ARABI, La. – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) will celebrate the grand opening of the United Way Prosperity Center – St. Bernard Campus, the first one-stop financial capability center serving St. Bernard Parish, on Dec. 4 at 2:00 p.m.
The center is situated within the St. Bernard Community Center, located at 7143 St. Claude Ave., Arabi. This opening marks a significant expansion of UWSELA’s Prosperity Center network and highlights the organization’s ongoing partnership with the Community Center.
The event will be accessible via Facebook Live at @UnitedWaySELA, allowing the wider community to engage with the proceedings and learn more about the Prosperity Center’s initiatives.
Community Impact and Services
The St. Bernard Prosperity Center will provide a range of complimentary financial capability services designed to assist families in improving their financial well-being. Services will include personalized financial coaching and education, benefits screening, free income tax assistance, and incentivized savings programs.
The center’s services are part of United Way’s broader mission to promote financial stability across the region through its network of Prosperity Centers. These initiatives—including financial coaching, education on money management, benefits screening, free income tax assistance, and savings programs—are designed to help families increase their income, build savings, and ultimately achieve financial independence.
Expanding the Prosperity Center Network
The new center joins this expanding network, which also includes locations in:
- Orleans Parish,
- the Northshore Prosperity Center in St. Tammany Parish, and
- the Bogalusa Campus in Washington Parish.
Financial Challenges in St. Bernard Parish
In St. Bernard Parish, approximately 35% of households fall into the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category, highlighting the struggle to afford basic living costs despite employment. Moreover, an additional 22% of households live below the federal poverty line, underscoring the significant financial challenges faced by many in the community.
Success Stories and Program Effectiveness
Participants in UWSELA’s Prosperity Center programs have reported notable improvements in their financial situations, including increases in credit scores, savings, and asset ownership. This evidence points to the effectiveness of providing communities with access to the necessary resources and support to foster financial stability and resilience.
About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For over a century, UWSELA has been dedicated to enhancing lives and driving lasting change across Southeast Louisiana by addressing the root causes of poverty. Their Blueprint for Prosperity outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at combating poverty and promoting equitable access to job opportunities, education, and health services throughout the region. More information about their initiatives can be found at UnitedWaySELA.org.
