Communities Investing in Families CIF

Cause Area

  • Community
  • Crisis Support
  • Education & Literacy
  • Emergency & Safety
  • Employment

Location

108 East Main St.Hinckley, MN 55037 United States
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Organization Information

Mission Statement

Communities Investing in Families (CIF) is dedicated to helping communities promote and sustain economic stability for families in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties of East Central Minnesota.

Our goal is to ensure that families have access to transportation, housing, jobs, education, and community support.

We work through a strong and vibrant network of employers, faith partners, civic groups, governmental organizations, educational institutions, and many concerned individuals.

Description

Communities Investing in Families serves Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties. CIF currently offers these programs and services:

1)Car Donation program is to provide a solution for addressing the transportation needs of those on public assistance, the low-wage working poor, and those who are disabled. Through the donation of reliable used vehicle (including cars, trucks, and vans) our program matches eligible clients with donated vehicles as an approach to reducing transportation related barriers to work and to enhance overall mobility. As a result of this program, eligible families will be given the opportunity to do the following:

  • Receive a donated vehicle

  • Learn basic car maintenance

  • Improve spending and learn budgeting skills

  • Gain or maintain employment

  • Have adequate transportation for medical, dental or other appointments

  • Drive children to quality child care

  • Have the ability to participate in community and after-school activities

2)Ways to Work offers families who have no credit or a damaged credit history an opportunity to receive up to a $4,000 loan to purchase a vehicle, or up to $750 for vehicle repairs from one of our partnering financial institutions. Families will be given the opportunity to do the following:

  • Obtain free credit reports and credit scores
  • Build and improve credit histories
  • Maintain employment
  • Improve spending and budgeting skills
  • Have adequate transportation for medical, dental, or other appointments
  • Drive children to quality child care
  • Have the ability to participate in community and after-school activities

3) CIF's Financial Literacy Classes: "More Money-More $ense" provides useful information to help families survive or avoid personal financial crisis. Free 2-hour session are offered at multiple locations in Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Mille Lacs, and Kanabec Counties. Topics include:

  • Understanding Your Credit Report and Score
  • Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud
  • Debt Collection Practices & Your Rights
  • Tips for Budgeting and Smarter Shopping
  • Where to Go for Help

To reserve a seat or schedule a class, please contact us at: 320-384-6722.

Reviews

Would you recommend Communities Investing in Families CIF?
1 review Write a review
by Julie B. from Hinckley, MN (Administrator for this Organization) (2009-03-25 16:16:27.0)
CIF is an organization we should be proud to have serving our area. The staff of CIF are committed to making a real difference in clients lives. They provide valuable services that have great impact for individuals, families & communities as a whole. CIF is one of those rare organizations that truly care about the people they serve which will assure the organization is headed for success and will be instrumental in serving the public. I have had firsthand experience in dealing with the CIF staff to receive their valuable services. I am an Americorps VISTA volunteering a year of service to MN. Shortly after being sworn in as VISTA, my car started falling apart. Initially, I borrowed money for repairs, it soon became evident the car wasn't worth it. Thankfully, I was referred to CIF, I attended their "More Money More Sense" classes and they were able to donate a reliable car to me. Had it not been for CIF, I would not have been able to complete my year of service to MN Laurie
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