On May 16, 2019, EMPath hosted its annual Economic Independence Day celebration to mark ten years since the development of its breakthrough economic mobility coaching model, Mobility Mentoring®.

The keynote speaker, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, noted the many difficulties families face at a time when wages are stagnant and federal supports are waning. EMPath, she said, is giving people the tools to succeed despite these challenges.

In contrast to news that feels like a step backwards to those fighting for economic independence, Healey said, “I’m really heartened to be here. It’s important to celebrate what is working.”

The “what is working” is EMPath’s coaching approach, which is based on the science of how stress, trauma, and scarcity can affect our thinking and behavior. The model is rooted in a human development mindset and the idea that we each have the capacity for change and growth.

This approach, a full-scale methodology now implemented by EMPath partners across the globe, began with 20 families in South Boston. Norma, one of the first participants, also spoke at the event.

“At [that first meeting] I met a woman who would later become my mentor, supporter, cheerleader, and coach for the next five years, Diana. She worked with me to determine my priorities and what goals I wanted to work on,” Norma said.

During her time in the flagship program, Norma saved money and moved from public housing to a market-rate apartment. She fixed her credit and is currently saving up to buy a home. Today, she works at a health care company in Cambridge and lives in Somerville with her husband and son.

“Your Mobility Mentoring program is so awesome because you’re giving [people] skills they will use for a lifetime,” Attorney General Healey said. “Through your efforts, hundreds now have become the first of their families to get a college degree. They’re buying homes for the first time, buying cars, raising families, and leading the life they’ve always wanted to live. You give people independence. You care for people and you make it known that they are not alone,” she said.

“There are a lot of places I could be tonight. There are a lot of things that need doing,” she added. “But the reason I’m here is because I believe in the investment you are making.”

Elisabeth Babcock, EMPath President & CEO, thanked participants from the inaugural flagship program. “This never would have happened if it weren’t for Norma and the other families in that first group who showed the world that this could be done,” she said. She shared a vision for the future, which involves serving over a million people across the globe through EMPath’s global network.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can still make a gift to support EMPath’s work:

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