Our Economic Mobility Bridge®

EMPath's newly updated Economic Mobility Bridge is a theory of change that breaks down silos and uses a comprehensive approach to upward economic mobility. 

Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) is excited to announce the launch of our newly updated theory of change and innovative coaching tool the Economic Mobility Bridge® (the “Bridge”), previously titled the Bridge to Self-Sufficiency®. The Bridge is a holistic and comprehensive tool designed to support individuals and families chart a path to upward economic mobility.  

The Economic Mobility Bridge intentionally incorporates design elements informed by brain science to support contextualized decision-making and future orientation using a simple one-page illustration. EMPath’s coaching model, Mobility Mentoring uses the Bridge to partner with families to achieve sustained economic mobility gains. The Bridge helps families plan, reach, and sustain their personal goals in five essential areas: family stability, well-being, education and training, financial management, and employment and career management. 

Featured Updates: 

  • The new name Economic Mobility Bridge moves away from the dated concept of ‘self-sufficiency’ and better conveys that upward economic mobility is a journey and process rather than a destination to arrive.   

  • The employment and career pillar was enhanced to include a new ‘Job Quality’ sub-pillar to assess whether one’s job includes benefits, predictable hours, and opportunities to advance 

  • The Housing sub-pillar expanded to include quality of living conditions and stability as indicated by being on lease/mortgage  

  • A stronger focus on asset building to support pathways beyond “just getting by” to “thriving” for this generation and future generations 

  • Updated language to be more strength-based, participant-centered, and reinforce a growth mindset. 

 

Interested in using the Bridge to disrupt poverty in your community? Join EMPath’s Economic Mobility Exchange learning network to train on how to use the Bridge within the Mobility Mentoring coaching approach to support people with their economic mobility goals! Get started today by completing a contact form to schedule a call.  

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Family Stability

  • The participant has an affordable, safe, and stable home.
  • The needs of the participant's children are being met to allow the participant to pursue school or work.

Well-Being

  • The participant is fully engaged in work and family, and any physical or mental health needs are met to allow them to pursue school or employment.
  • The participant is part of a strong and diverse social network they can rely on for resources, support and guidance.

Financial Management

  • The participant has savings equal to three months’ worth of living expenses and is building toward their future.
  • The participant is managing debts in balance with income.

Education and Training

  • The participant has achieved a level of education, training and/or credentialing that has prepared them for a job paying enough to support their family.

Employment and Career Management

  • The participant has secured a career that offers opportunities, benefits, and earnings that exceed the real costs of basic living expenses for their family.