One year into its innovative initiative and resourceful partnership, the United Way Financial Stability Center is not only helping get neighbors’ hands on the wheel of their financial future but also putting the pedal to the floor for more success down the road.

“It is quite amazing to see the impact that agencies working together has on an individual with a need.  I’m very pleased with the initial successes but more excited about the future opportunities that we will have moving forward,” Chester County Department of Community Development and Chester County Workforce Investment Board Director Patrick Bokovitz said in announcing the first anniversary celebration of the Financial Stability Center and PA CareerLink-Chester County collaboration. “I truly value the partnership that the Chester County Workforce Investment Board has with the United Way of Chester County.  We are a model that has a lot of interest around the state.”

That model is steering community members toward better control of their financial futures through professional education and guidance, extensive resources and confidential counseling along the road from meeting day-to-day needs to planning, saving and attaining assets en route to financial strength and independence.

And it leads people directly to a pit stop at the shared PA CareerLink office for help moving up their career ladder.

“Our work at the Financial Stability Center has exceeded our expectations, and our partnership with PA CareerLink-Chester County has resulted in creating a high-quality experience for all of the customers coming through the doors,” United Way of Chester County President and CEO Claudia Hellebush said.