Ways to Work

Ways to Work is a franchise-like program operated exclusively by Alliance for Children and Families member organizations.

The program provides small, short-term, low-interest loans and financial education to working poor families with challenging credit histories.

The loan makes it possible for program participants to purchase reliable transportation, which helps them maintain employment or education, or secure better opportunities. This, combined with financial education, helps participants improve their credit and achieve increased economic self-sufficiency. These successes have been documented in several studies and evaluations.

More than 30 Alliance members currently operate the Ways to Work program in nearly two dozen states.

History

Ways to Work was first established in 1984 as the Single Parent Loan Program. At the time, it was operated by The McKnight Foundation in and around Minneapolis.

In 1998, Ways to Work was incorporated as a sister organization to the Alliance. Under this arrangement, Alliance President and CEO Susan Dreyfus also serves as CEO of Ways to Work.

For more information, visit the Ways to Work website.