DuPage Foundation Grant Funds Salvation Army's Ways to Work Program
"The ultimate goal is to empower clients in becoming more economically and financially self-sufficient," said Jonathan Tostige, loan manager of the Salvation Army's Ways to Work program. Clients who don't qualify for a conventional car loan are guided through the process to apply for the Ways to Work car loan. "This helps them secure better employment, boost their credit and give them time back with their families." Although Tostige has only been involved with the Ways to Work program since last summer, it was established in 1984. Ways to Work is a nationally-approved loan program and community development financial institution based in Wisconsin. It is the funding source for the loan program and provides procedural and case management support to the Salvation Army. The Ways to Work program serves DuPage and Cook counties and the city of Aurora. Most clients are referred to the program through social service or partner agencies and by word-of-mouth. All are low to moderate income.
The program is designed to first educate clients about finances. "Initially, all clients are required to attend a three-hour class (presented by banking partners) in which budgeting, loans and finances are discussed," said Tostige. "After these classes, the clients have a better grip on finances, which is evident from the pre- and post-tests that are administered."
Once a client completes the class, he or she is given a loan application which must be completed and returned to Tostige. The application is then reviewed by a loan committee which consists of volunteers in the community including members from social service agencies and financial institutions. The applications are approved, approved with conditions or occasionally denied.
"Most of our clients are single working moms," said Tostige. "They need transportation to provide for their families. We work with them and once approved for a loan (typically between $6,000 and $8,000) we will recommend car dealers with which the Salvation Army has worked. The client then goes shopping for a car from either the recommended list (or a dealer of their own choosing) and after an approved mechanic's report and evaluation of the bill of sale, the loan is secured."
"The client receives the loan from Ways to Work," stated Tostige. "Our goal is to set them up for success so as they repay the loan, it is reported positively on their credit."
As a result of the Foundation's grant, 13 DuPage County clients received loans, averaging more than $6,500. "Ways to Work also managed the cases of more than 50 clients in DuPage, providing individualized troubleshooting, ongoing financial education, and referrals to complementary services," said Tostige. "And, nine clients in DuPage successfully paid back their loan during the grant period as well."
"For low to moderate income families in DuPage County, it is very challenging to get to work sites and take care of kids without a car. The grant from the DuPage Foundation has helped us assist DuPage families with obtaining cars, improving their credit scores, and gaining access to better job opportunities. It has helped families gain financial stability by offering them a hand up, not a handout," said Stephen Lepse, LCSW, director of The Salvation Army Family & Community Services.
"I can honestly say that the program is a lifesaver for some clients," said Tostige. "I know personally that this program helps our clients a great deal not only with transportation but also in taking a few steps upward on the financial staircase."
About The Salvation Army Family & Community Services
The Salvation Army Family & Community Services empowers individuals and families to live healthy, safe, and contributing lives. The Salvation Army offers programs which nurture children, strengthen communities, transform lives and provide relief in situations of disaster. For more information, visit www.salarmychicago.org.
About the DuPage Foundation
The DuPage Foundation seeks to raise the quality of life throughout DuPage County by
fostering philanthropy, connecting donors to area needs and building community partnerships. Based on the American virtues of volunteerism and philanthropy, the Foundation fosters a legacy of support for the people of DuPage County by making grants to not-for-profit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health, and human services. Since its inception, the Foundation has built its endowment to more than $63 million and awarded more than $21 million in grants to not-for-profit agencies serving the residents of DuPage County and beyond.
Established in 1986, the DuPage Foundation is a publicly-supported 501(c)(3) organization to
which contributions are tax deductible. It was created to benefit the people of DuPage County and receives contributions and bequests into a permanent endowment from individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations wishing to make lasting contributions to the people of DuPage. The earnings on these funds are then used, in accordance with donor wishes, for the Foundation's grantmaking and community leadership activities.
For more information about the Foundation, or to arrange future media opportunities, please contact Joelyn Kott, marketing & communications officer, at (630) 665-5556, extension 19, or joelyn@dupagefoundation.org.