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Workplace
Services Since 1981 Child & Family Services has provided services for hundreds of businesses and organizations throughout Western New York.

Ways to Work Family Loan Program

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At times, families and individuals face financial challenges in keeping their jobs or completing their education. Often a small loan can make a big difference. Child & Family Services Ways To Work Loan program can help.

About Our Program

Child & Family Services Ways To Work Loan Program offers small loans to low-income families who do not qualify for conventional loans. Our loans are designed to help you keep your job and/or complete your schooling. By repaying the loan in a timely fashion, you can establish a sound credit history and be able to access conventional lines of credit in the future. We also offer educational programs to help you set and reach your financial goals.

What Level Of Loan Is Available?

Our program provides loans from $500 to $6,000 to be used for the following:

  • To purchase a vehicle or make needed repairs;
  • To make your security deposit, rent, or mortgage payment or for housing repairs;
  • To pay for child care;
  • Business equipment; or
  • To purchase needed equipment such as computers or tools for employment or school, or necessary appliances for the home.

Who Is Eligible To Apply?

You qualify for a loan if you are:

  • A resident of Erie County or Wyoming County;
  • An involved parent of a dependent child;
  • Not eligible for conventional credit or unable to borrow from a bank or a credit union;
  • Employed at least 20 hours a week for three months or longer at your current job, or enrolled in a post-secondary education program such as college or trade school and have completed nine credits in the immediate preceding term and are enrolled in nine credits the current term;
  • Household income less than 80% median; and
  • Able to repay the loan.

Loans are available to qualified families regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

How Can I Apply?

  • Call to register for a live orientation or participate online.
  • Complete the application and schedule an intake appointment. There is a $20.00 fee due at time of application/intake; a $60 fee is due at loan origination. Payment is accepted in the form of a certified check or money order.
  • The program staff will assist with the preparation and update of the application as information becomes available.
  • Your application will be reviewed by a loan committee which will approve loans based upon the eligibility criteria.
  • We'll notify you when a decision is made.
  • If your loan is approved, we'll request any additional information needed to finalize your loan.
  • The servicing bank will notify you and arrange payment of your loan.
  • Your loan check will be made payable to you and to the auto dealer, school, day care center or other appropriate vendor.

Child & Family Services Ways To Work Loan Program is an innovative partnership of state and local government agencies, private foundations, family service organizations and the banking community. The program is made possible by the following:

  • The Alliance for Children and Families
  • The McKnight Foundation
  • Citibank
  • Citizen's Bank
  • Evans Bank, N.A.
  • First Niagara Bank
  • Fleet Bank
  • Greater Buffalo Savings Bank
  • HSBC
  • The John R. Oishei Foundation
  • Key Bank
  • M&T Bank
  • The Erie County Department of Social Services
  • The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County
  • Ways to Work Inc.
  • Child & Family Services

Links to financial fitness supports available in the community: MicroBiz Buffalo.

Information about financial planning and education: YourMoneyCounts - Presented by HSBC.

Financial Wellness InfoBook

The world looks much different from a year—or even six months—ago. Our economy is in turmoil, with falling housing prices, rising consumer debt, declining retail sales and a volatile financial market. As a result, many of us feel additional stress and anxiety about our financial wellness. According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) 2007 Stress in America Survey, money and work are the top sources of stress for almost 75% of Americans.

During these uncertain economic times, it is important to stay informed and vigilant in protecting your financial assets as well as managing stress. The great variety of articles included in the attached Financial Wellness InfoBook covers not only the current financial crisis, but also the basics of money management such as budgeting, saving and discussing money with children.

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Child & Family Services Ways To Work Loan Program
844 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209-2008
(716) 335-7400
Toll-Free: 1-866-269-1587
FAX: (716) 882-7283