Santa Maria Community Services is pleased to announce it has received three grants supporting their workforce development services. The grants awarded by the Louis and Louise Nippert Charitable Foundation, the SC Ministry Foundation, and the U.S. Bank Foundation, serve to enhance the economic development of those in the Price Hill community through Santa Maria’s Workforce Development Program. The grants will supply funding for coordination of Price Hill’s EITC/VITA (Earned Income Tax Credit / Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Initiative through the SC Ministry Foundation, Santa Maria’s GED program through the Louis and Louise Nippert Charitable Foundation, and Santa Maria’s Workforce Development Program as a whole through the U.S. Bank Foundation.
Santa Maria Community Services’ Workforce Development Program brings together a bundle of coaching and supports that focus on “Earn It, Keep It, and Grow It”, a national model developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The program is a collaboration of services and part of a regional effort designed to empower families to become self-reliant and financially confident households, while maximizing their resources. Individuals who participate in the program are coached by experienced staff in an effort to obtain employment opportunities, secure safe and affordable housing, gain access to income supports, utilize financial education to build assets, and obtain a GED.