Program Helps Struggling Families Save
Bethel New Life, Inc. a community based agency founded by members of the Bethel Lutheran Church is looking for individuals with low to moderate incomes for its Smart Savers program.
According to Pierre Dunagan, director of the Community Savings Center, the program offers, an opportunity to get past obstacles and build wealth.
The initiative commits participants to saving $2,000 of their income over a period of six months. The monthly savings requirement is $350. Once savers get to $2,000, they receive $4,000 from the Bethel New Life Smart Savers program for a total of $6,000 towards their savings goal. Bethel New Life is able to donate the $4,000 to savers because of two grants totaling $2million received from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the federal government.
While it may be challenging for struggling families to save $350 dollars a month, savers are required to attend a free mandatory financial literacy course and set up a savings account through U.S. Bank which is partnering with Bethel New Life.
[The program] is designed to help people create some level of financial independence, Dunagan said.
Program participants must use their savings for a first time home purchase, small business venture or tuition for educational purposes for either the participant or their dependents.
I couldnt have gotten my sons back in school by myself. This gave me the opportunity to get them in school, said Diane Bullock, a past program participant, who used the income for her childrens education.
To join the program, an individual must be an Illinois resident, have been employed for the past six months, be over the age of 18 and fit within a required income bracket.
The following are the income bracket requirements:
1 person household--$21,660
2 person household--$29,140
3 person household--$36,620
4 person household--$44,100
5 person household--$51,580
6 person household--$59,060
Time is running out to apply for the program. The first financial literacy course begins April 9th.
To apply, individuals should visit the Community Savings Center at 310 N. Pulaski. For more information, contact the center at 773-826-8121.
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