2 days ago
Springfield WORKS celebrates Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot Program
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Working families in Springfield are learning how to bounce back from a 'cliff effect' from the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect pilot program that began in February.
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The cliff effect is when employees are given a small increase in their income, but suddenly lose their public benefits. Oftentimes, families end up in financial trouble. Each participant receives a monthly bridge payment based on their estimated cliff effect impact, with an additional $10,000 asset-building payment at the end of the program.
Springfield WORKS, a community initiative of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC), and United Way Pioneer Valley hosted a celebration for the program on June 5th. The program offers personalized coaching on finance, employment, and career growth. Each participant receives a monthly bridge payment based on their estimated cliff effect impact, with an additional $10,000 asset-building payment at the end of the program.
Over the last year, the program received over $1M in private funding to support the cause. There are currently 18 participants in the program. The goal is to help up to 100 families this year.
'For our gateway cities, Springfield and Holyoke, and our people of color, 1 out of 3 Hispanic, Latino families. 1 out of 4 black African American families receive at least 1 public benefit,' said Anne Kandilis, a director at Springfield WORKS.
Springfield WORKS wants to create legislative policies that will mandate a course of action.
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