About the Asset Building Coalition
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Uniting Forsyth County to raise awareness about asset poverty, its affects on individuals, families, and our community overall.
Mission
To build, rebuild, and protect the assets of residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina.
Vision
A community where all people have an opportunity for financial stability.
The Asset Building Coalition is working to…
Educate
We educate and promote awareness about the individual and family impacts of asset poverty, as well as the community-level impacts.
Coordinate
We coordinate community-wide collaborative initiatives, including Forsyth Saves, Forsyth Living Wage, Financial Education Best Practices, and an Asset-Building Policy & Advocacy Platform.
Connect
We connect our community to action, providing volunteer opportunities for individuals and membership opportunities for businesses and organizations.
Empower
We empower individuals, businesses, and organizations as champions for a more asset-resilient Forsyth County through connection to a wide range of resources and financial services.
Our Coalition is 27 Members Strong, and Growing.
The CARes Project
Individual Members
Karl F. Yena, Nonprofit Consultant
Matthew Hynek, Edward Jones
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Kelly Mitter
Board Chair, Marketing and Membership Committee Chair;
Chief Operating Officer, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County
Phyllis Caldwell-George
Secretary;
President & CEO, Financial Pathways of the Piedmont
Ryan Gerace
Treasurer;
Director of Finance, Financial Pathways of the Piedmont
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Adam Hill
Benchmark and Evaluations Committee Chair
Executive Director, Forsyth Futures
Brittney Gaspari
Advocacy and Public Policy Committee Chair;
Vice President of Community Investment, Winston-Salem Foundation
Lisa Terry
Financial Capabilities Committee Chair;
Money Management and Education Director, Financial Pathways of the Piedmont
Dan Kornelis
Community and Economic Development Director, Forsyth County Government
Maegan Gomez
Quality Education Schools
Mellin Parker
Senior Project Supervisor, City of Winston-Salem
Victor Isler
Director, Forsyth County Deparment of Social Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ABC a non-profit organization?
The ABC is currently working toward attaining 501(c)3 nonprofit status. We anticipate meeting this milestone by early 2020.
Why was the coalition formed?
It was formed in response to a research study that showed rates of poverty, asset poverty, poor credit, and lack of savings worse in our area that in many other places in the state and nation. [2012 MEOP study by the Center for Enterprise Development (CFED), Washington DC.]
What does the Coalition hope to achieve?
We hope that our conscious and sustained collective awareness about and connected activities to specifically address asset poverty will be more effective than the lone activities of each member.
What is the income cutoff level for asset poverty?
There is none, really. A family can have a generous income, but if they have no savings, no home equity, and no other assets, they are living in asset poverty.
How are the activities of the Coalition funded?
The Coalition is a voluntary collaboration. Its members contribute time, expertise, office supplies, and so on. Members pay a small fee which helps offset some costs. We have also received financial and in-kind support from foundations, banks, and others in the community.
Is the Coalition an advocacy organization?
We raise awareness of public policy and legal issues that may enhance or threaten the ability of North Carolinians to build and protect wealth.
Can I give a tax-free donation to the ABC?
Yes. You can do this by giving a gift or grant to any non-profit member of the Coalition and designating that it be used for specific materials, activities or other direct costs related to the Coalition.
Is the ABC part of a national network?
Yes and No. We are solely a local creation, however we serve as one of 93 Community Champions across the country with Prosperity NOW. And we are a member of the statewide advocacy initiative NC Assets Alliance.
What is asset poverty?
When a family does not have enough resources set aside to meet, in the absence of income, their basic needs for three months, they are asset poor.
Who can join the coalition?
Any individual, business, or nonprofit whose interests and activities are in keeping with the mission and vision of the Coalition.
How are the activities of the Coalition funded?
The Coalition is a voluntary collaboration. Its members contribute time, expertise, office supplies, and so on. Members pay a small fee which helps offset some costs. We have also received financial and in-kind support from foundations, banks, and others in the community.
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