SparkPoint

SparkPoint provides a wide range of services from partner agencies to support their basic needs and achieve financial prosperity. Our financial coaches work one-on-one with clients to identify goals, develop a step-by-step action plan, and keep them on track.

When people have enough food to eat and a stable living situation, they are better able to work towards their financial goals. To ensure our clients have access to these basic needs, our staff coordinate food pantries, refer clients to housing support, and screen and guide clients to apply for public benefits.

Events

Our services focus on 3 key elements of financial prosperity

1. Income
Supports

Access to public benefits, food assistance, and free tax preparation

2. Education
& Workforce

Going back to school, career advancement, and job search assistance

3. Financial
Empowerment

Budgeting and saving, financial coaching, credit repair, and debt consolidation

DATA POINTS

Over 28,000 Bay Area residents have been served
7,000+ served at community colleges
1500+ served at community schools
80% of our clients have made progress towards their financial goals

Coaches encourage clients to set long-term goals, including:

Self-sufficient income
Credit score above 700
No revolving debt
Savings to cover at least three months’ worth of living expenses

Supporting the Whole Family

Top picture of father and daughter at washing machine. Bottom picture of woman writing. SparkPoint Centers operate a variety of models to support the diverse families and households throughout the Bay Area. We are housed at community resource centers, community schools, and community colleges. Our goal is to take a whole-family approach that addresses the needs of the entire family.

Two-Generation Approach: At our Community School sites, services are offered to parents, while children benefit from the services offered at the community school. Recent evaluations suggest an association between the parents’ participation in SparkPoint and their children’s academic outcomes.

Persistence at Community Colleges: Services are integrated on campus at community colleges to support students as they work towards completing their education. While working towards their goals, students face multiple barriers such as food insecurity and homelessness.

In addition, data shows that 40% of SparkPoint community college clients are parents who struggle with balancing their education and family demands. SparkPoint services are proven to help increase the chances that struggling students will stay in school and reach their educational goals. We aim to expand SparkPoint at community colleges throughout the Bay Area and to help those who struggle overcome their challenges.