CFT bolsters nonprofits serving low-income families
MOVING WORKING FAMILIES TOWARD FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE is one of the goals of CFT’s community impact funding. CFT is working with ten agencies across DFW to implement the Working Families Success Model. These nonprofits gain the tools to become working family success centers — a family-friendly venue that provides bundled services leading to increased economic wellness. One agency, Women’s Center of Tarrant County (WCTC), is highlighted below.
Spotlight: Women's Center of Tarrant County
Q&A with Teri Rios, Director of Employment Solutions, and Celena Fannin, Workforce Services Coordinator
Why did the WCTC decide to adopt the Working Families Success (WFS) model?
“There is research and data that shows that this model has been successful elsewhere, so we could see that this works and could help make us stronger.”
What does the WFS model look like at WCTC?
“Clients enroll in an informational meeting offered every Tuesday to help determine which employment path is best for them and to set job and financial goals. It is highly interactive. Clients begin working with coaches to determine immediate needs and also to map their path. Once their service track is selected, they start to move toward meeting their goal of meaningful employment. This may include job and skills training or rapid employment. Throughout the program, clients receive both financial and job coaching, as well as support to meet immediate needs (food, transportation, etc.)."
WCTC officially launched as a WFS site in July 2015.What has been the most exciting or surprising aspect?
“Under WFS, we have seen our staff come alive. Not that they weren’t effective before, but this has been an energy boost! The staff’s enthusiasm carries over to the clients, and now the clients get excited about the process too. The technical assistance received from CFT has helped us to highlight what we do well and determine where we want to go next. Overall, this has made us more effective in our work with clients, staff and programming.”