Prosperity Club
Each month over 180 Great Falls community members gather to learn, share ideas, network with others, and support each other in their pursuit to improve their quality of life.
“Prosperity Club has given me a lot of hope being a single mom with 4 kids. I now know I can be financially stable and succeed in life. Goal setting truly works. I love this program, it is inspiring." Prosperity Club Member
Prosperity Club began as a support network for members of RDI’s Family Economic Security Program (FESP). The mentoring program is supported through grant dollars from public and private sources including the Department of Health and Human Services, North West Area Foundation, and the Montana Women’s Foundation.
Participants identify goals and work with a mentor to plan and achieve those goals. A key component in this program is the mentoring. RDI mentors work directly with the participants to address barriers and problems that arise, direct participants towards community resources, and offer support as these participants work towards life goals. Goals include advanced training, degree completion, small business development, and homeownership.
Prosperity Club is open to any low income residents that are seeking support as they work towards their goals. As members complete the FES program, many continue to attend Prosperity Club meetings for the learning and support.
As Prosperity Club has grown, an independent, member-driven advisory council has formed. The council plans meetings, speakers, and logistics based upon membership feedback.
To accommodate the diverse group of participates, the main meetings are held at the Children’s Museum of Montana which provides free child care. The children are able to play in a learning environment and the older children have developed the Super Savers group modeled after their parent’s positive experiences with financial education.
“I appreciate all that your program does to help, actually help people like me grow, and get out of the welfare system. Thank you, you know I can’t say it enough but thank you.” Melissa, Prosperity Club Member
Success by the Numbers
- 98% retention rate for secondary education.
- 94% employment rate for participants who completed their training program or education program.
- 87% of participants have completed a financial literacy course.
- 91% of participants have become employed or have seen an increase in wages since joining the club.
- Out of the 214 total program participants, 167 were unbanked when joining and 87% or 145 are now banked.
- Participant wage increase averages 54%; for a minimum wage earner that equates to moving from $15,300/yr to $23,562.
The Meaning of Prosperity Club
To whom it may concern:
I just want to let you know, that before I found this opportunity, I felt hopeless, living on welfare and in low income housing taking antidepressants. I thought how can I get a decent job, wanting a career that will pay me more than $10.00 per hour? How can I get more education to achieve this and be able to support my 4 children? Now that I have your programs help and the great support from RDI Staff, I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm excited to not only do something for myself and family but also to show my children that I can get out of the "welfare cycle" and become independent and financially stable without the help of a man or staying in an abusive relationship.
With the help of the Family Economic Security Program, I was able to enroll in school. Again, I am tearful and cannot express the appreciation and gratitude I feel that the Lord has brought this opportunity and great people into my life.
Thank you for all your financial help and mental support with the monthly Prosperity Club meetings and support.
You are wonderful!
Anne
To learn more about Prosperity Club, email us at rdi@ruraldynamics.org.
