Happy Women’s History month! We know the last couple of years have been difficult for many, especially women, and yet so many continue to show up for their families and their communities. We are inspired by you and applaud all that you do. San Francisco would not be the place that it is without your contributions! We also want to shine a light on the amazing work of the Abundant Birth Project (ABP), a program that provides unconditional cash supplements to Black and Pacific Islander mothers as a strategy to reduce preterm birth and improve economic outcomes. In partnership with the ABP and their pilot participants, our office has released findings about charting the course to protect benefits for guaranteed income recipients, a vital component for success as guaranteed income programs continue to proliferate across the country. Protecting Benefits in Guaranteed Income Pilots: Lessons Learned from the Abundant Birth Project | Treasurer & Tax Collector (sftreasurer.org)
Do you work with clients who are searching for work or new to the workforce? The Office of Financial Empowerment’s Smart Money Coaching program is here to help. Smart Money Coaching (SMC) is a free service that can support clients experiencing transitions in their income, looking to open a bank account, budget to accommodate new income, and review their credit report. SMC has helped our clients eliminate $1.5 million in debt and collectively save $110,000. Your clients could be next!
Calling all creative students, get ready for the San Francisco Kindergarten to College (K2C) Art & Video Contests! Student participants can create a video or a piece of art that represents the theme, “A Future Worth Saving For.” You still have time to submit your masterpiece, but the submission deadline is approaching! Make sure your student’s submission is submitted by Thursday, March 31st at 5 PM. K2C will select three city-wide honorees for each grade range and award scholarships up to $500. The first 50 entries for the two contests, art or video, will also receive a $20 incentive in their K2C account towards their college savings. For more information and contest rules, please visit the K2C website.
Pictured: Committee Chairman and Congressman Himes, Congresswoman Jayapal, Congresswoman Jacobs, Treasurer Cisneros, with San Francisco representatives providing testimony to the Select Committee
Programs supported by OFE were recently highlighted at the U.S Congressional Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth meeting in San Francisco. Treasurer José Cisneros and several local organizations and community members met with the Committee to provide their perspective on solutions to addressing the wealth & wage gap. Community members helped the Committee to better understand racial and economic disparities while highlighting the Kindergarten to College program and Yerba Buena Center for Performing Arts Guaranteed Income Pilot.
Watch the full Committee meeting. Community members can continue to share their storieswith the Committee.