Path to Success: Positive Money Habits

• Original Idea Voted on by New Yorkers: Classes for low-income people, using current financial management tools, to help them manage and protect their personal resources. Information about apprenticeship programs will also be made available.

• Implementing Organization: Center for Justice Innovation: Brownsville Community Justice Center

• Funding Amount: $200,000

The responses below are directly from the community organizations selected to implement The People’s Money projects.

How does your organization plan to bring this idea to life?

The Brownsville Community Justice Center will implement Path to Success: Positive Money Habits at its site on Belmont Ave. in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Through 15 in-person workshops and six individualized coaching sessions led by peer educators using a credible messenger model, participants will gain budgeting, saving, and financial planning skills.

What motivated your organization to apply to implement this idea?

The Brownsville Community Justice Center (Justice Center) aims to advance economic equity in Brownsville where residents face various systemic barriers. The Justice Center’s deep community ties; history of impactful programming; and use of peer-led approaches position it to uniquely and effectively deliver financial literacy initiatives.

How do you think this project will make a difference in your community?

This project will empower young people in Brownsville to break cycles of poverty by learning essential financial skills, leading to improved decision-making and increased economic stability. This is crucial because financial literacy is foundational to economic independence and creating long-term opportunities for growth.

List at least one thing you're excited about related to this project!

The Justice Center is excited to see young people in Brownsville gain confidence in managing their finances and making informed decisions about their futures such as opening their first savings account or creating a financial plan. This will be incredibly rewarding as it represents tangible progress toward economic empowerment and independence.

Website: https://www.innovatingjustice.org
Instagram: @bcjc_brooklyn
Facebook: @brownsvillejusticecenter