Here's an Excerpt From the Issue: A group of FPD’s Diversity & Inclusion committee members drove out to the shelter in January and immediately knew we could make a difference. We partnered with staff and residents with the goal of identifying their real needs and desires for the facility with hopes to focus on one room that residents and staff could truly enjoy!
Throughout 2018, a small sub-team planned and executed the creation and sponsorship of a technology learning center. The team, under the leadership of Marissa Luedtke, envisioned various settings that would be conducive to learning for a variety of ages and abilities. They assessed the bleak room...
Read the full story HERE
Thrive Prince George’s is a two-year, $4 million guaranteed-income pilot that seeks to provide greater economic stability and mobility for families in Prince George’s County. The program, the first of its kind in the county, provides monthly payments of $800 to 50 youth (age 18-24) who have aged out of foster care and 125+ seniors (age 60+) for a 24-month period with no strings attached and no requirements tied to employment. Thrive Prince George’s is funded using both public and private philanthropic resources from the Greater Washington Community Foundation, Prince George’s County Executive and Council, and the Meyer Foundation.The Community Foundation will administer the Thrive Prince George’s pilot program in partnership with several nonprofit organizations, including:
United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP)- implementation partner for Seniors
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Prince George’s – implementation partner for Youth who have aged Out of Foster Care
Capital Area Asset Builders – Technical Assistance provider
Prince George’s Changemakers – Community Engagement/Advocacy
Studies have shown that modest guaranteed basic income pilots can decrease poverty by as much as 40%. Over 100 Guaranteed Income pilots are currently operating or have been implemented across the country and around the region – including in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, DC, and Montgomery County. Thus far, these pilots have proven that guaranteed income is one of the most promising approaches to increasing financial stability. The positive impact of guaranteed income has been studied for decades, with evidence indicating that monthly cash payments can reduce income volatility and support recipients in attaining full-time employment, greater housing stability, improved health outcomes, and more.
Senior Citizens (60+)
Seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes, are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet due to inflation, historical inequalities, the rising costs of healthcare, and ageism in the workplace. According to United for ALICE, 52% of seniors in Prince George’s County are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE)— meaning they earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county.Thrive Prince George’s will provide monthly payments for 125+
Seniors (60+) – with the goal of making the case for a more permanent and comprehensive investment in our Senior population, regionally. United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP) will oversee the application process and facilitate payments to participating Senior Citizens. Participating Seniors must be residents of Prince George’s County, within the ALICE population, and living in one of The Community Foundation’s Priority Neighborhoods (see chart above)
Youth Aged Out of Foster Care
For more information visit www.pgcasa.org/thrivegi
The purpose of guaranteed income programs is to help lift more families out of poverty by increasing their financial stability and helping to create more pathways to greater economic opportunity. These programs are designed to put unconditional cash directly in the hands of individuals and families that need it most, allowing them to make choices about how to improve their economic position and what they need to prosper. Guaranteed income does not replace existing supplemental or government benefits, but provides an extra boost that can lift people out of the safety net and into a more stable life.
Thrive Prince George’s will give participants increased flexibility and financial freedom so they can live with dignity and be empowered to overcome whatever barriers they may face – whether it is meeting basic needs, paying down a debt, moving into permanent housing, furthering their education to secure a better job, or to stop working a second job so they can spend more time with their families.
Seniors (Age 60+)
Eligible Seniors will be asked to fill out a brief application to determine program eligibility. This application will be posted to UCAP’s website soon. A reminder that applicants must be Prince George’s County residents within the ALICE population living within one of The Community Foundation’s Priority Neighborhoods (see chart above).
Youth Who Aged Out of Foster Care Between 2020 - 2022
There will be no application process for Youth Who Have Aged out of Foster Care. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) will select eligible Youth from among their current service population.Those who have recently aged out of foster care or are in need of special advocates are encouraged to visit www.pgcasa.org/thrivegi for more information.
