Pictured above, from left to right: Guest Speaker Tyreese Nicolas, EMPath COO Mary Coleman, CFO Program Coordinator Bryna Ramsey, Mobility Mentor Cynthia Goncalves, CFO graduate Earlene Christopher, EMPath CEO Kim Janey, CFO graduate Shanique Green, and Mobility Mentors Michael Morin & Emmanuello Carrenard.

As we bid farewell to summer, we’re excited to look back on one of our favorite moments during these past few months: celebrating the remarkable achievements of the six graduates of our flagship program, Career Family Opportunity (CFO). The 2023 graduation ceremony, held earlier this summer, brought together family, friends, and mentors to applaud the hard work and accomplishments of the graduates.

The CFO program, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary next year, was our first program to implement EMPath’s best-in-class coaching approach, Mobility Mentoring®. In Mobility Mentoring, CFO participants are paired with a mentor with whom they work one-on-one over five years. Participants set goals across all areas of their lives – including education, career, family, well-being, and finances.

During the last five years, the grads persisted in their work with their mentors, demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience in their pursuit of a better future – all throughout the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It can be stressful being a single mom without a plan or knowing where to turn or what to do next,” shared Shanique, one of 2023 graduates. “CFO helped by assisting in planning for all the things I want for my family,” she added.

Through their dedicated efforts with their mentors, the graduating class collectively achieved a staggering 161 different goals related to family stability, education, finances, well-being, and employment. Here are just some of the many strides the 2023 graduates made over the five-year program:

• Participants’ average income increased by an astounding $54,150;
• Half of the graduates this summer earned a post-secondary degree;
• Half of the graduates increased their credit score, and by an average of 34 points; and
• Participants saved a total of more than $21,000 in Individual Development Accounts.

The significant boosts in earnings and savings translate to improved financial stability and increased opportunities for participants and their families. Achievements in education also unlock opportunities for career advancement in addition to other areas of their lives.

Michael Morin, Shanique’s mentor in the program, commented on their journey together over the last five years: “Working with Shanique was an honor and an education. She was relentlessly focused and process-oriented on achieving dual goals; home ownership and economic self-sufficiency for her family. I know in my heart that with her tenacity and drive, she can achieve anything she sets out to do.”

Beyond the hard work and dedication of participants, the CFO program's success is a testament to the efficacy of EMPath's Mobility Mentoring approach. Our coaching model fosters a supportive and individualized partnership that supports participants to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to overcome barriers and create lasting change.

“Economic mobility is key, and CFO helps you with that,” said Shanique.

As we gear up to mark 15 years of the CFO program and Mobility Mentoring next year, we celebrate the unwavering commitment of both CFO participants and EMPath's Mobility Mentors over the years. Because of their continued dedication, more families will have the opportunity to climb the economic ladder, unlocking a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

Learn more about the CFO program