Monterey County families are faced with financial threats to their quality of life on a daily basis. Shrinking wages, increased costs, and depletion of savings are the main causes of financial instability for many working families. United Way Monterey County aims to change the odds that are facing the American public. Our Asset Building strategies exist to help families grow toward a more secure economic future.
Our Asset Building Vision
Ou goal is that Monterey residents are economically self-sufficient, with more opportunities for prosperity. The United Way achieves this goal through partnerships, grant making, direct service advocacy.
$4.4 M returned to low and mid-income residents in the County through VITA
433 residents living below federal poverty level improved their financial literacy skills
130 CalWORKs participants received job skills training
Our Asset Building Strategies
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
VITA is a volunteer-led program that provides residents free tax preparation services. Learn more.
California’s new Golden State Stimulus (GSS) can be worth $600 or $1,200 to those who qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and meet other requirements. Learn more.
The Active Referral Network a network of non-profit organizations that focus on economic self-sufficiency to intentionally refer clients to each other’s services. Learn more.
Financial Literacy and Capacity Building Workshops
United Way provides financial literacy workshops to residents below the Federal Poverty Level. These workshops teach residents how to manage, budget, understand and repair credit, and educate them about affordable child care and other subsidy programs. Due to COVID-19, the workshops are now administered virtually. Register for a workshop in English every Thursday or in Spanish every other Wednesday.
Volunteer Education and College Assistance Alliance (VECAA)
In partnership with Hartnell College, the VECAA program aims to increase Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Dream Act applications of high school students throughout Monterey County. FAFSA not only gives students access to the aid, but it allows students and families to find a better path toward college affordability and earning a degree. However, very few high school seniors complete FAFSA applications. View program flyer.
Prosperity Advisory Group
Members develop and support strategies that address the key factors that affect prosperity: Access to Affordable and Quality Housing, Child care, and Transportation; Asset Growth and Management; and Education and Workforce Development.
Prosperity Planners
In partnership with Goodwill Central Coast, Prosperity Planners help people change behavior towards long-term planning through one-on-one coaching.
CalWorks Community Service
The United Way partners with the Department of Social Services to identify and place unemployed residents in community service through CalWorks.