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DocuSign Envelope ID:BF9F1016-CEDB-4BF6-9DF2-A6DAB623164C t A- continued <br /> Provider's Outside Agency Application <br /> MAIN APPLICATION <br /> 2. AGENCY INFORMATION <br /> Please provide the following information about your agency (Limit of 2 pages total): <br /> a) Years in Operation, Date of Incorporation (Month/Year) <br /> Founded in 2009, CEF has served the Orange County community for over six years. CEF <br /> incorporated on October 28, 2010. <br /> b) Agency's Purpose/Mission <br /> The Community Empowerment Fund cultivates opportunities, assets, and communities that support <br /> the alleviation of homelessness and poverty. CEF enables and sustains transitions out of <br /> homelessness, We offer matched savings accounts, financial education, workforce development, <br /> and relationship-based support to homeless and near-homeless individuals. CEF emphasizes a <br /> person-centered approach to overcoming crises and building towards long-term possibilities. <br /> Through our programs, CEF assists members in gaining employment, stable housing, and financial <br /> security. <br /> c) Types of Services the Agency Provides <br /> CEF ensures homeless and near-homeless individuals are able to successfully transition to <br /> independence by combining a focus on employment, housing, financial literacy, and community <br /> support. Based on our experience in the community, individuals experiencing homelessness need <br /> gateways and connections to resources and opportunities that will help them achieve self-reliance. <br /> This includes connections to greater employment opportunities as well as housing options that fit <br /> their income. Additionally, households recovering from an episode of homelessness often face <br /> significant financial barriers even after gaining employment. Poor credit histories, lack of a bank <br /> account, limited transportation, and acute cash flow crises challenge a family's ability to <br /> successfully maintain employment and housing. Thus, addressing an individual's crisis of <br /> homelessness requires integrated service delivery. <br /> CEF also provides our members with a targeted, incentivized opportunity to build savings through <br /> our Safe Savings Accounts. CEF opens goal-oriented savings accounts to help members save for <br /> the future, prepare for emergencies, and budget with limited incomes, Accountholders have limited <br /> access to withdrawals of their savings until they reach their goals with CEF, and once Savers <br /> achieve their goal CEF matches their accomplishments at 10 percent. Through this account, <br /> members have successfully saved to move out of the shelter, to purchase a car, and to build an <br /> emergency fund. Members are also able to use the account to save for regular, large expenses, like <br /> car insurance, Christmas shopping, or school supplies. <br /> Meanwhile, CEF's Opportunity Classes provide homeless and near-homeless individuals with the <br /> skills and resources to transition into and sustain self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Formerly <br /> homeless program graduates teach the courses, delivering life skills lessons in a manner that is <br /> increasingly relevant and powerful for participants. <br /> d) Agency's Experience with Similar Programs as the Funding Request <br /> The combined suite of CEF's services has proven to be effective at enabling members to gain <br /> employment, secure housing, and build savings. To date, CEF members have saved over $430,000 <br /> towards personal savings goals since our savings program began in 2010. Meanwhile, in 2014 <br /> Main Application 1/25/2016 8:36:39 AM <br />