GOAL Two: Empower more of our neighbors to thrive, not just survive.
We are focused on strategies that support education, employment opportunities, and resources to achieve financial stability. Under Goal 2, we work for more opportunities for people to attain a high school credential, complete post-secondary degree or training to meet career needs, increase income and assets, and reduce expenses.
Target: 70% of households pay less than 30% of their income on housing. Baseline: 65% of households pay less than 30% of their income on housing.
53% of renters pay more than the recommended 30% of income on their housing costs, making it difficult for them to afford other essentials such as food and healthcare.
IMPACT OF FINANCIAL SECURITY
Nabil was feeling hopeless. He lost his job, and was struggling to get back on his feet. Not only did he lack the education and credentials needed to find fulfilling and meaningful work, he struggled to navigate the job search process, including how to best fill out applications. Nabil felt anxious and alone with no prospects for his future until a family friend introduced him to Goodwill’s Job Connection Program.
Through this program Nabil took an assessment that helped him find work that suited his temperament, skills, and interests. He worked to strengthen his interviewing skills and worked on relaxation and breathing to help him stay calm. Beyond preparing for his job search, he worked on budgeting and even explored ways to put his skills as a photographer to work.
After applying his new skills, Nabil was hired at a local manufacturing company. His hard work has paid off. He has received two promotions and is on his way to becoming a supervisor.
Do you know what your United Way donation looks like? It looks like hope. It looks like neighbors thriving – not just surviving.
Goodwill’s Job Connection Program, funded by United Way of Greater Portland, works to advance Thrive2027 Goal 2 (Empower our neighbors to thrive – not just survive) by ensuring that individuals have opportunities to identify and secure meaningful employment and have the necessary supports to be financially stable.
Financial Stability
GOAL Two: Empower more of our neighbors to thrive, not just survive.
We are focused on strategies that support education, employment opportunities, and resources to achieve financial stability. Under Goal 2, we work for more opportunities for people to attain a high school credential, complete post-secondary degree or training to meet career needs, increase income and assets, and reduce expenses.
Target: 70% of households pay less than 30% of their income on housing.
Baseline: 65% of households pay less than 30% of their income on housing.
IMPACT OF FINANCIAL SECURITY
Nabil was feeling hopeless. He lost his job, and was struggling to get back on his feet. Not only did he lack the education and credentials needed to find fulfilling and meaningful work, he struggled to navigate the job search process, including how to best fill out applications. Nabil felt anxious and alone with no prospects for his future until a family friend introduced him to Goodwill’s Job Connection Program.
Through this program Nabil took an assessment that helped him find work that suited his temperament, skills, and interests. He worked to strengthen his interviewing skills and worked on relaxation and breathing to help him stay calm. Beyond preparing for his job search, he worked on budgeting and even explored ways to put his skills as a photographer to work.
After applying his new skills, Nabil was hired at a local manufacturing company. His hard work has paid off. He has received two promotions and is on his way to becoming a supervisor.
Do you know what your United Way donation looks like? It looks like hope. It looks like neighbors thriving – not just surviving.
Goodwill’s Job Connection Program, funded by United Way of Greater Portland, works to advance Thrive2027 Goal 2 (Empower our neighbors to thrive – not just survive) by ensuring that individuals have opportunities to identify and secure meaningful employment and have the necessary supports to be financially stable.
JOIN THE FINANCIAL STABILITY EFFORT
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FINANCIAL STABILITY CABINET
Julie Chase (Co-Chair)
Dean of Business & Community Partnerships
Southern Maine Community College
Anne Dalton (Co-Chair)
Chief League Operations Officer
Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.
Orion Breen
Public Affairs Liaison
Global Partners
Ashley Duca
Project & Program Manager
Texas Instruments
Jim Elkins
Owner
Career Planning Services
Peter Fitch
Human Resources Director
Lee Auto
Samuel Ledue
Manager
KCV Trailer and Container Rentals
Karen MacDonald
Chief Operating Officer
Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine
Georges Budagu Makoko
Residential Director, Serenity Residential Care
Founder, Ladder to the Moon Network
Colin March
Senior Relationship Manager
TD Bank
Geneva Meserve
Job Skills Chair
Portland Adult Education
Judith Metcalf
Associate Program Director, Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program
College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England
Claudette Ndayininahaze
Executive Director, In Her Presence
Senior Consultant, Integrative Inquiry LLC
Cullen Ryan
Executive Director
Community Housing of Maine
Jennifer Sporzynski
Senior Program Director
CEI Business Development Services
Julia Trujillo-Luengo
Director, Office of Economic Opportunity
City of Portland
David Wurm
Senior Director, Workforce Services
Goodwill Northern New England
Georges Budagu Makoko
Residential Director, Serenity Residential Care
Founder, Ladder to the Moon Network
Colin March
Senior Relationship Manager
TD Bank
Geneva Meserve
Job Skills Chair
Portland Adult Education
Judith Metcalf
Associate Program Director, Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program
College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England
Claudette Ndayininahaze
Executive Director, In Her Presence
Senior Consultant, Integrative Inquiry LLC
Cullen Ryan
Executive Director
Community Housing of Maine
Jennifer Sporzynski
Senior Program Director
CEI Business Development Services
Julia Trujillo-Luengo
Director, Office of Economic Opportunity
City of Portland
David Wurm
Senior Director, Workforce Services
Goodwill Northern New England
See full list of Thrive2027 cabinet members here.
Learn more about Thrive2027

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Thrive2027 PartnersLEARN MORE
Thrive2027 Workplace Policies and Best PracticesDo You Know What Your United Way Donation Looks Like?