Bea StotzerMarch 29, 2011

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Community Economic Development Organization

Two vital principals:

1.No community can achieve economic stability or prosperity without first addressing the needs of women and children and,

2.Community support and community input in every program and project is the most fundamental element of success in building wealth .

Currently owns and operates :

10 multi-family housing developments – 635 units

2 charter schools – 640 students

2 Community Economic Development Centers: Business Growth Center, Center for Creating NEW Knowledge, Health Clinic and Wellness Center,

Residential Services - Technical Assistance, Business Development, Case Management, Financial Literacy, Afterschool programs, Life Skill classes customized for residents

Community Services – Homeownership Department (1st Time Homebuyer Program, Financial Literacy and IDA Programs), Healthy Families (insurance coverage for low income children)

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Pico-Union Community 81% Latino Population

◦ 4% White◦ 5% Black/ African American◦ 7% Asian

40% are not employed Average household income $18,783 Average household size – 4 37% below poverty level and 64% above poverty level 48 % have less then a 9th grade education 54% high school dropout rate 30% with Bachelors Degree

Zip Code Next Door 11% poverty level 89% above poverty level

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La Posada – 2-yr transitional housing community • 45 single mothers and 10 single women

• 45 children

• Average age – 24 yrs old

• Children’s average age – 3 yrs old

• 50% are Latinas, 45% African American, 2% White and 2% Asian

• 29 women are on public assistance (CalWorks and Food Stamps)

• 22 are working (may receive some cash assistance and/or food stamps)

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Composite of a La Posada Mom

24-year Latina with a 3-year old child

Receives some public assistance ◦ $450 average monthly income (CalWorks and Food Stamps)

◦ $380 in monthly expenses for rent and meals at La Posada

Former foster child

Victim of domestic violence

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A La Posada Mom’s Day-to-Day Challenges

Lacks child care

Lacks transportation

Spend hours each month interacting with public programs to receive support and services

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NEW’s Unique Approach

Social Entrepreneurs

RICOS

Connect and Succeed

Whole-Family Education

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Opportunities

Increase government accountability to ensure improvements in quality of life

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