Poverty is often associated with not having enough money or not having a job, but it’s more complex than that. Poverty involves multifaceted, interconnected factors and can spark a cycle that impacts generations of families. Living in poverty often limits educational and training opportunities for children and young adults, making it difficult to obtain a job with a living wage as an adult or parent. The cycle of poverty has a widespread impact, contributing to issues like crime, unemployment, poor health, domestic violence, isolation and depression.
A Complex Problem
Why We're Here
Our mission is to break this cycle by helping people living in challenging situations re-establish hope, get connected with needed resources and implement a plan to reach economic independence.
An Integrated Approach
A holistic, evidence-based model
We use a holistic, evidence-based model that integrates multiple services to help individuals and families gain social capital and achieve economic independence. As our participants benefit, so do their families and communities. We take an intergenerational approach, working to improve outcomes for both parents and their children through our own programs and collaborations with other service providers.
We meet people where they are and help them move toward a place of personal, economic and social strength. Our model integrates training opportunities, life transformation coaching, support services and job development to equip participants for long-term success.
We then offer ongoing support to foster continued growth and career advancement. Recognizing the importance of lifelong engagement, we connect program graduates with volunteer mentors who can guide them in accomplishing their life goals.
Continuous Improvement
Our commitment to continuous improvement helps us stay innovative and effective. We collect data and evaluate outcomes to refine and enhance our programs and strategies. Improved services mean improved outcomes for participants.
The Power of Social Capital: A Case Study
Understanding the value of meaningful connections, we work with participants to strengthen and expand their networks and relationships. This work is highlighted in a case study published under the US Department of Health and Human Services. It’s a fairly quick read and a great introduction to our relationship-focused approach.
Outcomes That Matter
Our Model Delivers Real, Evidence-Based Results
Our model produces results on multiple levels for individuals, families and communities. We focus on intergenerational impact to ensure outcomes extend beyond the immediate future and empower the next generation, helping break the cycle of poverty.
An ROI analysis of our re-entry program measuring project outcomes over a 3-year period for 750 adults found the following:
- Increase in tax revenue of $1,434,430
- Reduction in incarceration costs of $4,950,000
- Cost of all program services of $2,025,000
- Equals: Return of $3.15 for each dollar invested in Connection to Success services
Expanding the Impact in Your Community.
Through our Success Accelerator, we help others implement our model in a way that works for their context. We offer customized trainings and host a membership network that equips members with the tools and resources needed to help end the cycle of poverty in their communities.
Financial ROI
As participants obtain and maintain employment, they’re empowered to:
- Build assets and savings, including emergency funds
- Improve credit scores
- Decrease debt
- Contribute to the local economy
- Provide for their families
Other outcomes impact larger communities and taxpayers, including:
- Reduced court costs
- Reduced Medicaid costs
- Reduced foster care costs
- Reduced recidivism rates for program graduates translate to reduced costs tied to law enforcement, probation and prison maintenance
Social ROI
Our holistic approach generates social values such as:
- Healthier relationships
- Greater educational attainment
- Generational impact – improved outcomes for parents can support better outcomes for children
- Increased community safety
- Increased home ownership
Key Outcomes for Program Graduates
- 74% initial employment rate
- 70% job retention at 9 months following employment
- 82% received an earnings increase within 6 months of employment
- 14% recidivism in 12 months after release from incarceration, 8% for those in mentoring program (compared to 44% nationwide)
Support our efforts to end the cycle of poverty.
Want to get involved? Contact us to volunteer or donate.