Working Families Success Network Cohort

Goals & Strategy

The Working Families Success (WFS) model provides a framework for nonprofits to deliver key services and financial support to low-income families using an integrated approach of services specifically designed to make it easier for families to obtain critically needed support.

WFS is built on the concept that nonprofits offering integrated services in an intentional and thoughtful way helps clients overcome barriers and advance economically.

Under the WFS model, nonprofits provide an integrated or “bundled” set of three core services to assist clients in improving financial management and building assets. WFS is not a stand-alone program but is integrated into a nonprofit’s existing programs, staffing and client base. Coaching is an integral component of service delivery to help clients set goals, develop plans and change behavior over time. Evaluations of the WFS model nationally has shown that clients who receive bundled services are three to four times more likely to achieve a significant economic outcome (increased income, decreased debt, purchase of home/car, improved credit score, etc.).

The Working Families Success Network of North Texas

CFT’s Working Families Success initiative includes organizations from across the Dallas/Fort Worth region who are committed to helping families achieve lasting economic outcomes, including increased income, improved credit scores, a reduction of debt and the generation of wealth for their clients and their communities. Agencies who participate in WFS are selected via a competitive application process, and attending monthly, mandatory meetings that provided training and coaching on how to effectively implement.

In 2014, nine agencies were selected to join the initial Working Families Success cohort. The original nine agencies have successfully implemented the model and now make up the Working Families Success Network of North Texas. These agencies include:  Catholic Charities Dallas, Catholic Charites Fort Worth, CitySquare, Interfaith Family Services, International Rescue Committee Dallas, Housing Crisis Center, Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas, Metrocrest Service and the Women’s Center of Tarrant County.

CFT expanded its economic work by funding a second learning cohort of eight agencies in 2017. These agencies include: Allen Community Outreach, Buckner International, Community Enrichment Center, Irving Cares, Senior Source, Sharing Life Community Outreach, Wesley Mission Center and Wilkinson Center. 

To learn more about participating network agencies visit the Working Families Success website at www.wfsnorthtexas.org.

Eligibility

Agencies currently participating in the WFS cohort/pilot met all of the following criteria:

• Have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

• At least 50% of the total population served by the agency must be residents of either Dallas, Denton, Collin or Tarrant County.

• Currently serving the "working poor" through agency programs or services, defined by a household (either individual or family) earning less than 200% of the federal poverty line -- $21,600 for an individual or $44,100 for a family of four with two children -- and in which a member of the household has spent at least 27 weeks in the previous 12 months in the labor force either working or looking for work.

• Currently providing at least two or more of the core services (employment services, financial counseling/coaching and income supports/asset building).

• Willingness to make a multi-year commitment to the program and to actively participate in cohort training sessions.

Deadlines

At this time, CFT is not accepting new applications for the Working Families Success cohort. Please check back periodically for updates.

How much funding does CFT have to invest in initiatives around the economic security for working families each year?

We have approximately $1 million available annually for grantmaking to support the focus area of economic security for low income, working families. We are currently focusing our limited resources on the Working Family Success Model, which is designed to provide organizations that offer programs and services for low-income working families the power to accelerate their development of solutions to the social and economic problems facing this population.

How long will economic security for working families be a focus area for CFT?

Our trustees have not set a definite time frame for re-evaluating the foundation’s Community Impact focus areas. It is likely that we will continue to make significant investments to support this focus area for the next 1-3 years.

Does CFT plan to open up grant opportunities for programs that directly serve low income families?

There are no new grant application opportunities at this time. Please check back periodically for updates.