Financial Literacy & Asset-Building
Financial literacy education and asset-building services are the gateway to economic self-sufficiency and integration for all people living in poverty, including immigrants. People living in poverty need to become "stakeholders" in our socio-economic system in order to move out of poverty. Acquring assets is a key way to make that move.

The International Institute helps immigrants build assets by matching their savings to a pre-stipulated goal. Program graduates can buy or repair a home, pay tuition for post-secondary education or training, buy a car, or start or expand a small business.

From 2000-2010, our Individual Development Account (IDA) Programs helped more than 500 immigrant families with matched savings totaling nearly $1 million. More than 100 people used their assets to buy homes. IMPLAN economic impact software results, calculated by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) set the economic impact of our asset- building program at $2.6 million for 2008 and more than $13 million cumulatively.

Participants also learned about predatory lending practices and become aware of financial opportunities and pitfalls. After achieving financial literacy and learning about sound saving habits, clients explored how starting a business would be of benefit to them.

Contact Information:

Nha Nguyen
314-773-9090 ext. 133