GROWING RESILIENCE IN TACOMA (GRIT) 2.0

Growing Resilience in Tacoma (GRIT) 2.0 is a 12-month guaranteed cash gift project. GRIT 2.0 is a partnership with the Washington State Economic Services Administration, the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, and United Way of Pierce County designed to boost the financial security of low-income, single heads of households with children. CLICK HERE to learn more!

GRIT IS GROWING!

MORE THAN JUST MONEY

GRIT 2.0 Participants at Holidays in August Workshop

Our GRIT 2.0 participants were vocal about wanting to have access to financial education and budgeting support, so that is exactly what they received. On November 7th, our families were offered a virtual class on budgeting and workforce training/upskilling. We had financial coaches (Tacoma Community House and Centers for Strong Families) and work readiness specialist (Bates Technical College and WorkForce Central) combine their talents and create an evening of education. Families learned the basics of budgeting, as well as ways to have certain trainings and education paid for if their families qualified under certain programs. Everyone that attended had their names added to a drawing for a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner. 

This program is about “More Than Just Money”. Our participants give back to their community by being involved in events here at United Way. One of those events was the Poverty to Possibilities. Three of our GRIT Participants were on a panel informing our community on how their participation in the GRIT Program has changed and enhanced their lives. How? By allowing one to go to college. By allowing another to focus on a small business. By allowing another to work just a little bit less and focus on their children. In their words…”Life changing!!”.     

STORIES OF HOPE

Our GRIT 1.0 Report was released on November 20, 2024, with the help of Mayor Woodards and United Way President, Dona Ponepinto, we had a great turnout of community partners, including GRIT participants (past and current) and folks from both the City and County. This report highlighted the findings that The Center for Guaranteed Income Research (University of Pennsylvania) compiled. Research can be a bit overwhelming, so we also have attached a data summary for those that are interested in a quick overview. 

During the reports release night, our Learning Team also presented a time of “Story Sharing” with several of our 1.0 and 2.0 GRIT participants. They shared stories of how hard work, resilience, and their GRIT stipend allowed them to change not only their families life, but also their communities. 

With the GRIT program underway in Tacoma, we’re keeping an eye on efforts around the world, the nation, and the state. Here are an item that might be of interest:

Guaranteed Income Opens for 250 Health Care Students at Community Colleges - A guaranteed basic income program that would pay 250 students at four Los Angeles Community College District colleges pursuing health careers $1,000 per month for 12 months is available today.

Denver Basic Income Project Impact Report Published

The 2024 Denver Basic Income Project Impact Report is a comprehensive look at how the project has transformed lives and empowered over 800 individuals experiencing homelessness. To date, DBIP has distributed $10.8 million in guaranteed income, leading to significant milestones in housing stability, financial well-being, and community inclusion.

STAY INVOLVED

The new Legislative session starts in January! Join us as an advocate for cash assistance for struggling households during United Way of Pierce County's day in Olympia the first week in February. If you are interested in using your voice to support cash as a strategy to support struggling families, email Kelvin (KC) Ceasar at kelvinc@uwpc.org for more information!