Financial Resources
The United Way of Pekin is committed to enhancing financial stability and literacy in our community. This page showcases programs and partnerships focused on providing financial education and assistance. We aim to empower individuals and families with essential skills for sound financial decision-making. Our collaborations offer a variety of services, including budgeting workshops, debt management advice, and savings strategies. These initiatives are vital for fostering financial literacy, a key component for achieving long-term stability and success.
Financial literacy is more than managing money; it's about unlocking opportunities for a secure and prosperous future. We encourage you to explore these resources and discover how they can contribute to your financial well-being. Your engagement is crucial in building a financially savvy and resilient community.
Key Factors to Financial Stability
The importance of solid and stable employment cannot be overstated when it comes to ensuring financial stability for families and communities. Reliable employment provides a steady income, which is crucial for meeting basic needs such as housing, food, healthcare, and education. This stability allows families to plan for the future, build savings, and invest in their children's development. On a broader scale, stable employment fosters economic growth within communities by increasing consumer spending, supporting local businesses, and generating tax revenues that fund essential public services and infrastructure. Moreover, employment opportunities enhance social cohesion and reduce crime rates, contributing to a safer and more vibrant community. Thus, promoting and maintaining stable employment is a cornerstone of financial stability and community well-being (Affordable Housing Online) (LowIncomeHousing).
Image shows 2022 occupation breakdown data on residents of Pekin, IL and percent change over previous years. (Provided by datausa.io)
Image shows 2022 occupation breakdown data on residents of Pekin, IL by industry. (Provided by datausa.io)
The Value and Costs of Your Assets
Building wealth through homeownership is a cornerstone of financial stability and long-term wealth creation. Homeownership not only provides a stable living environment but also allows individuals and families to build equity over time as property values appreciate. This equity can serve as a significant financial asset, offering opportunities for further investment and financial security. However, it is crucial to engage in solid financial planning to ensure homeownership remains a beneficial venture. This includes considering all housing-related expenses such as real estate taxes, maintenance costs, and insurance. By incorporating these expenses into your budget, you can avoid financial strain and maximize the benefits of homeownership, ultimately contributing to your overall financial well-being and stability. Proper planning ensures that the dream of owning a home translates into a valuable, long-term investment (Affordable Housing Online) (Redfin).
Image shows Pekin property tax amounts vs U.S. averages in relation to percent share of total taxes levied. (Provided by datausa.io)
Image shows historical data on percentage of Pekin residents who are homeowners with a mortgage. (Provided by datausa.io)
Robert Kiyosaki, businessman -
“It's not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.”
Employment Resources
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Resume Review & Mock Interview Sessions
(United Way of Pekin Program)
The United Way of Pekin’s own program designed to help educate individuals and young adults on the do’s and don’ts of the job hunting process, best practices, resume tips/reviews, and mock interviews to build confidence.
Call our office to discuss scheduling training sessions!
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Employment Services: Individuals with Disabilities
(Partner Program)
Tazewell County Resource Centers employment program trains and mentors individuals with disabilities to assist in their successful placement in the local workforce. This creates an important sense of purpose, income and stability for these individuals.
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Community Employment
Bridgeway provides a variety of vocational training experiences for individuals with disabilities to learn work skills and habits as well as provide a regular paycheck based on the productivity of the individual.
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Employment Services
Goodwill of Central Illinois partners with more than 500 local employers who are looking for someone just like you. They provide services such as job search assistance, hiring events, resume assistance, computer skills training, and more…
See full calendar: goodwillpeo.org/calendar
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Employment Support
Provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
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Job Search Assistance
Offers resources and tools for job seekers, including resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and job listings.
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Workforce Development Program
Includes training and education programs to enhance job skills and improve employability.
Food & Housing Voucher Programs
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), SNAP provides financial assistance for purchasing food, helping low-income families maintain a nutritious diet.
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF offers temporary financial assistance to pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. The program helps with basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, and also includes work preparation and job placement services.
acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf
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Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this program provides rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals. It allows participants to choose their own housing, which includes single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.
Utilitiy Assistance Programs
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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps low-income households with energy costs by providing financial assistance to pay utility bills, ensuring that families can maintain heating and cooling in their homes.
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Energy-Efficient Product Discounts/Rebates
Upgrading to energy-efficient products, appliances and equipment can help reduce energy waste and increase savings month after month. To help offset the cost of your purchase, view available discounts and rebates.
amerenillinoissavings.com/residential/energy-efficient-product-incentives/
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Energy-Saving Assessment
A Home Energy Assessment looks for ways to reduce your energy usage and costs. Through this Assessment, you may be eligible to receive energy-saving upgrades at little to no cost, such as improved insulation, heating equipment and ventilation.
amerenillinoissavings.com/residential/home-energy-assessment/