Brighton Center’s Financial Opportunity Center offers help to hard working families

NEWPORT, Ky. - We all have hopes and dreams. Most people want to be able to take care of themselves and their family, have a safe and decent place to live, a better life for their children…to belong and to be happy. One unexpected event such as a job loss or major illness, can take any family off course financially. And when you feel like you are caught living paycheck to paycheck, sometimes the thought of saving for the future or retirement seems impossible.

In Northern Kentucky for more than 45 years, Brighton Center has been there to partner side by side with families as they work toward financial stability. Over the years we have learned that families' needs are unique and the services that support their journey to financial independence vary – quality child care, help with getting a good job or a better job, getting a GED or going to post-secondary for skill training or a degree, establishing and building credit, buying their first home, and more.

Research has shown that if services to families can be customized and bundled in the areas of employment, financial education and critical income supports (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or help with child care costs), that families can increase earnings and income, reduce their financial transaction costs and build wealth. United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Local Initiative Support Corporation Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky have partnered to support organizations that advance this kind of work known as Financial Opportunity Centers. In Northern Kentucky, the organization leading that work is Brighton Center.

What does this mean for families? What are some of the key services available?

How can I get help finding employment or gain the skills to get a better job?

• Center for Employment Training (CET) is a short-term, skill specific training program that is accredited through the Council on Occupational Education offering training in Medical Assisting, Microsoft Office Technologies, or Construction and Manufacturing Technologies.
• Career Connections staff located at the One Stop Northern Kentucky locations can help to develop a resume, learn interviewing skills, career planning, and get connected to local employers who are hiring or offering on-the-job training.

How can I establish or repair my credit, save for the future, buy my first home, or avoid foreclosure?

• Financial coaches are available to work with families to assist with credit analysis, dispute resolution, budgeting skills, and offering products to help build assets.
• Some of the innovative products include: Credit Smart Loans, a partnership with The Bank of Kentucky which allows families to access a small dollar loan for up to $1,500 for up to 18 months at 12 percent while working with a financial coach. Individual Development Accounts work with families to save up to $2,000 that will be matched with $2,000 to build assets. Twin Accounts allows families to put money in savings so they can earn interest while the bank allows a family to borrow against that savings account to improve their credit.

Are there other supports my family can receive to help make ends meet as I am working or continuing my education?

• Free tax preparation will be offered in three Northern Kentucky locations – Newport, Florence, and Williamstown.
• Help with food, clothing or financial assistance as well as referrals to other community resources.
• Benefits screening for public benefits.

Wonda Winkler is the vice president of Brighton Center Inc. To learn more about Brighton Center and our work as a Financial Opportunity Center, or any of the services mentioned above call Jaime Linkugel (859) 491-8303, ext. 2305 or visit www.brightoncenter.com .