to RightKate Ouverson, Family Self-Sufficiency Director, WCMCA
Marcia Otte, Family Development Director, Mahube Community Council, Inc.
Missy Becker-Cook, Human Resource Director,
West Central Minnesota Communities Action Inc.
Steve Nagle, Executive Director, WCMCA
Carol Boyer, Fiscal Director, WCMCA
Debra Carpenter, Executive Director, Northern Connections, Inc.
Wendy Merrick, Program Director, West Central Initiative
Diane Leaders, Assistant Family Services Director, Otter Tail
Wadena Community Action Council, Inc.
Miriam Shark, Senior Associate, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Ken Fredette, Marketing/Development Director, Lakes & Prairies
Community Action Partnership, Inc.