Financial independence is the key to achieving a stable, independent life as a disabled adult. Money doesn’t have to stand in the way of getting the assistance you need, you can RISE to find ways to become self-sufficient by building and sustaining financial assets.
RISE Foundation Memphis (RISE) is a 501(c)(3)organization that seeks to improve the community by providing financial literacy tools and incentives to help families build assets and make better financial choices.
Founded in 1999 as a joint effort of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Memphis Housing Authority, and United Way of the Mid-South, to assist Memphis public housing residents in achieving financial self-sufficiency, has grown to help break the cycle of poverty and its effects, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, unemployment and crime. RISE, whose acronym stands for Responsibility. Initiative. Solutions. Empowerment. has developed unique expertise in helping entry-level wage earners to budget, save, and accumulate assets, empowering them towards financial stability.
Their programs include:
- Save UP: a matched-savings account program designed to help low-to-moderate wage earners learn to manage their income, improve their credit, save money, and purchase assets such as homes, computers and post-secondary education.
- Goal Card: a program that teaches public school students to set and achieve academic, financial and life goals. The incentive program provides structured academic mentoring and support from adult volunteers to provide ongoing encouragement and guidance. Students earn points for their achievements, which are redeemable for school supplies, gift cards and small electronic items.
- Common Cents: a workplace financial education program that teaches people how to efficiently manage their money.
- Silver Neighbors: a program that empowers older adults to make healthier financial choices
- GMFEC (Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center): provides free one-on-one financial counseling
All participants of these programs must live in the Memphis and Shelby County area. Each program has different qualifications that must be met to be accepted into the program. To find out more information about these programs or to apply visit RISE Memphis website.