Financial Opportunity Centers

We know that healthy, sustainable communities are made up of people who have living wage jobs and feel confident about their economic futures. To get there, residents need the skills to advance along the path of employment and manage their money well. That’s why LISC invests in helping people tackle all the facets of financial life—earning a family-sustaining pay check, budgeting, building good credit, and saving for education and retirement.

LISC’s Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) connect low- to moderate- income families with the financial and labor market mainstream. FOCs provide employment and career counseling, one-on-one financial coaching and education, and low-cost financial products that help build credit, savings and assets. They also connect clients with income supports such as food stamps, utilities assistance, and affordable health insurance.

The cornerstone of the FOC model is providing these services in an integrated way—rather than as stand-alone services—and with a long-term commitment to helping clients reach their goals.

We’ve learned that integrated or “bundled” services lead to concrete gains in net income and job retention. Research shows that FOC clients who take advantage of combined services are 50 percent more likely to land a well-paying job than people receiving employment services alone. Long-term job retention—holding a job for a year or more—almost doubles when financial coaching reinforces the work of employment counseling.

”Compared to people in programs offering employment assistance alone, FOC clients are more likely to be employed year-round , reduce non-asset-related debt, and build positive credit histories.”

— Economic Mobility Corporation

We provide grants, technical assistance, and training in support of FOCs at STRIVE Atlanta, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Center for Self-Sufficiency, Inspiritus, and at the Goodwill of North Georgia’s Old National Career Center in the City of South Fulton. These FOCs are conveniently located, trusted local organizations known for their history of providing quality services.