|
 Resilience is learning to bend, not break, when times are tough.
 Partners in an exciting new program between Kroger and the Metro Office of Financial Empowerment celebrated its launch at a press event last month. From left to right: Erin Waddell (OFE Social Service Policy and Advocacy Manager), Vincent James (President and CEO of Dare to Care Food Bank), Lisa Ellis (Kroger Mobile Market Manager), and Jessica Sharp (Kroger Corporate Affairs Manager for the Louisville Division).
The Louisville Metro Office of Financial Empowerment is teaming up with The Kroger Company to provide financial empowerment services to residents across the city.
The new program will supply on-site outreach for customers of Kroger’s Mobile Markets, which travel neighborhoods that have limited access to food. The program officially launched last month with a press event at the Avenue Plaza apartments.
“This partnership is an excellent example of government and private industry coming together to solve problems,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg at the press event. “Kroger has shown its commitment to Louisville through its Mobile Markets, which provide a much-needed food resource in areas that lack access to healthy foods, and we are thrilled to partner with them to bring necessary financial empowerment education to these same customers.”
Kroger’s Mobile Markets are small grocery stores on wheels that visit neighborhoods that have limited or no access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. Financial services and information available at Kroger Mobile Market sites will include:
- Free financial counseling from the Louisville Financial Empowerment Center
- Free tax preparation services from the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA)
- Access to Bank On Louisville’s certified banking products across 10 financial institutions in the Louisville market
- Free financial coaching and counseling for people with disabilities
“At Kroger, our purpose is to feed the human spirit,” said Jessica Sharp, Kroger Corporate Affairs Manager for the Louisville Division. “With Bank On Louisville’s partnership, this additional step toward unlocking access to financial futures builds community prosperity and equity, and we’re thrilled to work together.”
In addition to access to its Mobile Markets, Kroger is giving an initial $5,000 toward the implementation of the new program.
“Financial health and security influences all aspects of our lives,” said Erin Waddell, Social Service Policy and Advocacy Manager for the Office of Financial Empowerment. “Pairing access to food with financial services is a tremendous opportunity to make a meaningful impact for people, in a way that is easy and convenient for them. We’re excited to collaborate with a trusted community company like Kroger to make access to financial services easier for our neighbors.”
|
|
 |
|
Appointments Still Open for LIHEAP Summer Subsidy
Appointments are still available for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Summer Subsidy Program. Households up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for electric and/or water service benefits. Click here for details.
|
OADC Resource Guide Updated
The best resource guide in Kentuckiana has been freshly updated for your convenience. You have seriously never seen a resource guide like this. It's EIGHTY PAGES of every single imaginable community resource, including caregiver resources, local ministries, financial assistance, food, health and fitness, government programs, housing, veterans services, and much, MUCH more. Check it out.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Foster Grandparents Needed
Can we get three cheers for all of these dedicated, caring people who volunteer for the AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent Program? These folks spend some of their time with young people every week, serving as role models, mentors, and and friends. Find out how you can join their ranks.
|
Start Fresh! Banking Workshops Build Financial Wisdom
Start Fresh! banking workshops are FREE for people who have negative banking histories, are in ChexSystems, or are banking for the first time. It will give you important tools to use safe and affordable accounts, and will cover the basics of savings, resources, and tactics to improving your ability to save. All workshops are virtual via Webex. Our next one is TODAY, starting at 10am.
|
|
 |
|
|
Mr. Stovall
Mr. Stovall came into the LIHEAP office with a big problem – because he is an elderly gentleman with only a small amount of monthly income, he found himself behind on his utility bills and in danger of being disconnected. Our LIHEAP team sprang into action, collaborating to find the resources necessary to help Mr. Stovall. Thanks to their efforts, his bill is now paid!
LIHEAP's Summer Cooling phase is going on now. Click here for details.
|
|
 Happy Metro-versary! One year ago today, Marie Bingle started as the Homeless Outreach Program Coordinator at RCS. After leaving her job at Anthem in 2019 to support her son’s burgeoning music career, Marie decided she wanted to give back more to the community. So she began to volunteer with service providers involved with young adults, homelessness, and social justice.
Right at the beginning of the pandemic, Marie joined Feed Louisville to help homebound and other vulnerable adults access food without risking exposure to COVID-19. Now at RCS, Marie works with the houseless community and outreach partners to increase collaboration and help people access services.
“I’ve seen the other side,” says Marie. “When my son was justice-involved and experiencing homelessness, I saw all the trouble he went through navigating the system. It made all the difference when a service provider took the time to make sure we were accessing all the resources we needed."
Marie says the kindness and compassion extended by complete strangers helped her son turn things around – he is now full of hope for the future.
“Once my son made it to the place he is now, he wanted to buy 100 hamburgers and give back to those on the street who helped him,” says Marie. “Even when my son was away, I still made sure to keep up that tradition.”
Currently, Marie is looking forward to the Kentucky Urban Entertainment Awards, where she has been nominated for a Community Organizing Award for her work with young adults at her nonprofit, Better Dayz Youth Coalition.
 SUMMER VACAY PHOTOS! Chelsea Watson and her dogs, Dixie and Boo, (LEFT) enjoy a peaceful day among the forest giants at Bernheim Forest. Chris Burton (RIGHT) flew out to California to find his chill on a beach in Santa Monica.
|
|
|
|
|
