When we started the PIE blog in 2011, we called it “Easy as PIE”, because saving can become easy as you develop a consistent habit that then becomes automatic. However, there are definitely many challenges that may need to be overcome in addition to saving regularly. Life challenges, such as family emergencies, health complications, and loss of employment are a few that come to mind. So far this year, 28 participants have completed the program and we congratulated the most recent graduates by awarding certificates at the PIE Advisory Board meeting. The program now has a total of 290 families that have purchased a home, pursued secondary education or capitalized their business with the support of PIE.
This year the PIE program is grateful for a number of new opportunities, despite some new challenges as well. We would not be able to continue the program without dedicated volunteers, community partners, and support from funders. As we consider the highlights (Download PIE participant experience_final) of what has been accomplished this year, we would like to say thank you to the following individuals and partners:
PIE Advisory Board Members:
- Tracy Altman, Foothills United Way
- Rebecca Chavez, Front Range Community College
- Samantha Colyn, Workforce Boulder County
- Sharon Farrell, City and County of Broomfield
- Eliberto Mendoza, Boulder County Community Action Programs
- Kimberley Morris, Which Wich, Longmont
- Agatha Moya, Longmont
- Rajesh Rajchal, Former PIE participant
- James Williams, Wells Fargo Bank
- Mandy Yick, Attorney
Local and federal funders:
Assets for Independence
Referral partners:
Amistad Center
Boulder County Head Start
Boulder County Housing & Human Services
Boulder Housing Partners
Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
Casa de la Esperanza
City and County of Broomfield
City of Boulder, Children, Youth and Families
Emergency Family Assistance Association
Family Self-Sufficiency
Flatirons Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley
Longmont Housing Authority
Mental Health Partners
Outreach United Resource Center
Sister Carmen Community Center
The Inn-Between of Longmont, Inc.
Thistle Communities
Workforce Boulder County
YWCA of Boulder County
We look forward to continuing our work in 2018 and promoting permanent change in communities through affordable housing, business development and secondary education.
ABOUT THE PERSONAL INVESTMENT ENTERPRISE (PIE) PROGRAM
The Personal Investment Enterprise (PIE) program is a local savings program provided through Community Action Programs of Boulder County and Foothills United Way. The program is designed for low-income families to enroll in financial literacy classes and save through a matched saving account at a rate of 4 to 1. The first step in applying to the program is to attend an orientation meeting with Nino Gallo at Community Action Programs at Boulder County. Nino may be reached at 303-441-3998 or at [email protected] For more information on the PIE program visit http://www.bouldercounty.org/family/financial/pages/pie.aspx.
