Summerhill

Seedco in Atlanta (JAN 06)

Nov 28, 2006

Seedco launched its EarnBenefits?® program in Atlanta in January 2006.

Local Partners
EarnBenefits Atlanta is currently being funded by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. In launching EarnBenefits Atlanta, Seedco has subcontracted with four local, community partners who implement the program at their sites. The Blank Family Foundation has a special interest in providing EarnBenefits to families with young children in the City of Atlanta. To fulfill this need Seedco has partnered with Quality Care for Children, Sheltering Arms, and Metro Atlanta YMCA. Each of these organizations will provide EarnBenefits services to families in their child care and Head Start programs at centers around the city, in both Fulton and Dekalb counties. As part of their efforts to strengthen the networks and infrastructure of distressed communities, The Annie E Casey Foundation is providing EarnBenefits to working families living in the six Atlanta neighborhoods that comprise Neighborhood Planning Unit V - Adair Park, Capitol Homes, Mechanicsville, Peoplestown, Pittsburgh and Summerhill. EarnBenefits will be implemented by the Center for Working Families which is the Foundation's primary strategy for building stronger financial futures for families.

EarnBenefits Services
In collaboration with Seedco, our community partners offer clients a three-tiered approach to benefit enrollment. This approach includes education around available benefits, eligibility screening and application assistance, and on-going benefits management. These activities are accomplished through a public website (www.EarnBenefits.org) and an innovative, password-protected screening tool that streamlines the application process.

Expected Outcomes
Over 500 families are expected to receive at least one benefit through EarnBenefits services during the first year of implementation. Clients are offered benefit assistance for multiple benefits, including Low-Income Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, WIC, Food Stamps, LIHEAP, and federal tax credits. EarnBenefits also provides clients with free tax preparation services through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

For more information about Seedco in Atlanta, please contact Laura Lester.

Laura Lester
Senior Program Associate (Atlanta Office)

Phone: 404.523.2370

Laura Lester is the Senior Program Associate for Earnbenefits in Atlanta. Prior to joining Seedco, Laura was Associate Vice President for Programs with the Centers for Disease Control Foundation. She previously served as a Staff Attorney with Atlanta Legal Aid and as a Senior Program Officer with The Carter Center. Laura has a J.D. from UC Hastings and a Masters in Public Health from Emory University.

Source: http://www.seedco.org/atlanta/