SER Metro-Detroit is pleased to announce its partnership with Detroit Local Initiatives Corporation (LISC) and United Way for Southeastern Michigan in the operation of the Center for Working Families (CWF), an innovative project that helps low income families reach financial stability and move up the economic ladder.  The CWF provides as core components, employment and career advancement services, income enhancements and work supports, and financial and wealth building services

Since employment alone is not always enough to help low income households achieve financial independence, the CWF provides access to a full range of essential economic supports to help families build self-sufficiency, stabilize their finances and move ahead.
The CWF offers: on site employment services that include, job placement, retention, re-attachment, and advancement; one-on-one financial coaching tailored to the needs of the client; on-site access to income and work supports, including tax credits and other benefits to which clients are entitled, tax return preparation; and, consumer advocacy with financial institutions to offer financial products and services at fair price. 

Recognizing a significant need, Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) began an innovative partnership to advance community economic development in Greater Detroit.  Serving as the Greater Detroit Center for Working Families (CWF) intermediary, Detroit LISC and UWSEM implement and manage the CWF network in partnership with SER and other organizations that deliver the CWF services.  This network is a unique collaboration creating opportunities to leverage the strengths of each organization of the collaborative; and as noted by Detroit LISC Senior Program Officer, Ms. Karen Tyler-Ruiz, a shared voice for advocacy and systems change, noting also that the significance of this collaborative network becomes an even more powerful asset to families across Greater Detroit during these particularly hard-hitting economic times.

Ms. Michelle Rafferty, UWSEM Director of Workforce and Economic Development, said of SER’s involvement, “UWSEM and LISC are thrilled to partner with SER Metro-Detroit on the Center for Working Families.  During an extensive research and planning process, we looked for partners who had an existing capacity and track record in providing effective employment or financial services; who were trusted in the community; and who were committed to evolving in order to find innovative ways to serve clients.   We also wanted partners who believed in the possibility of moving more lower income families to financial stability.  SER -Detroit stands out in all these areas and was an obvious choice.”