Financial Services
What are Financial Services?
Financial Services provides a series of strategies that reduce economic dependency, increase household sustainability and lay the foundation to building personal and communal wealth.
Who is eligible?
Franklin County residents age 18 and older who are at below 200% of Federal Poverty guidelines.
How may I apply?
Participants may call 614.453.1659 to schedule an intake interview. During the interview participants will learn about the program, start dates, needed documentation and be provided an appointment to complete the intake process
What services do you provide?
Drive To Thrive
What is the Drive to Thrive Program?
The Drive To Thrive Program is a matched savings program for income eligible participants to leverage their savings to purchase a vehicle.
How does it work?
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) allow participants to save money for a vehicle purchase or down payment. The participant’s dollars are matched at a 5:1 ratio. Participants are asked to save at least $500 and are matched with $2500, for a total of $3000 toward the purchase of a vehicle. Participants must utilize the IDA account and save the funds for a minimum of 30 days, maximum of 6 months. Once the $500 has been saved in the proper timeframe and the proper paperwork has been submitted, the participant is eligible to receive match funds. Additional paperwork includes the dealership’s signed and dated W-9 and a copy of the bill of sale showing how the funds will be utilized (either as a down payment or to purchase a vehicle).
How much can I save?
The savings match only applies to the first $500.
Who is eligible?
Franklin County residents age 18 and older who are at below 200% of Federal Poverty guidelines and must be able to work full-time.
How may I apply?
Participants may call 614.453.1659 to schedule an intake interview. During the interview participants will learn about the program, start dates, needed documentation and be provided an appointment to complete the intake process.
Who can I purchase the car from?
Car must be purchased through an authorized dealership. A W9 and proof of transaction is required to release funds for the purchase of the vehicle. Car purchases from an individual are not permitted.
Does the money come directly to me?
No. The check is issued to the dealership .
What If I don’t have a bank account?
Drive to Thrive is partnered with US Bank. US Bank will establish the IDA savings account for you.
Prosperity Now
What is Prosperity Now?
Prosperity Now is a year – round program strategy that provides financial wellness training.
Who is eligible?
Franklin County residents age 18 and older who are at below 125% of Federal Poverty guidelines.
How long is the program?
Prosperity Now is a week-long program. Courses are offered in person Monday through Thursday at IMPACT’s Headquarters 711 Southwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207.
What are the program benefits?
Prosperity Now offers courses in banking opportunity, credit awareness, debt management strategies and savings. Upon completion, Prosperity Now participants will increase their financial IQ. Program participants receive a $100 stipend and are offered linkages to other Community Action programs and services.
How may I apply?
Participants may call 614.453.1659 to schedule an intake interview. During the interview participants will learn about the program, start dates, needed documentation and be provided an appointment to complete the intake process.
Side Hustle
What is Side Hustle 101?
Side Hustle is a year-round program strategy that helps enhance the participants business and entrepreneur skills to develop their side hustle into a small business opportunity.
Who is eligible?
Franklin County residents age 18 and older who are at below 200% of Federal Poverty guidelines.
How long is the program?
Side Hustle is a four-week program offered on Monday-Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
What are the program benefits?
Successful program participants are provided tools that enhance their business skills which include but are not limited to an expedited Ohio Business Registration, a leather portfolio and 500 business cards.
SMART Tax Prep
What is Smart Tax Prep?
Smart Tax Prep is a seasonal program offered February through April that provides the opportunity for Franklin County residents to have their federal and state taxes prepared without incurring fees.
Who is eligible?
Franklin county filers who earn less than 55,000 annually.
How can I apply?
Smart Tax participants may schedule an appointment by calling Hands on Central Ohio at 211.
Can I drop off my taxes?
Smart Tax Prep offers in person or drop-off state and federal tax preparation. Filers must schedule drop-off with Hands on Central Ohio.
Who is preparing my taxes?
Federal and states taxes are prepared by an IRS Certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistant professional.
Do you offer the same services like direct deposit etc. similar to a paid tax preparer?
Yes. Smart Tax Prep offers similar options for direct deposit into checking and/or savings accounts .
How many years can I file for?
Filers may only file for the current year.
Will I be charged for the stimulus payment on my taxes?
No, the stimulus payment is filed as a rebate and included as a part of the refund.
Can I receive my stimulus payment on my tax refund?
Yes, you can receive it as a part of the refund.
Will my stimulus payment be offset if I owe back taxes?
No. The stimulus payment is taxes.
Re – Entry Work Readiness
What is the Re-Entry Work Readiness Program?
The Re-Entry Work Readiness Program is a three-week interpersonal training that utilizes a tailored curriculum to help restored citizens capitalize on their second chances.
Who is eligible?
Franklin County residents age 18 and older who are at below 125% of Federal Poverty guidelines that have experienced justice involvement.
How do I apply?
Participants may 614.453.1726 or 614.453.1724 to schedule a phone interview. During the interview participants will learn about the program, start dates, needed documentation and be provided an appointment to complete the intake process.
Does it matter how long ago or how recent the justice system involvement was?
No, this will not stop someone from participating. It could have been any length of time or involvement with local incarceration, federal or state, there is no exclusion.
Are there any program benefits?
Yes, the Re-Entry Work Readiness programs offers a $200 per week training stipend and transportation assistance is if needed.
Who is unable to participate?
Applicants with arson or sex offenses are unable to enroll.
How Long is the Program?
The re-entry work readiness program is 3- weeks long. In person classes are held at IMPACT, 711 Southwood Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43207. Monday through Friday 10 am until 12:30 p.m. . Virtual classes are held simultaneously on Zoom.
Roads 2 Work
What is Roads 2 Work?
Roads 2 Work is a training program that leads to career advancement by helping residents obtain a Class A CDL.
Who is eligible?
Franklin County residents age 21and older who are at below 125% of Federal Poverty guidelines.
Do I have to have a driver’s license?
Yes, you must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License and must obtain a Temporary CDL permit with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles prior to enrollment.
How do I apply?
Go to Roads2work.com and submit an on-line application.
What are the program benefits?
The Roads 2 Work in partnership with Capital Transportation Academy and Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services offers paid tuition, a $100 per week stipend, wrap around services and comprehensive case management up to one – year after graduation. Successful candidates will receive a Class A CDL Driver’s License.
How long is the program?
The Roads 2 Work is a 5-week training program. The first week of training is an on-line course held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The remaining four weeks is conducted in person, off-site at Capital Transportation, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
