During this challenging economic downturn, WE Connect is bringing together community organizations and businesses, government agencies and state leaders, congregations and schools as partners in responding to the needs for the millions of individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Under The Endowment, WE Connect will be able to provide more information and help to families by creating ties with The Endowment’s key initiatives and its Building Healthy Communities Program. Under our continued partnership with other states, we are reaching more families than ever before with resources that empower them to live their dreams.
WE Connect offers everyone an opportunity to become part of the solution by becoming a ‘Connector,’ someone who helps to spread the word about important resources and volunteer opportunities to serve in their communities. To become a Connector, click here.
Program Elements
As one of the most innovative nationwide efforts promoting public and private programs for low-income individuals, WE Connect uses all available channels to reach out to the millions of eligible families who are currently not claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and also connects them with other key programs and services. It partners with community organizations, statewide programs and major corporations to reach working families where they shop, eat, work, live and learn.
To achieve this, the WE Connect campaign includes the following components:
www.WEconnect.net
Our website is a one-stop-shop connecting individuals and families to programs and services for which they may be eligible. The site now houses an all-inclusive nationwide resource map, the first of its kind in the country, which connects visitors to locations within their county which offer free tax assistance, job fairs and other valuable events and services. The campaign also highlights programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC), food stamp programs, discounted utilities, car insurance and low-income health care programs.
WEb Connector
The WEb Connector, our exclusive online tool developed by our partner- the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation- for this campaign, helps working families determine exactly which Federal programs they may be eligible for and how to apply - all with the click of a mouse. This tool can be accessed by familes through the WE Connect website from the convenience of their home, at the WE Connect community events and through our partnering community-based organizations across the nation.
WE Connect Supplement
Through a partnership with La Opinion, the nation’s largest Spanish-speaking newspaper in the country, WE Connect has developed a 24-page, full color, bi-lingual supplement that has been distributed to nearly 26 million individuals and families in need. The supplement contains pertinent information on all of the programs and services that the campaign covers and highlights success stories of those who have benefited from the resources provided. To download the latest series, click here.
WE Connect Events
WE Connect Events take place in partnership with a network of local and state partners to build one-stop-shops for families in the communities where they live. These events connect families to important programs and resources, but most importantly, with the people and organizations who can help answer questions and apply. To learn about local resources in your community, visit our resource map.
WE Connect Sunday
WE Connect Sunday, an annual event, allows WE Connect to reach out to congregations as a unique way of connecting families to information that could significantly improve their lives. WE Connect is able to spread the word to over 3,000 places of worship reaching millions through bulletin inserts and the distribution of our bilingual supplements - all free of charge. Pastors, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders are also encouraged to include WE Connect’s message in their sermons, reaching out on a more personal level to their community.
Connecting Working Families in the Workplace
WE Connect reaches out to working families through their workplace by providing valuable information to a network of small businesses, business associations, unions and small business development centers. Our goal is to engage small business owners in educating their employees about important resources that may help them. Materials available include “Connector” tool kits, workplace posters, brochures and email blasts.
About the Programs
Money
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), CalFresh and WIC help working families put money back in their pocket. Applying for the EITC alone can mean anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Further, discounted utility programs can help working families save on their monthly bills. Finally, housing resources help families deal with foreclosure issues and learn about ways they can keep their home.
Opportunity
Job resources and educational tools provide working families with the best opportunities to get ahead. The US Department of Labor and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are just some of the most helpful resources for information about job training opportunities and paying for college.
Dreams
WE Connect provides the programs and services that can help families get ahead and reach their dreams. The success stories of working families touched by these programs and this campaign are an essential part of the WE Connect efforts. Working families are encouraged to share their story. Click here to share yours.
About the WE Connect Partners
The WE Connect campaign partners with community organizations, statewide programs, small businesses and major corporations to connect with working families. WE Connect partners include: Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation, La Opinión, The California Endowment, and many more.
For More Information
mrodriguez@calendow.org
Margaret Lyons
margaret@weconnect.net
Brittany Jibby
brittany@weconnect.net
