For Immediate Release                                                                                                For More Information

May 12, 2011                                                                                                                      Randall C. Hitt, (704) 562-1772 [c]
                                                                                                                                            rhitt@communitylink-nc.org

Two Financial Literacy Coalitions Join Forces

(CHARLOTTE) – Sound decision-making and tapping into available resources to increase wealth are long-time core messages of Community Link’s Family Financial Literacy Coalition (FFLC) and the all-volunteer C.A.S.H. Coalition (CASH). Now, the two are taking their own advice, strengthening their outreach efforts through joining forces. Coalition leaders believe this will increase capacity to serve more of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

“Combining resources and ideas will only strengthen our ability to reach more working families,” says Floyd R. Davis, Jr., President and CEO of Community Link. “We’re working toward the same goal of creating economic stability in our communities and are so pleased to be entering into this new relationship,” adds Davis.

FFLC and CASH were both founded in the last seven years to provide free tax-preparation and basic financial literacy to the lower income workforce as well as senior citizens. FFLC currently serves Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Union counties while CASH reaches Gaston and Lincoln counties.

Initiatives at both organizations include an annual free tax-preparation program for senior citizens and households earning $49,000 or less as well as ongoing outreach to targeted groups on everything from budget planning to how to begin building wealth.

“We’re confident that joining forces will build upon the successes we’ve seen in Gaston and Lincoln counties,” says Donna Beringer, Chairperson of the C.A.S.H. Coalition. “Our combined efforts will go a long way in expanding our reach.”

This past tax filing season, FFLC and CASH accounted for more than 9,400 filed tax returns equating to over $7 million in refunds to working individuals. These dollars were pumped back into the local economy, primarily for housing, medical, and other basic living expenses. In addition, hundreds are served annually by FFLC and CASH outreach initiatives to help folks begin to think about asset-building.

The formal announcement of the joining occurred at a May 12 luncheon in front of dozens of volunteers who attended the FFLC’s annual appreciation event.

Community Link provides additional programs in six counties across North Carolina and enables individuals and families obtain and sustain safe, decent, affordable housing. To learn more, visit www.communitylink-nc.org.

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