Springfield Program Aims to Combat the "Cliff Effect" for Low-Wage Workers
SPRINGFIELD – A new initiative, Bridge to Prosperity, is addressing the “cliff effect” that often sidelines low-wage workers striving for better opportunities. Joelene Christmas, a graduate of Holyoke Community College and line cook, faced a tough choice when promoted to event planner; she hesitated, fearing income bump could mean loss of critical subsidies for housing and food.
Despite accepting the job and losing $200 in food stamps, Christmas found support through Bridge to Prosperity, a program by Springfield WORKS designed to help workers transition to higher-paying jobs without losing vital assistance. "It is difficult to make ends meet," she shared, expressing the entrapment many feel amidst such choices.
The program, launched in February, has engaged 18 clients statewide, with seven in Western Massachusetts. Anne Shecrallah Kandilis, initiative director, emphasizes the broader implications of the cliff effect, affecting both employees and employers who struggle to promote capable workers.
Benefits like food assistance and healthcare operate under individual income thresholds, complicating the financial landscape for those trying to advance. The initiative aims to provide interim financial support, allowing participants to lift their incomes significantly, and filling gaps created by lost benefits.
Since its inception, the program has garnered roughly $2.6 million in funding, with plans to expand to 100 participants by year-end. State legislators, including Sen. Adam Gomez, advocate for the program, highlighting systemic flaws that penalize hardworking families.
Participants also receive individualized job coaching and financial management assistance, with potential for a $10,000 asset-building payment over two years to aid significant life investments. The program exemplifies a tailored approach to empower individuals, like Rachel Keenan, who is advancing her healthcare career while managing rising costs.
In addressing the fiscal hurdles of low-wage workers, Bridge to Prosperity offers a promising pathway to greater financial independence.
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