Ways to Work
Ways to Work is a nationwide program that provides small loans to working parents who cannot get loans elsewhere. The purpose of the loan is to help families pay for the purchase of a reliable used car, or car repairs, to assist in sustaining employment.
The Problem…
Despite working hard at low paying jobs, a growing number of families are teetering on the edge of poverty. Life’s unpredictable expenses, such as repeated car repairs, can plunge a family living on marginal income into crisis. To some, having a reliable car means the difference between getting and keeping a decent job.
The Solution…
Family Services’ Ways to Work program helps families in need purchase a used car or pay for car repairs to help them remain employed. Through the Ways to Work program, qualified applicants can receive a loan of up to $6,000 for a vehicle purchase or up to $1,000 for car repairs. Approved applicants make monthly loan payments over a 24 or 30 month period with low interest rates.
Who Qualifies for Assistance?
To participate in the program, applicants must:
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Be a resident of Brown, Outagamie or Winnebago County
Be 18 years of age or older
Be an involved parent
Be employed a minimum of 20 hours per week for a minimum of six months
Have a household income of less than 80% of the area’s mean income
Be unable to get a loan from a bank or credit union
Agree in writing to repay the Ways to Work loan within two years
How do I apply for a Ways to Work loan?
To be considered for the Ways to Work program, applicants should call the Loan Coordinator in their area to set up an appointment (see contact listing at right). If your family meets the eligibility requirements, a packet will be sent to you containing an application and the necessary verifications. You may also download and print these forms here.
Once you have completed the application and gathered the required documents, contact the Ways to Work office to schedule an interview to review your application, verifications, budget, and credit report in detail. Your request will then be evaluated by an anonymous loan committee without revealing any of your identifying information.
If your request is approved, you will be promptly notified by the Loan Coordinator, who will then advise you on the steps remaining to complete your loan. If your request is denied, an Adverse Action Notice will be sent to you within five business days. Denials can be appealed as outlined in the Adverse Action Notice.
The Ways to Work program at Family Services was made possible through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration and local contributions from (Brown County): Kress Foundation, Stock Foundation, Green Bay Community Foundation, Cora Nelson Fund, LG Wood Foundation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, US Bank Foundation, and the Augustine Stewardship Fund Trust, and (Outagamie & Winnebago Counties): Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, United Way Fox Cities, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, JJ Keller Foundation, Menasha Corporation, and Walmart Foundation.
