United Way of Benton & Lincoln Counties announced the first award in its Breaking the Cycle of Childhood Poverty (BCCP) funding cycle in Lincoln County. BCCP supports long-term preventative work to stop inter-generational poverty by creating cycles of family stability. BCCP’s goals are greater school readiness, supporting students during school transitions, workforce readiness for teens, and financial literacy for families. United Way’s Community Impact Committee recommended a two-year $50,000 award to Family Promise of Lincoln County (FPLC) to support and expand its “Strengthening Families” program. The recommendation was approved by the United Way Board of Directors August 25.

Elizabeth Reyes, Executive Director of FPLC said, “The funding that United Way grants to Family Promise makes it possible for us to offer Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Parenting, Second Chance Renters and many other classes that empower families within our community. Our partnership with United Way allows us to build a stronger community.’ The “Strengthening Families” program supports academic success for students and provides financial literacy education for families, to build a foundation for success. It offers ten skill­-building classes and a mandatory savings program. Classes are available to current Family Promise families, graduated Family Promise families, and other families in the community seeking to better their family’s situation.

United Way Community Impact Director Tina Mills says “we are excited about partnering with an organization that touches, equips and changes so many lives for the better throughout Lincoln County. Equipping families with life-building skills can truly break the cycle of childhood poverty.” Funds for the BCCP investments in Lincoln County come from Lincoln County donors under United Way’s “Raised here, Stays here” policy. BCCP awards are made on a two-year cycle from a fund separate from United Ways’ annual Meeting Basic Needs grants, which were made in July.  “The gifts from United Way supporters throughout Lincoln County have made this possible, and this has the potential of really making a positive change in the community.  We are thankful for the generosity and vision of donors to support preventative programs in Lincoln County,” Mills said.

For more information about Breaking the Cycle of Childhood Poverty, or to donate, visit United Way’s website at: http://www.unitedwayblc.org/breaking-the-cycle