The Financial Stability Partnership is a collaboration between the United Way and local non-profits, banks, and government agencies to work towards a better end for local low-income residents. The goal of the project is to develop framework for the implementation of the FSP to help families improve financial stability by reducing debt and increasing assets. Through the United Way's annual Needs Assessment, it became clear the Titusville region was in need of focused attention to deal with financial literacy, debt management, credit counseling, and an increased awareness of benefits for low-income citizens such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The Titusville Area United Way is becoming a partner of the Department of Public Welfare and will be able to help local clients with assistance applications right here in Titusville instead of Meadville, although the United Way will not offer the full range of assistance the Meadville office does.

The DPW applications are available through a website called The Benefit Bank. United Way's trained counselor will help you complete the on-line form. This confidential program is FREE to the community.

The Benefit Bank is also the place to go to fill out your FAFSA. This Free Application for Financial Aid is a must for all who are planning to attend higher education. This lengthly application can be completed with the help of a trained United Way counselor.

We have become a VITA site through the IRS to help low-income residents file their taxes and collect possible Earned Income Tax Credits. From January 20th to April 15th, call to see if you qualify to have your Income Tax prepared for FREE.

A Savings-Match program is currently in development which will match savings by clients dollar for dollar for a set amount with the requirement that the saved money be used for increasing assets--such as a house, car, or education. This program will start small and hopefuly grow in the future.

Financial education is crucial in our confusing world where many grow up, never properly trained or informed how to budget or balance their checkbook. Because of this need, we are partnering with local non-profits and banks who offer courses on being a first time home buyer, budgeting, and credit counseling.

We are also working with the Titusville Area School District on several topics including increasing financial literacy training for teachers.

We will keep you informed as to the future of the program which will be growing over the next year.