Dallas County WorkSource Model Site

The Dallas County WorkSource Model Site implements a system of services that complement economic development by serving as a resource for employers to access the quality employees they need, and training individuals to be successfully employed. The mission of the WorkSource model site is to provide its clients with a competitive advantage by nurturing the ability of people to think, to identify and analyze problems, and to work cooperatively to solve them. The Money Smart financial education program is an integral part of its job preparedness program. All ten modules of Money Smart are made available at this model site allowing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program clients and GED students to meet their required hours of financial education. Classes are held every other month and have an average of 10 students per session.

In addition to Money Smart classes, clients are also able to access the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site that was opened in 2003 and, for those who are eligible, take advantage of Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).

Partners

The Dallas County WorkSource Center administers a broad range of programs to address local workforce issues with business-directed objectives, including job training, workplace education, child care and educational initiatives. It also serves as the lead coordinator in planning and implementing Money Smart classes. Financial institutions and community organizations supply instructors for the Money Smart classes at the WorkSource Model Site. For a listing of model site partners please select Financial Institutions or Other Partners.

Accomplishments

• Over 250 students attended Money Smart classes from mid 2004 - mid 2005.

Heart of Texas "HOT" Financial Literacy Coalition

Heart of Texas "HOT" Financial Literacy Coalition, located in Waco, Texas, was established in 2003. The model site is a collaboration of community organizations, churches and financial institutions working together to promote financial literacy, asset building and homeownership among underserved individuals. The model site seeks to provide leadership for financial education and encourage access to other financial resources for the underserved. Money Smart classes in mid 2004-2005 were taught by Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Waco, Inc. and Faith Covenant Support Services, Inc.

Currently, NHS Waco provides credit and budgeting counseling to complement the homebuyer education program. The HomeOwnership Center of NHS helps clients develop a plan to pay off debts, settle accounts with creditors, build good credit, and address other credit concerns. The Homebuyer Education program uses the FDIC's Money Smart curriculum. Monthly classes are held on Saturdays, with one Spanish class per quarter.

In addition to enhancing financial awareness, clients who cannot afford professional tax help - such as senior citizens and disabled, low-income and non-English speaking people - are provided with free income tax return preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Clients are also made aware of earned income tax credits for which they may be eligible, which means savings or even refunds for some taxpayers.

Partners

Partners support the Model Site with instructors, classroom facilities, equipment and supplies. McLennan County financial institutions provided funding to underwrite over 100,000 newspaper inserts which informed the public about the coalition, VITA site and financial education classes. Other partners have also promoted the services rendered through the model site through television commercials and utility bill inserts. For a listing of model site partners please select Financial Institutions or Other Partners.

Accomplishments

• Over 50 clients have taken Money Smart classes.
  
  
• Approximately 514 tax returns were prepared for tax year 2004, yielding over $630,000 in refunds to low-income clients.
  
  
• The increased visibility and marketing of financial education and VITA services offered by the HOT Financial Literacy Coalition has fostered higher consumer participation in other VITA sites throughout the WACO area.