PRESS RELEASES - FEBRUARY 2007

Arlington Partners with Nonprofit to Promote Financial Literacy
Registration deadline is February 28

February 9, 2007

The City of Arlington has formed a partnership with a local nonprofit to promote financial literacy among adults and youth.

The JrFinance Literacy Academy, Inc. is the partnering agency and a leading financial education provider. The program is called Dollar Wise.

According to Grants Programs Manager Sheryl Kenny, the goal of the program is for participants to acquire the financial skills that will help place them in a better position to accomplish goals such as owning a home, pursuing a higher education, or starting a business.

Participants must be an Arlington resident and meet certain income eligibility requirements. Enrollment is limited to 50 participants. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28.

About Dollar Wise

Dollar Wise begins with free classes every Saturday in March from 9 a.m. to noon. The program offers participants a free savings account with free access to a wealth coach upon graduation from the program. Those who attend the first session can enroll in the Texas Saves Campaign for a chance to win a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond. Saturday classes also include a light breakfast and prizes.

According to Kenny, the program will emphasize saving. Dollar Wise participants will be encouraged to open a no-fee savings account. As an additional incentive, participants will receive a dollar for every dollar up to $100 that they deposit into the account. This dollar-for-dollar match provides participants with the opportunity to save up to $200. The no-fee savings accounts and matching funds are made possible through a partnership with Chase bank.

Dollar Wise is part of ongoing efforts by Arlington Assets for Working Families to develop strategies to help working families achieve economic success. Classes for middle and high school youth are planned for this summer.

Arlington Announces New Financial Literacy Program

Application, eligibility requirements and additional information about the Dollar Wise program are available on the City of Arlington website at www.arlingtontx.gov. Posters and flyers are being distributed. Information about the program is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.
The City of Arlington and its community partners include: Water from the Rock Enterprises, Inc., Foundation Communities, Arlington Housing Authority, Camp Fire USA First Texas Council, and the Boys and Girls Club of Arlington.

For more information about Dollar Wise, call Grants Coordinator Nora Coronado at 817- 459-6240 or e-mail her at coronadon@ci.arlington.tx.us. To learn more about the JrFinance Literacy Academy, visit www.jrfinance.com.