Stories
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The essential role of those who’ve been there in Maine’s approach to the benefits cliff
Gabriella ChiarenzaExperts and policymakers reveal steps they’re taking in Maine to effect change within a challenging system with help from those who’ve navigated benefits cliffs.
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[Watch] ‘I’ve been there’: How those who’ve faced the benefits cliff drive change
Gabriella Chiarenza, Steve OsemwenkhaeFacing a benefits cliff can make accepting a new or better job surprisingly difficult. Hear from three advocates in Maine who are using their own experiences to change things for the better.
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Through community engagement, Tracy Choi makes space at the table for others
Jennie Blizzard“We’re not going to change a community system or problem overnight. We want sustained involvement to help create long-term changes,” says Tracy Choi of the San Francisco Fed. Get to know Tracy and her work.
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Mike Eggleston bridges communities through collaborative research, partnership building
Crystal FlynnMike Eggleston uses collaboration and research to expand partnerships in lower- income communities with the goal of increasing economic mobility for residents.
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Julie Siwicki works to raise communities’ voices in Fed research
Jennie BlizzardJulie Siwicki works hard to make sure the perspectives of community partners are part of the research formula.
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Gar Kelley uses faith and experience to influence economic potential in underserved communities
Jennie BlizzardGar Kelley uses faith and experience to influence economic potential in underserved communities.
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A hand up, not a handout, to cross the benefits cliff
Gabriella ChiarenzaLosing public assistance benefits when their income goes up incentivizes some workers to stay in low-paying jobs. It discourages others who are willing to work from joining the workforce. Explore the issue and what’s being done.
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Native CDFI Network uses Federal Reserve data to highlight the impact of investing in Indian Country
Kierra Karemani“Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) know the needs of the communities they serve. Placing the funds in the hands of those CDFIs produces better results,” says Pete Upton, Executive Director for the Native360 Loan Fund and interim CEO for the Native CDFI Network (NCN).
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Forging cross-sector partnerships, Marycruz De León helps improve education and workforce outcomes, and promotes digital inclusion
Kierra KaremaniGet to know Marycruz De León and her work at the Dallas Fed to support community partnerships that aim to improve the region’s education and workforce outcomes and promote digital inclusion.
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Alaina Barca uses research to highlight economic opportunities
Jennie BlizzardAlaina Barca, a community development research analyst at the Philadelphia Fed, aims to make the economy more easily accessible to everyone.