March 25, 2022 2:45p
(WGTD)---A focus of Racine Mayor Cory Mason’s administration has been to try to find ways to reduce disparities in the city and improve living standards. To that end, Mason unveiled new opportunities this week to help residents get ahead.
The initiatives fall under an umbrella program titled “GROW Racine,” with GROW being an acronym for “Growing Residents’ Opportunities and Wealth." Said Mayor Mason: "I want to make sure that Racine residents hear loud and clear the city believes in you. I believe in you. This (city) council believes in you. We want to give you the tools so you can have future success for you and your family. Whether it's getting that high school credential or getting that training to get that family supporting job. We're here to help you succeed."
Specifically, the city is offering financial aid for adults who enroll in programs to earn their high school equivalency degree, or receive pre-apprenticeship training designed to get them ready to enter the building trades. The city is also expanding its Financial Empowerment Center. That’s where residents can get one-on-one financial counseling designed to improve credit scores, reduce debt and increase savings.
Funding for all of the programs comes from a $1.5 million set-aside of federal COVID recovery relief dollars.
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