Donna Stiglmeier

April 7th's Globe article “Data Tie Stress of Poverty to Brain” was the most recent occurence of many - in only a handful of days - where this connection of economic stressors and its impact on individuals, families and communities was front and center - at home and at work - with family, friends, and colleagues. What was most striking to me - and gratefully - was the importance of communal responsibility (for good and for naught), in addition to the individual responsibility (for good and for naught) for our overall common good as a people. What do you think?  read more »

Given this economy, agencies are seeing an increase in enrollees in their financial education classes – especially people who are low income.

So, how do communities meet the increased demand due to these economic times?

At an over-capacity workshop for trainers of community-based financial education, well-respected and nationally known facilitator Inger Giuffrida attempted to answer this question this week, by offering practical tools for both designing and measuring programs that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.  read more »

An 8% increase of dollars flowing (back) to the Massachusetts families who earned it!  How often does that happen?! 

Last tax season, the IRS reports that a new high of $568 million of federal EITC was claimed by eligible Massachusetts families.  As Massachusetts matches the federal EITC by 15%, another $8.5 went back to working families...most of it getting pumped back into the economy.  Needed for our economy and working families in these tough economic times!

Today was not a good day in the food/energy category.  read more »

Food Stamp Challenge: A daily log...

Pre-Challenge…prepping for the next seven days

Okay…at the suggestion of my co-worker, I went to a website to strategize about what I can get for $21…to create my shopping list. I decided to try to go with food I would eat normally…however, switching to non-organic and less expensive brands (and what is on sale) and then, minimizing portions. I am lactose intolerant and don’t eat a lot of carbs…so that also impacts my food choices. How long can I last?  read more »