GROWING & MANAGING PERSONAL ASSETS
Allies, Inc. has two programs that assist people
with disabilities increase their financial literacy
in order to reduce the economic barriers they encounter.
(Click here for SOS)
For more information contact Liz Aquino-Rossi, SOS
Program Director , (609) 689-0136 ext. 132, Email:
laquinorossi@alliesnj.org
Project American Dream An Assets for Independence
IDA Program
What is Project American Dream?
Project American Dream (PAD) is a homeownership program
for individuals with disabilities. This program is
supported through grants supplied by the NJ Developmental
Disabilities Council and by the federal Assets for
Independence program.
What are Individual Development Accounts?
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are matched
savings accounts designed to give participants an
opportunity to save for a financial goal.
What are the goals of Project American Dream?
Participants in Program American Dream will open
their own IDA and begin saving for one of three savings
goals. Purchasing a first home, pursuing an education,
or starting a small business are the three financial
goals PAD will support in its program.
How will participants benefit from this program?
For every dollar placed into an Individual Development
Account, participants will receive two dollars in
matching funds. Even though Project American Dream
restricts the participant to decide on one of three
goals, participants will be able to save more money
than participants in the Success of Savings Club.
Participants in Project American Dream can save as
much as $2,000 of their own money and receive $4,000
in matching funds. Project American Dream allows its
participants to save a total of $6,000 to apply towards
their first home, education, or small business enterprise
through this program.
QUOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS:
“I had so much fun at the classes and I
learned a lot too. I know how to keep a check register
now because all of my questions were answered.”
– Sara
“I bought a laptop with the money I saved
through the SOS Program with Allies!” –
Kim
“Because of the SOS Program, I am depositing
money in the bank regularly now and going to McDonald’s
less.” – Kelly
“Through the SOS Program, I learned that
record keeping is key to having a checking account.”
- Jeffrey
