Experiment in Self-Reliance

Community services program consists of three programs aimed at increasing financial literacy to assist low-income residents of forsyth county. The self-sufficiency program: to provide financial support for the obtainment of educational training and better employment. Educational training is aimed to increase financial literacy (like saving habits) so that families can become self-sufficient and stabilize their lives. Participants are required to be residents of forsyth county, be motivated, and to fall within the dhhs poverty guidelines. The forsyth free tax program: free income tax return preparation and filing is offered to residents with low to moderate income. This program also offers community volunteer opportunities through the volunteer income tax assistance (vita) program and goes hand in hand with the new century ida program. The new century ida program: to combat generational poverty through the following financial literacy areas: budget counseling, vocational counseling, ida savings account, and building assets. Building assets, such as first-time home ownership, is accomplished through improved credit scores, homebuyer education, and matching funds toward a down payment.

Housing program- to overcome barriers to economic self-sufficiency through intensive case management and affordable permanent housing. This program is aimed towards improving the standards of living through employment and educational opportunities to homeless residents of forsyth county.