Increasing Economic Independence

One of the keys to achieving economic independence is education. The more education an individual has, the greater his or her earning potential.

Most individuals who use Lincoln Action Program's services are employed. They work at low-paying jobs trying to meet immediate financial needs. Even when they manage the rigors of living from paycheck to paycheck, life circumstances that place additional demands on their limited incomes, such as family dissolution, health problems, or even vehicle breakdowns, can cause unmanageable debt. They may move from one low-wage position to another, but without the education or skills necessary to obtain a higher paying job, find it very difficult to improve their financial situation.

At Lincoln Action Program we provide education and job-training skills that help individuals increase their employment income. LAP program participants earn GEDs; complete training for construction and janitorial work; obtain computer skills (ranging from basic keyboarding to website design); receive instruction for starting, operating, or expanding a viable business; and become trained medical and legal interpreters. LAP AmeriCorps members participate in on-the-job training and receive funds for post-secondary education.

But our work doesn’t stop there. We help individuals find jobs based on the skills they have attained through our services. We create living wage jobs in the community. And we help people purchase their own homes and small businesses.

We help individuals and families participate more fully as consumers, producers, workers, and citizens—all of which are important in their personal financial security and the larger economic well being of our community.