Governor Christine Gregoire recently congratulated Community Action's success over a small program with big results: their Bounce Back program has provided financial literacy or money management classes to hundreds of residents including displaced workers, homeless families, and community members seeking additional help in getting control of their finances.
     Bounce Back began in 2006 with a Community Service Block Grant Innovation Award of $19,000.
     The Governor congratulated Community Action for building partnerships that included North Cascades National Bank, Career Path Services, Okanogan County PUD, Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Work Source and the Department of Social and Health Services.
     "Although the program was funded for only one year, we have reached out to our partners and are currently able to offer the class every Wednesday for a small fee," said Lael Duncan, Executive Director of Okanogan County Community Action. "This fee is paid by DSHS and Worksource if you are enrolled in Work first or Worksource Job search classes.
     "Folks should check with their case workers to be sure they qualify, but even if a person has to pay the fee, there is still a big bonus in graduating from the class," Duncan continued. "PUD No. 1 will waive basic service connection deposit requirements for low income individuals who have completed the course. Local partners who understand local challenges have made all the difference in helping to continue this program while we seek more stable, continuation of funding."
     In addition to the Bounce Back program, Community Action is promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit as well as the free tax preparation sites offered under the leadership of the Northwest Justice Project, Individual Development Accounts and Homeownership Counseling.
     For more information on these programs or services offered by Community Action, please contact Lael Duncan at 422-4041 or toll free 1-877-641-0101 or email laeld@occac.com.