August 17, 2023
Center to offer financial capability services to parish residents at no cost
BOGALUSA, La. - United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) opened the doors Thursday of the United Way Prosperity Center - Bogalusa Campus – the first financial capability education center serving Washington Parish residents and third of its kind for UWSELA, joining locations in New Orleans and Covington.
The new center is a partnership between UWSELA, the City of Bogalusa and the International Paper Bogalusa Mill.
"We are excited to announce the opening of our newest prosperity center as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all of Washington Parish. This center stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and United Way's unwavering commitment to ensuring every individual has equitable access to the resources they need to thrive," said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President and CEO. "In rural, underserved areas, the importance of a dedicated community hub cannot be overstated. This center will provide vital services directly to our residents and serve as a rallying point for nonprofits across the parish."
The center, located in Bogalusa on Avenue U across from the mill entrance, will utilize a one-stop approach to help low- to moderate-income participants gain financial stability through an array of services, including:
- Financial education – group seminars covering a broad spectrum of financial topics.
- Financial coaching – ongoing one-on-one interactions empowering participants to address short- to long-term financial issues.
- Credit improvement – counseling services designed to identify and prioritize credit-building strategies.
- Access to safe and affordable financial products – provide alternative options to high-cost financial service providers (e.g., check cashers, payday lenders).
- Access to federal and state benefits – comprehensive screening to determine federal and state benefit eligibility for participants.
- Free tax preparation assistance (VITA) – inclusive tax preparation services integrated with financial education.
- Incentivized savings – match-savings program designed to encourage savings behavior for specified assets.
- Asset ownership programs (IDA) – wealth-building programming designed to help participants purchase and maintain assets, such as a home, business, or obtaining an education.
- Workforce development soft skills – a combination of soft skills training that enables participants to navigate their environment, work well with others, perform well and achieve employment.
"We are elated to welcome the United Way Prosperity Center to Bogalusa! We look forward to the fruit that this partnership will bear," added Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong. "The potential for impact, coupled with the United Way's track record, is sure to make a positive contribution within our community."
The International Paper Bogalusa Mill is helping to fund the center. Since 2013, the mill has raised $1.2 million for UWSELA through its employee-giving campaign, plus an additional $1 million in its annual golf tournament. International Paper provides 60% match funds on money raised for United Way, helping to make the mill a top-five donor in UWSELA's seven-parish service area.
"The Bogalusa Mill is proud to support the work of United Way, and are dedicated to working together to address the critical community needs where our employees live and work," said Nakia Cowan, mill manager.
The center will target the 60% of households in Washington Parish living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold. Households below the ALICE Threshold don't earn enough money to afford a basic survival budget, including housing, transportation, health care, child care, food and technology or save for an emergency.
According to the ALICE Report, having a low income is often associated with lower levels of education, higher rates of unemployment and poorer health. UWSELA is committed to disrupting these associations in Washington Parish through the new center's proven approach and its full suite of programs and partners focused on stabilizing households living under the ALICE Threshold.
In the first six months of opening its most recent center – the Northshore Prosperity Center – UWSELA's expert financial capability team helped clients achieve remarkable results as participants saved an average of $1,500 and reduced their debts by $300.
"When canvassing the center's surrounding neighborhoods in the weeks before today's opening, the residents' excitement about our return to a physical presence in the parish was palpable," said Chiquita Lattimore, UWSELA Sr. VP of Community Impact Financial Capability Initiatives. "And this center is just the beginning. Not only are we bringing life-changing financial capability services and support, we're also bringing hope – hope for brighter futures and a stronger Washington Parish for us all."
The public is invited to learn more about the center's hours and services online at UnitedWaySELA.org/ProsperityCenter.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For almost 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana's Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting www.internationalpaper.com.