Family-Centered,Community-Based Asset Building: A Strategic Use of Individual Development Accounts |
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Authors: | Trina R. Williams Shanks Stephanie C. Boddie Solana Rice |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Social Work , University of Michigan, Center for Social Development , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA trwilli@umich.edu;3. Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion and Public Life , Washington, District Columbia;4. Center for Social Development , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;5. PolicyLink , Oakland, California, USA |
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Abstract: | This research examines individual development account (IDA) programs as part of a broader community development strategy for low-income/low-wealth communities, particularly communities of color. Through a review of multiple literatures and detailed case studies, we explore the potential of explicitly creating a community-based, family-centered development account program as a step toward a comprehensive community asset building approach in low-income urban neighborhoods. From the perspective of IDA practitioners, such an approach provides program participants with local support networks and access to additional services. From the perspective of grassroots community organizers, such an approach provides tangible benefits to low-income residents of their neighborhoods. The likelihood of success may depend on the availability of local resources to build areas of strength and reduce vulnerabilities, but there are examples where a family-centered, community-based asset building approach seems to thrive. |
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Keywords: | asset building community development individual development accounts family supports case study urban neighborhoods |
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