Financial Opportunity Centers

The underlying theory of the LISC Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) model is that the best way to improve the financial bottom line for low-to-moderate income families is by helping people to simultaneously boost earnings and reduce expenses. 

FOCs build families' and individuals' financial capability by offering them a suite of services—employment assistance, financial education & coaching, and access to income supports—through one-on-one coaching and education offered at trusted community-based organizations. These bundled services reinforce one another to maximize impact.

In 2020, 61% of participants receiving all 3 bundled services offered at the Toledo FOCs achieved a key financial outcome - a major feat for the majority of these participants who were living below the poverty line upon enrollment!   Key outcomes among these participants include:

• 54% increased their net income by an average of $898 per month
• 32% improved their credit scores by an average of 39 points
• 222 individuals placed in unsubsized jobs with an average starting wage of $13.49 per hour
• Over 500 households received emergency rental assistance, totaling nearly $2 million

LISC Toledo supports a network of 4 FOCs at six sites in Toledo in partnership with the United Way of Greater Toledo. To make an appointment at the FOC nearest you, call 2-1-1!