October Success Story

Say congratulations to Prosperity Center Member, Brian! Just 2 weeks after attending his Program Overview, he was hired for a full-time position that offers overtime and benefits. Brian came to us with extensive experience in his industry but underemployed, discouraged and working various part-time jobs to supplement his income. Still not able to make ends meet, Brian came to the Prosperity Center asking for advice and career guidance. He immediately embraced our resources and attended one-on-one counseling sessions. He received intensive resume revision advice and job search options that are applicable to his skill sets. Our staff also conducted a benefits screening and brainstormed on creative ways to prepare for new employment opportunities. Brian’s enthusiasm drove him to search for jobs through our computer resource room in between his shifts. Very shortly after he came to us, he was called on an interview and received an offer the very next day. We are proud to have Brian as a client and wish him the best on his new job!

The first step to success through the Prosperity Center is making an appointment for a Program Overview, held every Tuesday and Thursday at Noon and 5:00pm. Schedule on our website or call 816 501 4239.

                                  UPDATE:                                 

Brian came to our office two days after this post to update us on the new job and share some very kind words,

“In 30 days the Prosperity Center corrected problems

that I’ve struggled for 3 years to solve. In a true group effort,

you came together and helped me change the things in my life

that I was unable to change on my own.”

We are very thankful for our clients' dedication to making positive changes in their lives and are thrilled to be a part of their success!

How Tax Code Drives Inequality and What You Can Do About It

The Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), a national organization advocating policy that empowers low-income and moderate-income families, is hosting an upcoming webinar on How the Federal Tax Code is Driving Inequality and What You Can Do About It. The webinar will discuss how tax code provisions that incentivize certain actions - like buying a home, saving for education, or contributing to retirement accounts - disproportionately benefit households with higher income, reduce government revenues, and limit benefits for low- and moderate-income households. Since tax code reform is being discussed in Congress, it is crucial for tax practitioners and advocates to be informed and call for an inclusive and equitable tax code.

The webinar takes place on Thursday, November 7 at 9am CST and is hosted by the Asset Funders Network, PolicyLink, CFED, Center for Global Policy Solutions, Center for Social Development, ColorOfChange, Greenlining Institute, Insight Center for Community Economic Development, Institute on Assets and Social Policy, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, National CAPACD, National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, New America Foundation, Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, PICO National Network, and the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.

Visit the CFED's website to register:
https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=pbvh9kk6lszx

Dislocated Worker Assistance

The Prosperity Center's Employment Counseling Program assists dislocated workers through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training programs and services. If you have faced a substantial layoff or lost your job due to a permanent plant closure or organizational downsizing, we can help you apply for Government Funded Tuition Reimbursement. Call our Employment Coach at the number below or visit the Prosperity Center website to schedule a Program Overview.

New Workshop Wednesday Series

We are pleased to announce our new Fall Workshop Wednesday Series. Workshop Wednesdays are for Prosperity Center Clients who have completed a Program Overview. Our group workshops are held at the Rockhurst University Community Center at 54th and Troost, Kansas City, MO 64110.

Topics include: Budgeting Strategies, Job Search Options and Creating a Plan, Managing Your Credit Profile, the Affordable Care Act and the Healthcare Marketplace, Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, Shopping Deals and Creative Gift Ideas, Interview and Resume Preparation, Strategies for Job Retention and Success, and Financial Planning for the New Year.

Email us for more information or to sign up.

Welcome to the Prosperity Center for Financial Opportunity's blog! As the first LISC Financial Opportunity Center in Kansas City, our staff is excited to offer employment coaching, financial coaching and income support access to our neighbors in the Urban Core and to the Greater Metro Area community. All of our services are free, open to any adult 18-years or older and we impose no restrictions on geography or income. Working with LISC, Rockhurst University, Catholic Charities, the Full Employment Council and United Way, we opened on June 14th, 2013 on Rockhurst University's campus. In just a few short months, we have already seen several of our clients obtain employment, advance their careers and improve their finances.

If you or someone you know needs assistance finding a job, managing debt and expenses, or navigating the complex enrollment processes for supplemental income, sign up for a Program Overview on our website.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Twitter @ProsperityCtrKC and Facebook to find out about future events and client outcomes.