Participants have accomplished a great deal by the time they secure employment. However, if they cannot translate that success into gaining and maintaining stability in their lives, then they will remain at-risk. For at least one year, client support specialists at The Cara Program work with participants on a wide range of issues including goal setting, managing personal finances, career advancement and housing.

+ Financial literacy support helps participants learn the keys to achieving lifetime economic independence, including how to manage on a limited budget and set realistic and sensible financial priorities. Participants are assisted with addressing their credit histories, opening bank accounts, reducing their monthly expenditures and understanding their paychecks.

+ The Cara Program's matched savings plan encourages participants to set aside money each month and accumulate wealth. After a year of saving as little as $20 each and every month, participants with dependents are eligible for matched savings of up to $1,000. Single participants are eligible for $500.

+ Housing referrals and rental assistance assures that participants have the opportunity of securing safe and affordable housing. Approximately $65,000 is dispersed each year in rental assistance to employed Cara participants.

+ Homeownership is the long-term goal of many Cara participants. Since January of 2001, hundreds of employed Cara participants have been referred to Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), which provides homeownership opportunities to low-income individuals. The matched savings plan enables many participants to purchase a home through NHS after being on the job for only 1½ years. Since 2001, eleven Cara participants have secured their own homes.

+ Volunteer dentists and oral surgeons restore smiles and self-confidence to those who require major dental restoration.


> Training and Education
> Permanent Job Placement
> The Results