United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut (UWCNCT) and Co-opportunity, Inc. hosted guests from across the country for the 2009-2010 Bank of America and United Way Financial Stability One-Stop Learning Network February 8 and 9. The network is part of a larger commitment by UWCNCT to support its Working Families Initiative, which garnered national attention in 2009 when it received the Knowledge Café “Best Practices that Advance the Common Good” Award from United Way Worldwide (UWW) for its innovative volunteer Budget Coaching Program, developed and managed by Co-opportunity.

Hartford’s Financial Resource Center, also managed by Co-opportunity, was the first of its kind in Connecticut. United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut was an active member of the planning team for the resource center, bringing community partners to the collaborative including United Way 2-1-1, Foodshare and Capital Workforce Partners. In addition, UWCNCT is a funder of Hartford’s Financial Resource Center and has assisted with engaging other funders in this partnership. Bank of America has also been a lead funder and strong supporter of the Hartford resource center since its inception.

“The Learning Network and the Financial Resource Center have helped put thousands in the Greater Hartford area on the path to financial stability,” said Kevin Cunningham, Connecticut market president, Bank of America.  “Support of both initiatives reflects our steadfast commitment to financial education.”

UWCNCT was one of nine United Ways in the country selected to participate in the eight month Learning Network, which began in October 2009. Other members of the One-Stop Learning Network include staff from United Way Worldwide national and local representatives from Bank of America, and , and corresponding community agencies that partner with the nine United Ways in financial resource centers. Co-opportunity is UWCNCT’s community partner in the learning network.

The learning network will develop strategies and techniques that support effective financial stability practices. Ideas will focus on center design and operation, partnership roles and responsibilities, identifying promising practices, and measuring outcomes.

Started in January 2007, UWCNCT launched the Working Families Initiative to address the challenges faced by low- to moderate-income working families.  The initiative’s three goals include raising awareness of these challenges; working with our partners to ensure real increases in the savings, earnings, income, and assets of working families; and providing meaningful opportunities for volunteer engagement.

For more information about the United Way’s Working Families Initiative and the One-Stop Learning Network, please contact Paula Gilberto at (860) 493-1101 or email pgilberto@unitedwayinc.org.