Click here to visit the Bridge to Benefits site!
Rural Dynamics, Inc. & Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota Partner to Launch “Bridge to Benefits—Montana”
Project to Improve Economic Stability of Families and Work Force Productivity
This is a much-needed initiative that will improve the economic condition of thousands of Montana children and their families and help stabilize the state’s economy and work force. Bridge to Benefits will help connect eligible working individuals and families across Montana with work support benefits, such as energy assistance, health care, child care assistance, food support, school meals and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
“Too often, struggling families are forced to choose between medical care and keeping their homes warm in the winter because they don’t make enough at their jobs to afford basic necessities,” said Jim Koppel, Director of the Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota. “Bridge to Benefits is a project to improve their economic security by quickly helping them determine if they are eligible for work support benefits and then giving them the tools necessary to apply. Many times these benefits make all the difference for a working family, and that stability makes them more productive members of the work force.”
Low literacy levels, language barriers, lack of awareness, complicated enrollment processes, and confusing applications are all obstacles that prevent eligible Montana individuals and families from enrolling in programs. The Bridge to Benefits project helps them surmount these barriers.
Just a Few Clicks of a Mouse Can Mean Help for
Struggling Families
The Bridge to Benefits project also seeks to assist community organizations in their efforts to connect individuals and families to work-support programs. The web-based tool not only helps these organizations screen for eligibility, it also directs clients to resources where they can get help completing the difficult application process. The Bridge to Benefits website can be accessed at www.b2bmt.org. Anyone interested in learning more about Bridge to Benefits or with questions should call the program manager, Christina Barsky, at (406) 454-5717.
About the Partners
Rural Dynamics Incorporated is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1968 to provide financial education and credit counseling for residents across Montana and Wyoming. The organization provides programs and establishes partnerships to help youth, individuals, and families achieve economic independence. For more information visit www.RuralDynamics.org.
The Children's Defense Fund was founded in 1973 to provide a strong and effective voice for the children of America, since they cannot vote, hire lobbyists, or speak out for themselves. The mission of the CDF is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
In January of 2001, the Northwest Area Foundation invited four regional communities to participate in a strategic planning process. The community convened a diverse group to begin the planning, calling the group the North-central Montana Community Ventures Coalition. In February of 2005, a new name and brand for the organization was adopted, and the North-central Montana Community Ventures Coalition formally became Opportunity Link, Inc. Opportunity Link seeks to unite people, link resources, and fight poverty in eleven North-central Montana counties.
Rural Dynamics Incorporated, RDI, works to achieve a vision for our region. This vision was created in partnership with organizations and individuals across the Northern Plains region and reflects our values.
Rural life has value to the region and the nation. We are creating a region where all people have the opportunity to thrive in the community they choose, where diversity is cherished, and where community pride leads to remaining in the region for generations to come. We recognize the importance of regional interconnections, and we value personal, community, and organizational relationships that are built upon integrity. We seek to nurture a continuing sense of pride, hope, and belief that both community and regional potential is being achieved.