The home is modest. The yard shows wear from sleds, snow forts, and skates in the winter, bikes and kid foot traffic in the summer. A basketball hoop is attached to the peak of the garage; a chain-link fence surrounds the perimeter of the back yard for the family dog. The single stall garage offers shelter for one not-so-new vehicle; a second vehicle, equal in age, is parked at the curb. The home is like others on the block, empty during the week workdays, brimming with family on evenings and weekends. The homeowners, Joe and Sally, are both employed full-time. They are proud of their ability to afford a home. They are raising their two children, as well as Joe’s children from a previous marriage who join them on alternating weekends.

Prior to Joe’s participation in The Community Outreach’s Project Jump Start, Joe and Sally shuffled monthly bills in an attempt to make ends meet. A lack of communication about finances led to frequent arguments, increased family tension, and emotional upset for the children. The cycle of poor money management resulted in disconnected utilities and additional late charges on bills. Joe and Sally were not eligible for public assistance due to their combined earned income. Joe became a chronic user of the system; he asked for assistance for utility bill reconnections on an annual basis.

Joe’s last request for assistance was granted with a stipulation from a Community Outreach caseworker – Joe was required to make a commitment to participate in Project Jump Start. The 18-week, home-based personal financial literacy program changed Joe and Sally’s life. After successfully completing the program, Joe and Sally learned how to communicate about finances. Their financial education, partnered with their strong work ethic, has allowed them to pay their bills on time and save a small amount of money each month. Joe has also made significant progress in catching up on back child support payments. Joe and Sally have learned how to make their money work for them, instead of working for their money. After years of poor financial planning, Joe and Sally have made a lasting life change and they are sharing the education with their children.