United Way: FIT Program trains at-risk adults for financial stability – The State Journal-Register

UCP Land of Lincoln is excited to announce a new program funded through United Way of Central Illinois called the FIT (Financial Independence through Training) Program.

The FIT Program focuses on helping at-risk adults with finding and maintaining successful employment in the community and includes a financial training component that concentrates on financial planning, money management, saving and investing and understanding credit. The program encourages people to become self-sufficient and active members of their community so they are able to become financially independent, invest back into their community and live their lives without limits.

The program serves at-risk adults living in Sangamon and Menard counties. Based on the success of UCPs evidence-based Supported Employment Individual Placement and Support Model, the FIT Program uses a five-stage Supported Employment process to determine participants needs.

The five stages of the process are intake, assessment, job development, job placement and job support services. Individuals may enter and utilize different stages of the process depending on their needs

UCP is partnering with local banking institutions and financial planning businesses that will assist in providing training to participants on these topics. The financial stability training module teaches individuals how to improve their financial security and practices, learn how to reduce debt and build their assets.

Likewise, support services in the form of job coaching and case management services are provided to ensure that individuals find the right career path, make a plan to successful employment and learn how to budget and manage their money so they can become financially secure. UCP staff works with individuals to develop an Individual Service Plan that includes realistic, prioritized goals that address any barriers to employment and financial stability.

The FIT Program is located at the UCP Enterprises Center at 1411 E. Jefferson St. and select job sites throughout the community.

Training presentations will take place at the UCP Enterprises Center and the UCP administrative building at 101 N. 16th St. The UCP Enterprises Center offers classroom space for training and a computer lab with adaptive equipment and a variety of educational software. Both UCP buildings are located on the public bus route.

Participants in the program will have the opportunity to attend training sessions at job training sites throughout the Springfield area and experience job shadowing activities during these sessions. Individuals will be working at job sites throughout Springfield and will be able to access services that surround each job site. They will be working in their community and experience company culture, be a part of a work team and have the opportunity to progress in their career.

The program serves at-risk adults, 18 years or older, who want to improve their financial stability and are residents of Sangamon or Menard counties. This can include people who are homeless, have a disability, are low-income or are susceptible to abuse, neglect or exploitation because they are not able to access necessary services.

Participants must fully commit to the FIT Program, attend the training schedule of activities and be willing to obtain employment and follow employment policies and procedures once hired.

The FIT Program started July 1, and UCP Land of Lincoln is currently identifying eligible candidates to the program.

If you are interested in the program, know someone who may be a potential candidate for the program, or just want to obtain more information about the program, please contact Jenny Niebrugge at 525-6522.

Kathy Leuelling is the president/CEO at UCP Land of Lincoln. Look for United Way columns weekly in Our Towns.

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United Way: FIT Program trains at-risk adults for financial stability - The State Journal-Register