FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brighton Center Receives Funding from First Financial Foundation to Improve Financial Wellness Among the Workforce
(Newport, KY – October 10, 2023) Brighton Center received a $5,000 grant from First Financial Foundation to support Financial Wellness programs for individuals receiving career training at Center for Employment Training. Financial Education and Coaching is crucial for individuals who are transitioning from un- or under-employment into sustaining careers.
Center for Employment Training is a short-term no-cost debt-free career program that trains individuals in in-demand careers. Trainees follow a self-paced curriculum comprised of textual learning and hands-on skill building. The skill divisions currently offered by Center for Employment Training are Medical Assisting, Health Technology Administration, and Human Resources & Payroll Specialist. These curricula were designed and are monitored in partnership with several local employers in these fields to ensure that the level of training remains at an industry standard. During Fiscal Year 2022, 170 individuals received career training through Center for Employment Training with an average wage gain of $23,624.
Offering Financial Education and Coaching is a key component of Brighton Center’s approach to offering holistic supports to the trainees at Center for Employment Training. Financial Education is an essential tool in helping trainees reach and maintain their goal of self-sufficiency. The program includes educating the trainee on budget management tools, credit review, and credit-building tools in a supportive atmosphere. One-on-one session partner with individuals and families to influence their ability to make good financial decisions, assist them with establishing credit, and provide them with opportunities to build assets. Financial Coaches connect customers to resources for debt relief such as tax credits and deductions, unemployment benefits, and rental and mortgage assistance. Trainees at Center for Employment Training attend at least one Financial Education Workshop and meet with a Financial Coach at least four times during enrollment in the job training program. Upon completion of their program, graduates have the opportunity to continue to meet one-on-one with a Financial Coach to help the newly employed graduate to create and maintain their budget, which includes additional income as well as the loss of public benefits.
“Financial Education is a key component to all of our programs,” said Jenny Wiley, Housing and Family Well-Being Director. “When families are working towards self-sufficiency, it’s important that they have all of the tools that are going to help them be successful, and a solid understanding of their own finances is one of the most important tools they can have.”
About First Financial Foundation
The First Financial Foundation was created in 2017 to support programs and organizations that enhance and develop the communities in which we do business. As your local bank, we’re your neighbors, and we want to partner with the communities we serve to help them grow and prosper.
About Brighton Center
The mission of Brighton Center, Inc. is to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment, and leadership. We will achieve this mission by creating an environment that rewards excellence and innovation, encourages mutual respect, and maximizes resources. Brighton Center impacts the lives of thousands of individuals from infants to older adults through 45 programs across all of Northern Kentucky and beyond.