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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Financial Capability Month

April is National Financial Capability Month, highlighting the importance of financial education in supporting American families as they strive for prosperity and the resilience to weather unexpected setbacks.

April 23, 2021

April is National Financial Capability Month, highlighting the importance of financial education in supporting American families as they strive for prosperity and the resilience to weather unexpected setbacks. 

In his official proclamation on March 31, President Biden emphasized that this year’s Financial Capability Month is especially critical given “the financial impact of COVID-19 and the deep-rooted inequities in our society that have greatly limited the economic prosperity of too many Americans.” 

At Crisis Assistance Ministry, the effects of those ingrained barriers to financial security are unmistakable. Every day, hardworking men and women seek assistance with the basics — rent, utilities, clothing, and household essentials – when their household budgets are stretched too far by rising costs for housing, food, medicine, transportation, and childcare.  

The ability to provide for the comfort, security, and prosperity of one’s own family is a universal desire shared by all Americans. While customers served at Crisis Assistance Ministry may find themselves in need of a lifeline in times of financial stress, they strive for the same goals everyone does — the freedom and peace of mind that come with financial success. 

Through its Economic Mobility Program, Crisis Assistance Ministry helps customers uncover pathways to economic opportunities and financial stability. Customers enrolled in this program work one-on-one with specially trained caseworkers for an average of three months, identifying specific barriers to financial security and setting personal goals for a brighter future. 

The Economic Mobility Program casework team utilizes a robust curriculum developed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency dedicated to supporting and protecting consumers as they make informed financial decisions. The CFPB curriculum, “Your Money, Your Goals,” provides practical steps families can follow to take control of their finances. Examples of elements covered include setting SMART goals, budgeting, managing debt, building a good credit score, planning for significant life events, and creating savings. 

“This opens up so many avenues,” says Tiffany Bost, director of the Economic Mobility Program. She points out that many customers come into the program thinking financial education is only for wealthy people. However, they quickly learn that everyone can benefit from tips and pointers for building a solid fiscal foundation. 

One of the fundamental habits the Economic Mobility team encourages all program participants to develop is to contribute consistently to a savings account. Caseworkers help participants identify creative ways to find small amounts of money that can transform into significant resources over time. Even five dollars a week squeezed from the grocery bill and stashed away in savings builds assets and, just as importantly, self-confidence. 

While many people do not initially think it is possible to save on a lower income, Tiffany says that once participants realize they can, “it shifts their relationship to money.” She remembers one participant, amazed at the power of saving, who told her, “My money is showing me that I can actually live my life instead of just living to get money.” 

Empowering people to take control of their financial lives and build a solid foundation for a more prosperous future is the goal of both the Economic Mobility Program and National Financial Capability Month. April highlights the importance of financial literacy, but this vital work is ongoing throughout the year at Crisis Assistance Ministry. 

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: finance, Financial Assistance, Financial Security

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Preventing homelessness.
Preserving dignity.
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  • Main Office:
    500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
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Are you having fun yet? We hope you are! Here are more ideas for summer fun close to home. 
But you don't want to miss tomorrow's Supermoon on August 12. Or the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower and Perseid Meteor Shower in full effect now through August 23. Find a dark (safe) space in your neighborhood, or take a quick drive to Kings Mountain State Park for prime viewing!
(Reminder: these adventures are budget-friendly, and some are free, so you’ll have a little left to help more families #savehome with a gift by August 31.)

crisisassistmin

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All kids should look as dapper as this little guy! The @CMS school year is right upon us, so as you're sorting through closets, keep an eye out for gently used #uniform pieces. Bring them to @CrisisAssistMin and we'll find new homes for them through our free-of-charge store.

crisisassistmin

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It's the little things! We're so grateful to #volunteers who sift through donations, inspect and hang them, sort them into sizes and genders and adult vs. children and so much more. Did you know that volunteers as young as 11 can help out onsite with adult supervision and 16-year-olds  can volunteer on their own?
Many volunteer roles are urgently needed to help provide for the basic needs of our neighbors while preserving dignity for struggling families. Check out the volunteer tab on our website to find your spot!

crisisassistmin

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While getting out of town is great, you shouldn’t knock the staycation. You can have good old summer fun right in your own backyard. Here are today's ideas for summer fun that keeps you close to, or at, home. (Bonus: these adventures won’t break the bank so you’ll have a little left to help more families #savehome with a gift by August 31.) 
1. Watch the fireflies.
2. Visit one of Charlotte-Mecklenburg's splash parks, or run through a sprinkler.
3. Clean your closet (we promise this is fun). Bring gently used uniforms to Crisis Assistance Ministry, and we will add them to our Free Store.

crisisassistmin

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With a few precious weeks of summer left, it’s time to get out there and HAVE FUN!

This week, we're sharing a whole list of inexpensive summer adventures close to home—some even in your own backyard. 
Bonus: they won’t break the bank, you’ll have a little left to #savehome for more families during #CLTSavesHome, our Non-Event fundraiser, by August 31.  Tag us @crisisassistmin or hashtag us at #CLTsavehome and let us know what you're doing! 

Want the whole list right now? ---> https://bit.ly/3JG5H1v

crisisassistmin

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With a few precious weeks of summer left, it’s time to get out there and celebrate summer with this list of inexpensive summer adventures close to home—some even in your own backyard. 
Bonus: since they won’t break the bank, you’ll have a little left to #savehome for more families during #CLTSavesHome, our Non-Event fundraiser, by August 31. (You can get to the list through our bio) Tag us @crisisassistmin or hashtag us at #CLTsavehome and let us know what you're doing!

crisisassistmin

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With a new school year quickly approaching, many families in @charmeckschools could use help getting their youngsters ready for the classroom with uniforms in the right size and  right color, especially after a summer of extra costs. There are several ways for you to help your neighbors and community members - with time to spare before school starts. Visit the link in the profile for ideas.

crisisassistmin

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You do not want to miss Saturday's benefit concert featuring @kennyroby of @6stringdrag, Randy Franklin & the Sardines, and more local musicians in a Tribute to the Art of Song benefiting families served here at @CrisisAssistMin! Grab your tickets now using the Quick Link in our Bio.

crisisassistmin

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It feels like #LOVEWEEK flies by each year! Join us in giving huge thanks to these #volunteers from @elevationoutreach for their joyful energy this week. Teams from @elevationchurch helped inspect and prepare donated clothes for our free-of-charge store and provided refreshments for our customers. What a way to pour LOVE over Charlotte's nonprofits and the people we serve!

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