Two Sites added to Center for Working Families Network
United Way of Central Indiana today announced that the Indianapolis Urban League and Shepherd Community Center have joined the Center for Working Families (CWF), a network of 12 sites (10 are United Way agencies), where families can access a full range of services to help lift them out of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability. Currently, one in three central Indiana families is financially unstable. Built on a model developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, CWF provides people with the tools they need to increase their income, reduce expenses, and build investments for their families. Specifically, CWF provides employment and career advancement services, financial literacy and coaching, and access to income supports – all in one location. “United Way is pleased to designate the Indianapolis Urban League and the Shepherd Community Center as Center for Working Families sites,” said Ann D. Murtlow, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana. “I’m confident that by embedding the CWF model into these sites’ programs and services, both agencies will be able to provide even more opportunities for the communities they serve.” In 2017, community leaders Sarah and John Lechleiter dedicated a significant portion of their $5 million gift to United Way to accelerate the expansion of the Center for Working Families network in central Indiana. This year, CWF served 4,168 individuals.
About the Indianapolis Urban League
A United Way partner agency, the Indianapolis Urban League’s mission is to assist African-Americans, other minorities and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic empowerment.
About the Shepherd Community Center
Shepherd Community is a faith-based, inner-city ministry that has operated on the near Eastside of Indianapolis since 1985.
Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty on the near Eastside of Indianapolis by engaging and empowering the community to cultivate healthy children, strong families, and vibrant neighborhoods through a Christ-centered approach that meets the physical, emotional, spiritual, and academic needs of our neighbors
.