- success stories
success stories
promoting comprehensive economic community development Sales at Cones n’ Cakes had been flat for months. But that turned around after the owner, Alice Liu, worked with the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), a community-based,economic development corporation located in the Mission District of San Francisco. Read more about Alice Liu.
reviving the american dream
San Francisco-based EARN is the only asset-building organization in the nation that uses market-based principles to open the door to financial success for the working poor. According to executive director Ben Mangan, “EARN is reviving the American dream and making it something to truly believe in again.” Cesilia agrees. She is an immigrant from Honduras and a single working mother determined to giver her daughter, Paola, a future filled with choices. Read more about Cecilia and Paola
improving public policies for low- and middle-income californians “People come up to me in the farmer’s market and tell me that they love the work we do,” said Jean Ross, founding Executive Director of the California Budget Project (CBP). Founded in 1994, the CBP serves as a resource to the media, policymakers, and state and local constituency groups seeking accurate information and analysis of a range of state policy issues. Through independent fiscal and policy analysis, public education, and collaboration with other organizations, the CBP works to improve public policies that affect the economic and social well-being of low- and middle-income Californians. Read more about the California Budget Project.
creating individual success through communal connections The Family Independence Initiative (FII) collaborates with
groups of families who are committed to helping one another
leave poverty. The Initiative is grounded in a belief that most
families strive for leadership, community, opportunity, and control
over their own lives. FII is catalyzing such self-help networks within communities throughout Oakland and Alameda County. One participant,
Aishah Bashir, is testimony for the success of this unique partnership. Read more about Aishah Bashir and FII.
touching young lives “Through the program, I got not only my first savings account but also had my first experience with financial responsibility,” said Melissa Tang a participant in Juma Ventures’ Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Read more about Melissa Tang.