Washington State Community Reinvestment Project Graduates First Cohort of Level Up Credit Improvement Movement

Tacoma, WA – August 13, 2024 – The Washington State Community Reinvestment Project made grants for Financial Coaches and Mentors in April 2024. The first cohort of the Level Up Credit Improvement Movement, a program spearheaded by Fiscal Finesse Consulting in partnership with the Tacoma Housing Authority celebrated the participants with a graduation ceremony. The graduation ceremony took place at the Family Investment Center in Salishan, located at 1724 E 44th Street, Tacoma, on Monday, August 5.

This initiative is part of a $9.8 million investment by the Washington State Community Reinvestment Project to provide financial coaching and mentorship for Black, Latine, and tribal communities. The Level Up Credit Improvement Movement has focused on empowering African American women, many of whom face significant financial trauma stemming from childhood events. The program takes a trauma-informed and culturally relevant approach to financial healing..

The program has provided participants with essential financial literacy education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions and manage their personal finances effectively. This has been especially impactful for African American mothers, who statistically tend to have lower financial literacy compared to their white peers.

The education provided through this program is trauma-informed, addressing financial trauma, abuse, and shaming, and helping participants redefine their relationship with money and their self-worth. The positive outcomes include improved financial stability, better budgeting practices, and enhanced credit scores, which contribute to the overall well-being of the participants and their families.

One of the participants, Antionette Hamilton, shared her powerful story, highlighting the transformative impact of the program:

"I am here to admit that I've just been surviving! I've managed to keep my head above water but nonetheless, I am drowning due to a lack of knowledge and planning. I have ADHD, and with that comes compulsiveness. My wallet is the biggest victim of my compulsiveness and lack of planning. My first memories about money involve my mom telling us to answer the phone and tell the creditors to put it on her credit and hang up. Our utilities were always off, but my mom kept her hair and nails done and partied every weekend. As expected, I have an adamant money mindset. Not only do I recognize that, but I also now understand why it is that way and am ready to make the necessary steps to change that. I am leaving this post today for my accountability and as part of my goal to learn to be vulnerable. I have become a big advocate for body doubling and accountability partnering because it helps me be more productive and stick to a plan. You all are now my unofficial accountability partners."

The next cohort begins in September. Interested parties can apply at www.bit.ly/LUCIM2024

Jenefeness Franke, Founder and CEO of Fiscal Finesse Consulting, shared her thoughts on the impact of the program:

"The Level Up Credit Improvement Movement has been a transformative journey for our participants. Their diligence, resilience, and willingness to confront their financial traumas have been nothing short of inspiring. This program is not just about financial wellbeing; it's about empowering our community to reclaim their financial future and instill a sense of confidence and control over their lives."

The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of these resilient men and women who have taken significant steps towards financial empowerment. The event featured speeches from participants, and community supporters, showcasing the journey and success stories of those who have completed the program.