SparkPoint
SparkPoint Financial Coaching
SparkPoint
Launched in 2024, SparkPoint is one of our economic mobility initiatives that involves working with individuals and families to meet their basic needs, increase their income, build their credit, increase their savings, and reduce their debt. Financial coaches work one-on-one with clients to set goals, brainstorm strategies, and set realistic action plans to help them meet their milestones. The program uses a client-led, family-centered approach that values strengths, builds motivation, and provides accountability to help clients achieve goals ranging from paying off a credit card to pursuing a degree or certification.
Many San Diegans are not earning enough money to cover their basic needs, and SparkPoint helps them get on a pathway toward economic mobility. As the lead of SparkPoint, United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) serves as the backbone for data and evaluation, project development, partnership management, advocacy and outreach, and funding.
115
individuals have received financial education services through SparkPoint from April-December 2024.
82
enrolled in Money Management Workshops.
33
enrolled in 1:1 financial coaching, with 29% achieving a 30% improvement in credit score, debt reduction, income, or savings.
Building Pathways to Economic Mobility
SparkPoint is a model that works with low-income individuals and families long-term, looking at all aspects of their financial health, to achieve financial prosperity. SparkPoint partners work with clients on establishing and reaching goals such as earning an income that meets family needs, increasing credit scores to access good interest rates and banking products, building savings, reducing debt, and more. It is a collaboration of multiple nonprofits and financial entities that work together in a single location to seamlessly provide integrated services to assist families financially.
Family-Centered Financial Coaching
SparkPoint coaches utilize a family-centered coaching model. Coaches work with clients to identify the goals and needs of their entire families and to build strong community networks. It is a trauma-informed and equity-centered approach rooted in an understanding of the persistent effects of systemic inequities and poverty. SparkPoint is also a data-driven program that rigorously tracks client progress toward key financial goals through intensive one-on-one and group coaching.
Vision
Our vision for Sparkpoint is that we can open sites within historically disinvested communities throughout the county so that those regions have a place where residents can go to access financial coaching that can help them achieve their goals and move up the economic ladder toward prosperity.
Make an Impact Today
Donate today to create a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of San Diegans throughout the county. Whether you choose to make a one-time contribution or become a monthly donor, your generosity drives our mission to close gaps in our community through economic mobility and education initiatives.