New 2009 Session
04/30/09 15:34
I realize a Financial Advocacy update is long overdue. There's been a lot going on recently as the latest tax season came to a close just as the current session was getting started.
First of all, I'm happy to report three of our five volunteers have been trained and are actively working with new participants. This is a big step in our transition to a volunteer-based model for service delivery. The volunteers have been assisting participants with everything from basic credit repair to enrollment in IDA programs. I could not be more thankful for their hard work and infinite patience. With demand far outpacing our current ability to help, I look forward to adding new volunteers and matching them with participants on a rolling basis throughout the summer.
I'd also like to take an opportunity to thank the many organizations that support our Financial Advocacy Initiative. Because CASH Oregon strives to improve participants' access to essential social services and mainstream financial products, it's imperative that we develop strong relationships across many sectors in the Portland community. Albina Community Bank continues to make a difference through individual credit report reading sessions with our participants; LifeWorks Northwest and Catholic Charities help us reach community members especially in need of the free services we provide; and NAYA offers IDAs that are an incredible tool for those ready to begin saving toward their educational goals.
We'll next turn our attention to training and matching the remaining volunteers. Recruitment efforts are ongoing as we're committed to improving our service capacity. If you're interested in volunteering or forming a partnership, please contact CASH Oregon by phone at 503-243-7765.
I hope to hear from some of you soon!
First of all, I'm happy to report three of our five volunteers have been trained and are actively working with new participants. This is a big step in our transition to a volunteer-based model for service delivery. The volunteers have been assisting participants with everything from basic credit repair to enrollment in IDA programs. I could not be more thankful for their hard work and infinite patience. With demand far outpacing our current ability to help, I look forward to adding new volunteers and matching them with participants on a rolling basis throughout the summer.
I'd also like to take an opportunity to thank the many organizations that support our Financial Advocacy Initiative. Because CASH Oregon strives to improve participants' access to essential social services and mainstream financial products, it's imperative that we develop strong relationships across many sectors in the Portland community. Albina Community Bank continues to make a difference through individual credit report reading sessions with our participants; LifeWorks Northwest and Catholic Charities help us reach community members especially in need of the free services we provide; and NAYA offers IDAs that are an incredible tool for those ready to begin saving toward their educational goals.
We'll next turn our attention to training and matching the remaining volunteers. Recruitment efforts are ongoing as we're committed to improving our service capacity. If you're interested in volunteering or forming a partnership, please contact CASH Oregon by phone at 503-243-7765.
I hope to hear from some of you soon!
Financial Advocacy Blog Debut
01/14/09 10:48
Hi and welcome to my very first blog! Now that our new website has launched (about time), I'll be making a big effort to keep everyone up on the latest with the Financial Advocacy Initiative here at CASH Oregon.
I'm new to blogging, which is probably unacceptable for someone under thirty. I plan on making up for lost time, however, by offering timely information on volunteer recruitment, participant success, and program development. Hopefully the posts continue to improve in quality as I get the hang of this thing. But the only real way to find out is by checking back often.
As for the program, we have recently recruited four wonderful individuals to serve as our first volunteers. They will be matched with participants beginning in late February/early March. We also plan to continue recruiting volunteers and participants on a rolling basis throughout the coming tax season. If you know someone who may be interested in volunteering or joining our program, please pass him/her along by email.
We are very excited by the recent successes of our program and its potential for long-term growth. I'll keep you posted as we meet new goals and make our mark in the community.
Thomas Kost
Financial Advocacy Program Manager
I'm new to blogging, which is probably unacceptable for someone under thirty. I plan on making up for lost time, however, by offering timely information on volunteer recruitment, participant success, and program development. Hopefully the posts continue to improve in quality as I get the hang of this thing. But the only real way to find out is by checking back often.
As for the program, we have recently recruited four wonderful individuals to serve as our first volunteers. They will be matched with participants beginning in late February/early March. We also plan to continue recruiting volunteers and participants on a rolling basis throughout the coming tax season. If you know someone who may be interested in volunteering or joining our program, please pass him/her along by email.
We are very excited by the recent successes of our program and its potential for long-term growth. I'll keep you posted as we meet new goals and make our mark in the community.
Thomas Kost
Financial Advocacy Program Manager
