Contact Us
Wernie Emmanuel
Family Services Director
wemmanuel@bgcgreaternwi.org
Level Up
Level Up – A Partnership with United Way of Northwest Indiana
Level up was designed in 2019 to help residents, especially ALICE families, attain greater financial stability.
The Level Up path to stability includes access to job training/certification and employment support for people seeking better paying jobs and access to financial management coaching, quality child care, and basic needs supports. Our navigators guide clients on establishing financial and career development goals while providing support and service referrals to overcome existing barriers, such as accessing child care, emergency car repairs, and paying past due rent/mortgage or utility bills.
Navigators walk with participants as a cheerleader and accountability partner. This one-on-one support is vital to client success. Program is flexible to meet client needs. Depending upon client goals and financial situation, participants will graduate within 12 to 24 months.
Is this the program for you?
If you answer yes to any of the questions below, then it just might be. Keep reading.
- Do you work all the time, but have trouble making ends meet?
- Have you missed work because your child care is not reliable?
- Do you want to move up in your career, but you need more training or education?
- Are you one car repair or financial emergency away from being pushed over the edge?
Client Requirements
- Is currently employed and seeking a better paying job.
- Meets ALICE income/household size guidelines, click here.
- Currently has reliable transportation to get to and from class.
- Sets goals for financial education, skill development and career progression.
- Commits to making progress on financial goals and education.
- Pursues certification opportunity that aligns with their career goals.
- Commits to weekly check-ins with assigned Family Career Navigator.
- Commits to one per month attending a Level Up Client meeting, typically the 4th Saturday morning or Tuesday evening of the month.
Clients Receive
- Family Career Navigator 1:1 coaching services
- Financial education counseling and workshops on topics such as expense planning, credit repair, savings and home ownership.
- Career planning support.
- Accountability partner to provide support and encouragement.
- Access to training, licensing and credentialing opportunities and certification scholarships to support career planning goals.
- Assistance navigating community resources based on your unique circumstances, such as quality affordable child care or care for aging parents.
- Access to Barrier Buster Emergency grants to assist with needs such as child care, paying bills and car repair, when available.
- Help developing and deepening friends and neighbors support network.